10 Things Worth Reading This Week (9/24/21)

The data bear out that a viable alternative for large corporations like Microsoft and Google looking to reduce carbon emissions is investing in clean energy projects that directly reduce carbon emissions – the ones that have the largest ability to displace dirty energy, no matter where they are located.

Tigo Energy has added string inverters and LFP batteries to their res offerings in the US. The products are available in 7.6 kW and 11.4 kW configurations and feature up to 200% DC oversizing, 50V starting voltage, and modular and lightweight design. The battery manages TOU rate plans and backup during outages.

The Chinese president told to the UN General Assembly that China won’t build anymore coal-fired power projects overseas and that it will bolster clean energy growth in developing nations. This could mean a significant step forward in the effort to shift global use of energy away from carbon-emitting fuel.

Investor-owned utilities are making a renewed effort to pursue racial and social justice in energy. This is evident in their interactions with Congress around infrastructure and reconciliation – along with the usual focus on energy efficiency is the commitment to equity and inclusion in many areas and businesses.

Increased demand for renewables by the public and corporations as well as global supply chain constraints have impacted PPA prices for solar installs. In Q2 2021 in North America the price increased 4.3% and is up 14.4% year-over-year. The takeaway? Act now to snag high-value PPAs.

Key factors affecting the lifespan of a res battery energy storage system (which lasts btwn 5-15 years): Its driven by usage cycles and thresholds of 60% or 70% capacity are warranted through a certain number of charge cycles. Causes of degradation include over charge, trickle charge, loss of mobile lithium-ions and high temps.

EnergySage deep dives into understanding energy management systems. They look at key companies (Span, Schneider Electric, Lumin, Emporia, Generac) and criteria for making comparisons such as ease of install and monitoring, integration and control capabilities. They also discuss the role of solar+storage.

There’s a new platform from New Resource Solutions seeking to streamline C&I solar PPA deals. Conductor Solar is a new software platform for developers, EPCs, and investors that expands their access to C&I projects, reduces time and money spent on complex transactions and simplifies info sharing and communication.

Energy storage is growing from a scrappy new entrepreneurial phase industry to a robust business in its own right. Investors are seeing that energy plants work and are lucrative – they provide tangible, long-term value. Therefore, small startups that have grown larger are getting access to the capital they need to realize their ambitions.