As 2017 ends, we say thank you – here’s to a great 2018
To say 2017 was an eventful one for the solar industry would be like saying baby pandas that sneeze are adorable. But somehow we managed to survive – and we look forward to bringing you the news of 2018, no matter where it takes us.
Texas slaps El Paso solar customers with $30 minimum bill
A settlement between the solar industry and the El Paso Electric Company grandfathers current solar customers for 20 years from having to pay the minimum bill – but new solar customers will feel the bite.
70 U.S. mayors: We support and will enact long-term solar programs
While federal policies remain uncertain, mayors representing more than half of the states say they will power forward in the Solar Century to deploy solar energy with or without federal support.
National laboratories issue study on growing flexibility and variability of power generators
Lawrence Berkeley and Argonne National Laboratories examine the growth of solar, wind and natural gas power plant operations on wholesale power markets and the impact on nuclear and coal generators.
WEC Energies expected to replace coal plant with 350 MW of solar
The company will close the 1,200 MW Pleasant Prairie coal plant early next year, on the heels of its plan to install 350 MW of solar by 2020.
Guide provides roadmap to gauge solar’s affect on home prices
SEIA says homeowners (and the installers who love them) should focus on the projected income of the system over its typical lifetime
Global storage market to grow sixfold by 2030, BNEF reports
Global cumulative storage deployment will double six times between 2017 and 2030 to reach 125 GW/305 GWh, with as much as $103 billion pouring into the sector, finds new report by Bloomberg New Energy Finance.
Unintentional snafu could confuse Arizona solar customers
In a landmark deal earlier this year, Arizona Public Service agreed to grandfather solar customers for 20 years. But a recent glitch in the billing system could leave solar customers flummoxed about what their bills will look like next year.
Solar remains largely unscathed as House tax bill passes
Though there are modifications to the hard-won investment tax credit step-down provisions, it appears the bill leaves the solar industry largely alone.
More states use solar plants to protect bumble bee populations
Following dire reports of bee-colony collapses in recent years, at least three new solar sites in Florida and Maryland are trying to provide safe havens for these critical links in the food chain.
