In case you missed it: Six big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
State solar bills die in limbo
An update on the good — and the not so good — solar bills from around the United States this year.
Design solar for storage now, or retrofit at a premium later
New analysis of retrofitting solar power plants with energy storage, accounting for the industry’s rapidly falling prices, suggests that prepping your solar projects today has a strong chance of being in your financial interest.
Solar panel prices climb amid concerns about delinking with market fundamentals
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
California startup installs building-integrated, organic photovoltaic facade
Next Energy Technologies has completed the first installation of its transparent organic photovoltaic glass facade. The 9.3 m2 installation is located at its headquarters in Santa Barbara, California.
Solar module prices on a clear downward trend
PV module prices have fallen by around 5% to 8% across all technology classes in recent weeks. says Martin Schachinger, the founder of pvXchange.com. This means that prices are moving strongly back toward the level we saw at the beginning of the year, which can only be described as unhealthy for module producers.
Nexamp self-performs grid interconnection construction to accelerate solar project
The community solar company took interconnection work into its own hands, rather than relying on the electric utility. The company said it reduces both time and cost to self-perform the work.
U.S. Customs seizes 300 pounds of meth hidden in solar panels
U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized 146 kg of methamphetamine concealed in a recent shipment of solar panels at Los Angeles International Airport.
DTE Energy sues Michigan county over solar regulations
The county’s regulations allege solar energy facilities are a health hazard due to visual pollution and excessive noise.
Georgia Power agrees to give community solar a path forward
Following years of pushback from a utility that was “adamantly opposed” to community solar, Georgia Power agreed to work “in good faith” to enable a path forward for community solar and Solar for All.
