South Dakota

As solar power surges forward in states like California and Texas, a handful of states trail far behind, raising questions about the missed opportunities for energy independence and environmental benefits.

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South Dakota had a solar energy surge with the activation of its first utility-scale facility, an 80 MWac project. The state anticipates a doubling in capacity by 2024, with the addition of a second 128 MWac utility-scale solar facility.

From January through October 2023, solar photovoltaics contributed 5.78% to U.S. electricity, with just over 6% coming from the source in October alone.

Hail events have historically posed a considerable risk for utility solar projects, with weather instances creating up to $100 million in damages at large projects located in “Hail Alley” states such as Texas.

The state has just 2 MW of installed solar capacity, but its integrated resource plan includes 120 MW of clean energy resources by 2025, which includes 100 MW of wind or solar generation, and 20 MW of energy storage divided equally across the two states.

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National Grid is developing the 128 MW facility and has secured a power purchase agreement with Basin Electric Cooperative.

Also in the brief: Safari Energy completes 60th commercial solar development, a 28 MW installation in New Jersey, Nautilus Solar acquires 3.5 MW Rhode Island project, solar aircraft designed to stay aloft for a year makes maiden flight.

Solar contractors added far more small-scale solar in the 19-state area than in 2018, when they added 250 MW. Solar policy groups aim to improve opportunities for distributed solar in Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota and Montana.