Sunrise brief: Southeast utilities ask FERC for market changes that could help renewables
Also on the rise: ERCOT orders rolling blackouts as 30 GW of resources are forced out, PNM shareholders OK merger with Avangrid, location is key when talking about DERs, and Dominion claws back from a big ice storm.
Top 10 distributed solar policy trends of 2020
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center tracked policy actions and highlights in a report key trends.
Sunrise brief: SunPower is closing its module factory
Also on the rise: Developer plans a 100 MW solar plant in West Virginia, Plug Power secures $1.5 billion to fuel its Asian expansion, an agrivoltaic project secures a PPA, and the National Science Foundation backs a novel DER integration testbed.
Solar ITC wins extension as part of pending congressional action
The solar ITC would remain at 26% for projects that begin construction in 2021 and 2022, step down to 22% in 2023, and down to 10% in 2024 for commercial projects.
California plans for summer 2021 with 2,000 MW of new storage
CAISO’s new CEO says that rolling blackouts last August were a pivotal moment for the state. For 2021, he is focused on ensuring the grid has ample resources — including DERs — and well-functioning markets.
Current wireless technology may be adequate for communicating with distributed solar and storage
A study advised by seven electric utilities found that current “long-term evolution” (LTE) wireless broadband technology may be adequate for sending signals to control, or guide, the operations of distributed solar and storage resources.
Rooftop solar and batteries make their mark at BNEF Future of Energy
Sunrun made a splash at the BNEF Summit in New York City at a time when utilities are increasingly struggling to adapt to new realities. But distributed energy resources have a long way to go to play a major role, and we will still need additional energy sources in future power systems.
Distributed energy, with fewer wires
A SEIA white paper describes the concept of non-wire solutions and how this innovation can boost solar PV and other distributed energy resources.
FERC proposal requires utilities to accommodate DERs, storage
The federal energy regulatory body wants to compel current wholesale electricity suppliers to let DER providers, including storage, to compete in the markets. This follows regulatory action on DER in New York and California.
California launches plan to align grid transformation efforts
Through the Distributed Energy Resources Action Plan, regulators will attempt to mold several disparate dockets and initiatives to meet long-term goals.
