Renewables generate (almost) as much power as nuclear during H1 2017
The DOE’s latest numbers show renewables rising to 20.05% of electricity generation during the first half of the year, just behind nuclear’s 20.07%. Solar provided 2% of electricity, and wind 7%.
Community solar, PACE policies moving forward in Illinois
ComEd’s community solar tariff faces intervenors in regulatory approval. Meanwhile, Illinois has signed into law legislation enabling Property Assessed Clean Energy.
NREL, Swiss researchers break 35% cell efficiency
A collaborative project between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories and researchers from two Swiss centers has tested a range of multi junction cells in tandem configuration, and achieved efficiencies of up to 35.9%.
Duke Energy to U.S. ITC: Trade case could “destabilize” the U.S. industry
Saying that higher prices for panels would discourage utilities like itself from investing in solar, the North Carolina utility requests the commission reject the petition that “would ultimately harm the very domestic solar manufacturing industry the petitioner is attempting to protect.”
Sharp shift stiffs solar as CPUC approves later TOU peak time
Over the passionate objections of national and state-level solar advocates, California’s utility regulators approved a peak-usage time shift from 3 pm to 4 pm for San Diego Gas & Electric rates, leaving solar customers compensated for less energy because its production would be off-peak.
Why we should call ourselves solar companies, not ‘energy’ companies
In this latest op-ed for pv magazine, solar marketing master Solar Fred talks about how our description of ourselves matters, and why solar is one of the best brands out there.
Inside the DOE grid study – an interview with Mark Dyson of RMI
Mark Dyson, a manager at Rocky Mountain Institute’s electricity practice, has some things to say about what the DOE grid study released last night got right – and what it got wrong.
Sunrun to provide solar to Comcast customers
The exclusive deal with one of the nation’s largest cable and internet providers is part of an increasing innovation in customer acquisition among residential solar providers.
New Mexico requires utilities to consider storage in resource plans
With new technologies available and prices coming down, the NMPRC decided the time was right to add it to the data requirements included in the reports, which were mandated by a 2008 rule.
DOE grid study less politicized than expected
While the final version of the Energy Department’s overdue study on the electricity system is more restrained that many of the Trump Administration’s talking points, it still relies on outdated assumptions about the U.S. power system.
