US solar growth in 2020 is driven by giant utility-scale projects
The number of large solar projects is surging in the U.S. — and pv magazine is keeping track. We’ve gathered up the recent news in big solar — with Indiana set to double its solar capacity, and Texas galloping along. Plus, the never-ending Spotsylvania saga.
Texas could add 3.5 GW of solar this year
Additional solar could help the ERCOT grid region in Texas meet its summer peak, after it faced “tight grid conditions” last summer. New task forces aim to improve ERCOT’s markets for ancillary services and battery storage.
J-Power, a dedicated fossil fuel developer, goes big in solar with 350 MW in ERCOT
The economics of solar project development in Texas are so compelling, even coal and gas giants want a piece of the action.
Tell the kids, that 50% solar powered future of ours, it’s going to work just fine – NREL says so!
National Renewable Energy Lab researchers hourly modeled the whole of the United States, and when more than half of all electricity is coming from solar power, there would be no technical deal killers, but many spring days with free electricity that we would have to learn to use, and a need to financially recognize the predictability and grid stabilizing attributes of solar and storage.
The Queen of Texas solar
Texas has a new largest installed solar project, as Innergex Renewable Energy’s 315 MWdc Phoebe solar farm has been completed.
Google’s reverse auctions net 1.2 GW of renewables in 60 minutes
Google pre-qualified bidders and used reverse auctions to obtain the lowest price for renewable energy. Reverse auctions for corporate purchases could potentially benefit solar developers, if their transparency and simplicity can influence more corporations to procure green power.
Solar (and wind) help to keep the AC on in Texas
A recent report by the state’s grid operator shows that solar and wind helped to meet peak demand on days of peak power demand in August, including the scorching afternoon that set a new all-time record.
Can more solar help Texas meet peak demand?
Texas reached an all-time peak yesterday between 4 and 5 PM. A wave of incoming solar projects can help to meet the state’s intense need for power, particularly if paired with batteries.
Inside GlidePath’s merchant battery in Texas
The 10 MW project is the largest battery that the company has installed in Texas, and will sell power and ancillary services into the spot market with no contract. It might not be the last.
Texas real-time pricing provider plans to expand with EDF Group funding
The pioneering firm Griddy says that its real-time pricing app shows customers when they can use more low-priced solar and wind power, while saving money in the process. An investment from EDF Group will help Griddy expand its reach to the New York and PJM grid regions.
