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.
Sunrise brief: Maxeon solar modules detained at border
Also on the rise: U.S. clean energy installations grow 91% year-over-year in Q2. Flexible interconnection at far lower cost and nearly twice the speed. And more.
Flexible interconnection at far lower cost and nearly twice the speed
Substantial cost and time savings are possible with flexible “connect and manage” interconnection of utility-scale solar and solar-plus-storage projects, two studies have found.
Sunrise brief: Clean energy jobs growing twice as fast as U.S. economy
Also on the rise: Grid Strategies and The Brattle Group propose “urgent” interconnection fixes. EVLO introduces 5 MWh containerized battery energy storage system. And more.
Solar nears 9% of U.S. total electric generation capacity
The monthly energy infrastructure update from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) shows solar accounted for nearly 80% of capacity additions in May, continuing its dominance of new-build generation.
How to speed interconnection studies
Automation of interconnection study processes is already underway and has room to grow, said executives from Pearl Street Technologies and Nira Energy on an industry panel. Other panelists discussed developing the engineering workforce.
Sunrise brief: Looking to Texas as model of speedy interconnection
Also on the rise: UL Solutions introduces new testing protocol for residential battery storage systems. Trina Solar begins mass production of 430-455 W full-black modules. And more.
Experts consider speedy utility-scale interconnection in Texas going nationwide
Some experts shared data to back up their praise for the “connect and manage” approach used by Texas grid operator ERCOT, while others speaking on an industry panel explained their reservations.
Maine may design a distribution system operator to advance distributed energy resources
Maine has hired a consulting firm to evaluate whether forming a distribution system operator could speed deployment of distributed energy resources and support other state goals. Consultants are reviewing how the approach is used in five other countries.
Flexible interconnection with curtailed output can benefit everyone, analyst says
Allowing flexible interconnection for large solar projects can reduce costs and speed deployment, benefiting developers, ratepayers and utility staff, said a presenter at a North Carolina conference of utility regulators.
