Tremendous demand: An interview with First Solar CEO Mark Widmar
In this interview Mark Widmar talks about the market for PV modules and his company’s supply situation, First Solar’s position in the Section 201 case, and the role he sees for solar in the future of energy.
37 energy-storage advocates ask Congress for ITC clarification
Saying a lack of definitive rules is causing uncertainty in the market, the group urged the representatives to put energy storage on the same ITC schedule as the solar industry.
Utility regulators call for changes to PURPA
The national organization representing state-level utility regulators is calling on FERC to make changes, including moving from administratively set prices to auctions.
New Mexico co-op signs 4.5 cent/kWh PPA for community solar project
The 3 MW project is expected to come online in March.
IREC offers regulatory guide on grid modernization
Using new analytical tools and state-level case studies, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council hopes its publication will give regulators the tools they need to optimize the grid for distributed resource use.
Details of the fix: BNEF’s Nathan Serota on final form of BEAT in the tax bill
In this interview BNEF Senior Analyst Nathan Serota explains the details of the 80% offset under the new BEAT provision in the final tax reform legislation, and what this means for solar and wind finance.
Arizona rural electric coop continues its PV incentive programs
Mohave Electric Cooperative of Arizona will continue its PV rebate program for residential and small commercial members as well as an exported PV tariff, adding to their portfolio of utility scale plus public and nonprofit sector installations.
NERC: More work needed to integrate wind and solar
The regulatory authority says that while assessment of the capacity contributions of wind and solar is improving, that more work is needed to capture the benefits of such resources, and notes that a lack of visibility into distributed solar represents a new challenge.
Trump team argues strongly for tariffs
Reports say an unreleased memo circulating within the White House lays out arguments for the strongest of trade sanctions against foreign PV cell and module makers in what is likely a bad sign for U.S. solar markets.
Final tax bill includes up to 80% offset for wind, solar tax credits
The application of the BEAT provision has been dialed back, however the law adds new complexity and it is not clear how investors will react to the new system.
