RFP alert: $9.7 billion to bring clean energy to rural electric coops
The funding available through two USDA programs under the Inflation Reduction Act represent the single largest investment in rural electrification since President Franklin Delano Roosevelt signed the Rural Electrification Act into law in 1936.
Bipartisan bill to promote use of industrial heat pumps in rural areas
Funding for the Heat Pump Energy Assistance and Training program would go toward technical assistance, education and training rural businesses in the benefits and use of heat pumps.
U.S. solar installers list Qcells, Enphase as top brands
An industry survey led by SolarReviews and NABCEP found two-thirds of solar installers expect high electricity prices to drive demand.
Five state energy leaders describe how IRA incentives are helping their states
Officials from clean energy states discussed how the Inflation Reduction Act is advancing rooftop solar, customer savings, economic development, and grid reliability, and described the extent of community support they see for the clean energy transition.
Sunrise brief: New Jersey warehouse operator provides community solar access to 700 residents
Also on the rise: FEMA’s $13 billion for Puerto Rico’s grid could shift to solar if lawsuit succeeds. Lowe’s to install solar at 54 California locations. And more.
Sunrise brief: Inflation reduction act brings 20,000 new jobs and 46 U.S. manufacturing facilities
Also on the rise: Best practices in installing power optimizer MLPE systems. Growatt generator for portable, off-grid use. And more.
Lazard LCOE report sees “zero cost” solar and wind due to IRA
The analyst group’s annual levelized cost of energy comparison shows increasing prices due in part to increased interest rates – with utility-scale solar power’s midpoint pricing up by 66%.
Transforming the grid with electric vehicles
Electric vehicles can help buffer the grid but policies and regulations are needed along with compensation mechanisms, and the use of software to modulate EV charging to meet the needs of the grid in real time.
RFI alert: DOE seeks input on building the solar manufacturing workforce
The Solar Energy Technologies Office is interested in hearing from manufacturers, suppliers, education and training providers, community-based organizations, and workers’ rights organizations.
Optimizing energy storage for performance and ROI
Now that energy storage technologies are eligible for the investment tax credit, the central storage question is no longer whether to deploy it, but how much and how fast.
