The US installed more solar in Q1 2020 than ever before
The record-setting quarter was driven by nearly 2 GW of utility-scale solar, supplemented by another 1.6 GW of residential and commercial and industrial. And while the ongoing pandemic will slow the industry a bit in 2020, five-year projections, especially for Texas, are strong.
National Climate Bank amendment added to House’s pro-solar infrastructure bill
Congress has authorized more than $3 trillion in coronavirus relief, but none of this money has been for job creation. Supported by SEIA, a national climate bank can create millions of jobs, especially in low and medium-income communities.
SEIA finds rooftop solar is worth 24¢/kWh in Michigan
The value of rooftop solar is well above the net metering compensation paid to customers with rooftop solar, the solar association found.
House’s $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill packed with pro-solar, pro-storage provisions
In addition to making the stand-alone energy storage investment tax credit (ITC) eligible and extending a 30% solar ITC through 2025, the House bill creates a direct pay mechanism that can be used in lieu of the ITC.
Morning Brief: SEIA pushes for solar inclusion in infrastructure bill, 5% of global pv projects are nearing inverter end of life
Also in the brief: a letter calling for electric grid infrastructure, transportation and equity and environmental justice has been delivered to key members of the House, Clir Renewables has secured a $1.25 million loan with Silicon Valley Bank, 580 businesses call on congress to include clean energy in a the next stimulus package and more.
SEIA calls on FERC to dismiss the petition to end net metering
The Solar Energy Industries Association makes the case for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to dismiss the petition, solely on legal grounds. A filing by Solar United Neighbors, Vote Solar and other groups makes a legal case and also rebuts the petition’s claims about net metering.
Positive news for California rooftop solar in Q2 – so far
With a data point of one (California solar interconnection data through the end of April), the author makes optimistic inferences about U.S. solar in Q2 and 2020.
US solar has the chance to recover in 2020 after a record 3.6 GW first quarter
Utility-scale solar strength will cover for residential and rooftop weakness in 2020, according to SEIA and WoodMac.
Morning brief: Safe harbor for ITC extended, Dems push FERC to reject anti-net metering petition
Also in the brief: Virginia agency aims to make solar “faster, easier and more affordable,” plus Community Choice Energy providers.
Morning Brief: the North Carolina solar industry has weathered Covid well, Vistra announces battery expansion
Also in the brief: Consumers Energy is providing 100,000 Google Nest thermostats to Michigan households, Tesla has quietly made Model 3 ready for bidirectional charging, SolSmart adds new partners.
