In a move that will boost domestic solar cell manufacturing, Violet Power is setting up a WA facility expected to generate 500 MW of crystalline silicon solar cell manufacturing capacity by Q2 2021 plus an additional 500 MW of full panel production by the end of 2021.
PowerOn is the new energy storage financing program from Panasonic and Service Finance Company. Panasonic EverVolt Certified Installers can provide 100% financing to homeowners who purchase the EverVolt battery storage and Panasonic brand solar modules.
Less tax equity for solar projects remains an issue in the near future and competition for solar tax equity is very high. However, the growth of the solar industry and the decrease of the ITC and solar costs mean that solar tax equity will become less important in 2022.
Solar Mapper is a new tool looking to streamline the deployment of PV panels by providing accurate and rapid estimates of the solar energy potential of homes. Jointly developed by Total and Google Cloud it includes better satellite image data quality and sharper estimates.
While FERC’s recent order allows PJM to restart its capacity auction, it forces state-subsidized resources, like renewables, to use administratively set minimum prices that could bar them from clearing PJM’s market.
Energy Web is working with NV Energy to discover how to use blockchain tech to track and certify portfolio energy credits used to determine renewable portfolio standard compliance. Rooftop solar customers’ energy credit data will be recorded to Energy Web’s platform.
Expanding on its expansion into renewables, gas giant LS Power is revving up for a large-scale renewables development push in order to accelerate decarbonization. Uniquely, they want to function as both entrepreneurial early-stage developer and financier.
EnergySage reports on storage: half the homeowners quotes are for Tesla’s Powerwall 2 due to its low price on a cost per-kilowatt-hour stored basis, with Panasonic, Eguana and Generac coming up behind it. Storage is wanted for emergency backup power and financial savings.
26% of the US adult population are alarmed, rather than dismissive, about global warming and other climate-related issues. This is more than double the 11% who were alarmed 5 years ago and four times the 7% who currently dismiss the climate crisis.
Renewables Forward is an initiative created by top solar and renewable energy companies and trade orgs to boost industry workforce diversity and inclusion. Goals include addressing needed changes and stimulating partnership between CEOs and solar industry organizations.