EIA forecasts 8.2 GWac of solar to come online in 2019
The agency expects solar and wind to again dominate capacity additions in 2019, with solar showing modest market growth. If anything, this estimate is conservative.
Solar tsunami
Developers have applied to build 139 GWac of large-scale solar projects in the territory of six grid operators – around five times what is currently online across the country – and that figure doesn’t even cover the entire United States. By any metric, we are looking at an unprecedented boom in solar development over the next five years.
Big solar and batteries coming to the border
El Paso Electric has awarded contracts for 200 MW of solar and 100 MW of battery storage through its latest solicitation, and may procure 50-150 MW more wind and solar. But the RFP also shows that the utility is firmly wedded to gas.
2018 solar power year in review (part 2)
In part 2 we look at more of some of the action in 2018, from the dramatic growth of the 100% renewable energy movement to California’s mandate for rooftop solar on new homes.
2018 solar power year in review (part 1)
Between tariffs on everything under the sun, Elon Musk’s $40 million tweet and the boom in energy storage, it’s been one Hell of a year.
$15 million for solar in San Antonio, with a local twist
CPS Energy has made available up to $2500 per home and 60¢ per watt for business solar installations – with bonuses for locally produced solar modules, and a 25% lower incentive for non-local installers.
Long Draw Solar signs 100 MWac at 2.5¢/kWh
Engie has secured a power purchase agreement for 100 MWac of a 255 MW solar plant, with New Braunfels Utilities. The plant is expected to come online in June 2020.
Xcel gets in front of the 100% renewable energy movement
By setting a timeline for the inevitable decarbonization of its fleet, Xcel is moving to have an energy transition on its terms.
Canadian Solar is putting more steel in the ground
The Chinese-Canadian PV manufacturer is continuing to grow its development activities under subsidiary Recurrent Energy, including some landmark solar and solar plus storage projects.
Renewables reduced wholesale power costs by $5.7 billion in Texas
A recent report puts numbers to the power of wind and solar to reduce wholesale prices in ERCOT. And there is a lot more coming.
