U.S. utilities test distributed energy management
Distributed energy management systems can capture added value from solar and storage by shaving peak loads, providing grid services, and deferring grid investments. Utilities testing such systems have shared their lessons learned, while Western Australia leapfrogs ahead.
Wind + solar make up more than 20% of generation in 10 states – more on the way
A recent analysis from the U.S. Department of Energy shows the Midwest and Plains States in the lead, but the coasts are on a track to catch up thanks to mandates.
Solar now makes up more than 10% of electricity in five states
Massachusetts has joined California, Hawaii, Nevada and Vermont in the club of states where solar represents 10% or more of in-state generation. Solar made up 2.4% of total generation in the United States during the first half of 2018, with solar and wind together making up slightly less than 10%.
Vulnerable at-home patients to get Tesla Powerwalls
The Vermont Lower Income Trust for Electricity have provided a $150,000 grant for 100 low-income electricity customers with significant need for reliable backup power due to health and mobility issues.
Green Mountain Power solar grows 1500% since 2012
The Vermont utility says that net metered solar capacity in its service area grew from less than 10 MW in 2010 to more than 150 MW through July 2018. These behind-the-meter installations represent 65% of the solar installed in its service area.
Tesla Powerwalls and PowerPacks save Vermont $500,000 during heatwaves
Green Mountain Power suggests 500 distributed Tesla Powerwalls plus two larger energy storage facilities have saved its customers $500,000 this summer during peak demand hours.
Goldman Sachs buys 204 MW of East Coast solar from SJI
Goldman Sachs Asset Management is paying $350 million in cash for a portfolio of C&I solar at 143 sites in New England, New Jersey and Maryland.
The duck curve comes to New England
In late April, daytime net demand fell below overnight power consumption for the first time on the New England grid, thanks to rooftop and other behind-the-meter solar.
Getting ahead of the changes
Interview: Mary Powell, CEO at Vermont utility Green Mountain Power speaks with pv magazine about her unique strategy to bring clean energy and 21st century innovation by focusing on customer needs.
Vermont’s solar market fell 50% in 2017 (w/chart)
Solar advocates blame changes to the state’s net metering policy for the decline in installations and a loss of 232 full-time jobs.
