The U.S. energy storage market will nearly double this year
The combination of solar plus storage is super-charging the deployment of batteries across the country, and IHS Markit says that the United States will become the largest market for grid-tied energy storage this year.
California prevents utility from paying EEI dues with ratepayer funds
The decision shows regulators pushing back against allowing utilities to force their ratepayers to fund lobbying including anti-solar efforts.
Peaker envy, veto proof net metering, and utility scale solar growth in New Hampshire
Legislation calling for 15% of peak demand to be met by energy storage is moving through the House; a veto-proof increase in system sizes under net metering goes to the governor; and 215 MWac of large-scale solar projects are seeking various approvals.
Wyoming’s first solar trade association, EV chargers encroaching on gas stations: pvMB 5/21/19
We’ve got a jam-packed MB for you this morning. Today we’ll be looking at the formation of the American Solar Grazing Association, a community solar bill in Maine, the winners of the 17th Solar Cup and much much more!
Xcel to build 3 GW of MN solar by 2030 – if it gets to own 50% or more
The deal that Xcel has reached with environmentalists and labor includes caveats maximizing the utility’s ownership of the large-scale solar that it is promising.
Georgia solar groups call for a hosting capacity map
A hosting capacity map saves time and money for developers of distributed solar. Utilities in California, New York, and elsewhere have already posted these maps online, and now two Georgia solar groups have asked state regulators to require Georgia Power to provide a hosting capacity map for its service area.
Warren wants a (mostly) net zero U.S. military by 2030
U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has introduced legislation requiring global fixed military assets to be net zero by 2030. She is also calling for research focused on microgrids, a 1% fee applied to non-net zero contractors, and a general increase in institutional climate consciousness via reporting, planning, budgeting and procurement.
Little benefit to U.S. solar as Trump lifts tariffs on steel & aluminum from Canada
While the lifting of any tariffs is welcome news to the U.S. solar industry, manufacturers say that low prices on materials are unlikely to return as long as the global tariffs remain.
SunPower is selling the former SolarWorld factory in Oregon
The high-efficiency PV maker plans to lease a portion of the factory to continue production of its P-19 modules.
Solar plus storage prices plunge, Spruce raises $50 million: pvMB 05/17/19
It’s a good time to be in solar power, especially with Friday’s brief as California has approved NeoVolta’s home battery, 16.5 MW of community solar moves forward in Minnesota, and pricing for polysilicon, cells and modules stayed relatively flat last week.
