Arizona task force roadmap prioritizes virtual power plants and distributed solar to cut energy costs
Arizona’s Energy Promise Taskforce released 31 recommendations calling for the accelerated deployment of virtual power plants and distributed solar to meet a projected 40% increase in peak demand.
Minnesota PUC approves utility battery program while deferring VPP decisions
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission approved 50 MW to 200 MW of utility-owned storage while requiring Xcel Energy to study the grid value of distributed resources.
Solar keeps slimming down while power rises
An international study found that the specific power of commercial silicon solar modules increased from 8.5 W/kg in the early 2000s to 23.6 W/kg today, driven by advances in module design, bifaciality, and temperature management. The researchers highlighted that glass and framing dominate module weight, and considering operating conditions like nominal operating cell temperature and rear-side illumination is essential for accurate PV system design.
Vertical rooftop PV debuts in the U.S.
Norwegian vertical solar specialist Over Easy Solar has installed its first rooftop vertical solar installation in the U.S. market. The 100 kW system, combined with a green roof in New York, is expected to deliver around 120,000 kWh annually depending on factors including albedo, azimuth and local shadowing.
Generac and CPower announce DER program for commercial and industrial customers
The partnership will bring access to distributed energy programs across the PJM interconnection for Generac’s C&I customers through CPower’s platform.
New York can’t afford to wait: we need modern meter socket adapter rules now
New York is facing a dual crisis of energy affordability and bottlenecks to new generation interconnection. The New York Public Service Commission can take action to make affordable technologies available to New Yorkers.
PowerBank announces $1.1M in new funding for New York community solar project
The 7.1 MW Jordan Rd 2 project funding announcement comes nearly one month after similar news about the company’s 7 MW Jordan Rd 1 project. Both installations will operate as community solar facilities following construction.
PV-driven hydraulic hydro storage may hit $0.022/kWh LCOE in the U.S.
An international study has demonstrated that utility-scale solar PV paired with hydraulic hydro storage (HHS) could reach an LCOE as low as $0.022/kWh in select U.S. regions. The system could provide GWh-scale, cost-competitive, and highly reliable long-duration storage, capable of powering large commercial districts with minimal environmental impact.
Bluetti launches new EnergyPro 13K energy storage system in the U.S.
The new more modular system for homes and small businesses starts at $7,919, with some added bonuses before April 24.
New pilot program from kWH Analytics will reward hail-ready solar projects with lower insurance costs
The program will launch in collaboration with Nextpower and feature data sharing for asset owners who employ the latter company’s NX Horizon trackers with Hail Pro technology. kWh Analytics says additional technologies and practices will enable future savings.
