MIT report questions value of distributed solar
The Utility of the Future report decries poor state-level rate-making, mythical cross-subsidies by non-solar customers, and economies of scale as reasons that adding more distributed PV to utilities’ portfolios make little long-term economic sense.
BREAKING: SEIA expected to name Abigail Hopper as new CEO
The reported choice to lead SEIA served as the head of the Maryland Energy Association and was an energy advisor to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, during whose administration Maryland developed a progressive solar policy.
Ohio governor temporarily saves solar from RPS freeze
In a decision that surprised some Ohio solar observers, Gov. John Kasich vetoed House Bill 554, passed on Dec. 7, which would have turned the RPS into a voluntary program without any compliance obligations through 2021. The legislature could override the veto in the next legislative session, which begins on Jan. 9.
Tesla/Panasonic Gigafactory to begin producing PV modules in summer 2017
Panasonic also take over capital costs at the new factory in Buffalo, and its HIT technology will be used in the Solar Roof product
HECO’s five-year plans accommodate more solar than ever
The aggressive goals filed last week builds on an April plan include expanded rooftop solar growth and additional utility-scale solar expansion. If HECO’s projections are accurate, it will be generating 100% its electricity from renewable sources five years earlier than originally planned.
FPL to put online Florida’s first large utility-scale solar plants
Three solar projects at 74.5 MW-AC each will replace a 250 MW coal-fired power plant which the utility plans to shut down.
SolarCity raises another $241 million
Sammons Renewable Energy led the equity portion of the $241 million cash equity transaction, which closed last week.
Duke program produces 40 MW of solar in South Carolina
More than 1,800 residential customers and 125 business customers have taken advantage of the utility’s Solar Rebate Program to reduce solar installation costs significantly.
Spruce’s solar portfolio is collateral for $105.4 million in debt financing
The deal, financed by Investec and Silicon Valley Bank, will be fund more systems around the country for the residential solar financier.
Nevada regulators reinstate net metering for Sierra Pacific
In contrast to phony allegations of a cost shift, Public Utilities Commission of Nevada found that net metered-solar is saving other customers money.
