Clean energy wins and losses in the California Legislature
While California passed a 100% clean energy mandate and energy storage subsidy extension last week, bills for grid regionalization and accelerated procurement of renewable energy died.
Grid-connected battery energy capacity grew 68 percent last year
A utility survey shows battery storage capacity growing sharply, including solar + storage installations in several states. Looking ahead, FERC Order 841 could spark extensive new storage for grid services, helping more utilities become familiar with storage and its benefits.
Global EV sales hit 4 million, soaring market sees next million in May 2019
While it took 60 months to reach the first million electric vehicle (EV) sales, in late 2015, it took the fourth million just six months. China is driving this development. Meanwhile, as first generation EVs batteries are reaching their end-of-life, interest in second-life use cases is growing. The volume of retired EV battery packs is set to be 108 GWh by 2029 – representing a third of the expected storage capacity market at that time.
Europeans break ground in Texas and Utah on 300 MW of solar power
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners have started construction on their Misae and Sage solar power projects, located in Texas and Utah and sized 240 MW-AC and 58 MW-AC, respectively.
Duke Energy, Wal-Mart reach agreement in REC structure case
The two giants, one in the utility sector and the other in retail, have reached an agreement over the protested bill credit model in Duke’s Green Source Advantage Program and Rider.
Ohio business community backs 2.2 GW of Ohio solar
Speaking the language of manufacturing, employment, and economic opportunity, five prominent corporations have backed a 2.2 gigawatt solar goal for Ohio by 2030.
Silfab unveils US manufacturing site with $40 million investment in Itek Energy
Canada-based Silfab Solar has invested US$40 million in U.S. solar PV module manufacturer, Itek Energy, LLC’s Bellingham, Washington production facility.
RBI Solar integrates, literally and figuratively, SolarBOS
Gibraltar Industries, owner of solar racking company RBI Solar, of Cincinnati, OH has acquired balance of system designer SolarBOS, of California.
California energy storage subsidy extension passes Assembly
A bill to extend the SGIP program through 2026 and add nearly 3 GW of behind-the-meter energy storage has passed the California Assembly. It will now go to the Senate to be reconciled before going to Governor Jerry Brown.
GRID Alternatives launches fund to solarize Native American communities
The nonprofit has partnered with more than 40 Native American tribes to install about three megawatts of solar capacity since 2010, and train 550 individuals.
