Solar generation up 27%, accounting for 6.8% of all electricity
The Energy Information Administration reports that utility-scale solar grew by 32%, while distributed solar increased by 15%, bringing their respective shares to nearly 5% and 2% of total electricity generation. Overall, U.S. electricity generation rose by 3.1% year over year.
Software is the future of Solar
In 2017, I sent an internal memo to my team about the evolution and role of software in distributed PV energy generation. Now, I’m taking a look back at my predictions and what the future holds.
State solar policy increasingly moving away from traditional net metering
The N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center 2024 annual review and Q4 edition of The 50 States of Solar finds that most states took some distributed solar policy action during 2024, with most related to net metering policies, residential fixed charge increases and community solar.
Sunrise brief: Maxeon Solar reports $179 million Q3 loss
Also on the rise: Fully electric, net-zero Wisconsin school powered by a microgrid. Largest solar and energy storage project in U.S. achieves regulatory approval. And more.
Nexamp to bring 350 MW of distributed solar power generation to Illinois and New York
The portfolio is expected to reduce the cost of electricity for more than 10,000 households and provide an estimated 3,000 jobs.
Ten reasons why small-scale, non-utility solar is important
Behind-the-meter solar for homes, businesses, and communities comes with numerous benefits, said a paper from Stanford engineering professor Mark Jacobson.
Net metering saved in Wyoming, for now
The state Supreme Court overruled the Public Service Commission’s attempt to
change the longstanding net metering law, which would have reduced compensation for “customer-generators” from the full retail rate to the avoided cost rate.
DOE calls for faster interconnection of distributed solar and storage at lower cost
Solar and storage systems smaller than 50 kW would receive an interconnection agreement instantly when requesting one, under 2030 targets in a draft Department of Energy roadmap.
More states now require smart inverters, enabling more distributed solar
Pennsylvania and Minnesota have joined six other states in requiring smart inverters for distributed solar and storage. Certain utilities in 13 states and Puerto Rico also require smart inverters, while six states are considering the requirement. Smart inverters enable more solar on distribution circuits.
New green bank to support distributed solar and storage in the Appalachian region
The Green Bank for Rural America will support community lenders in Appalachian communities to finance climate-supporting projects including distributed solar and storage. The bank and four others received a total of $6 billion in federal awards.
