Study shows that growth in renewables is being impeded by transmission planning. Long lead times mean that it is becoming increasingly unlikely that transmission upgrades will occur in time to prepare the grid for future resources that include significant amounts of renewable energy.
In the next decade DOE will cut costs of solar by 60% and put $128 million into lowering costs, improving performance and speed of solar related tech. It will aim to drive down the current cost of 4.6 cents/kWh to 3 cents/kWh by 2025 and 2 cents/kWh by 2030.
Next week Biden will roll out his $3-4 trillion infrastructure plan. $1 trillion will account for improvements to roads, bridges, rail lines, ports and the electric grid. The plan aims to create 5 million jobs and restore all lost jobs due to COVID. Raised taxes to pay for it are a concern for contractors.
When discussing solar as an option for mid-sized businesses, consider presenting the idea of them taking four steps: evaluate the property for solar, compile one year of utility bills, include incentives and ESG considerations, and work directly with developers on due diligence.
FERC reversed the Trump era decision to block a solar-plus-storage facility from getting payments under PURPA after SEIA asked for a rehearsing on the ruling. Specifically this reversal allowed QF status for an MT solar facility with a net capacity of 160 MW.
EnergySage took a dive into SolarEdge’s Energy Hub. They include info like its ability to allow for storage or an EV in the future, that it’s powered by HV Wave tech and has DC-coupled battery compatibility. Also, it can help power the entire home and includes built in home energy monitoring.
Redwood Materials, a company that handles e-waste sustainably, and electronics recycler ERI are partnering up to recycle batteries (30 tons a week) and solar panels. The goal is to keep elements out of landfills, recycle them responsibly, and use them in new products.
Mitrex is offering new building-integrated roofing panels for new and existing homes. They mimic traditional patterns and colors, are frameless and made of high-efficiency monocrystalline. They are also treated with anti-soiling coating and have a 30-year material warranty.
150 public interest orgs approached House and Senate leaders to argue for a standalone energy storage ITC as part of the approaching infrastructure package. They stated that this would lower storage deployment cost, promote investment and create jobs in the sector.
Soligent’s webinar details a microgrid. They cover its history, how it functions, and its advantages. It also provides an overview of solutions from STEM, aggreko, Heila, and ageto. It wraps up with case studies that include a nonprofit, a coop, and a water treatment plant.