An interesting report came out yesterday discussing the technical status of net metering programs around the Country. The downside of solar’s success is the fact that NEM caps are coming into play. Even the largest programs in the Country, like California, the programs are at risk. The IOUs continue to make rate proposals like demand charges and time of use pricing to reduce access to solar by homeowners. So the headlines may sound solar friendly, there are details to be concerned about. Not all things pro renewable energy are pro solar, more on this to come.
Yann
News
1 EQ-Research:
The Great Guessing Game - How Much Net Metering Capacity is Left?
2 Solar Industry:
Massachusetts' Virtual Net-Metering Policy - Key To Successful Community Solar Development
3 CleanTechnica:
Israel Plans Incentives For Solar Power Producers
4 EDF:
Four Things California Should Consider before Rolling Out Time-of-Use Pricing
5 Utility Dive:
AEP invests $5M in storage software company Greensmith
6 WRAL:
Group says IRS ruling could promote community solar projects
7 Forbes:
How China's Woes Can Hurt Solar Companies In North America And Europe
8 Reuters:
Florida Supreme Court weighs solar energy ballot initiative
Opinions:
9 Grist:
What can a president do to boost renewable energy? A lot
Have a great day!
Yann
This December some 190 Countries will be coming together in Paris to broker a new climate agreement. Paris is set up to be the greatest climate event in recent times especially as agencies like IEA come out with data showing solar and renewables beating out other power sources on cost. We already know this but now new markets, like Brazil, are able to bring solar energy to the grid at under $90/MWh with over 11.2GW of applicants. Imagine if all 190 Countries put a Government backed PPA on the table via an auction and how long until the first solar baseload RFP gets put on the street?
Yann
News
1 Bloomberg:
Fossil Fuels Losing Cost Advantage Over Solar, Wind, IEA Says
2 Think Progress:
Big Bank Says It’s Going To Cost A Lot To Do Nothing On Global Warming
3 Energy Collective:
The Paris Talks - Looking Behind the Scenes
4 Renewable Energy World:
Solar Shipments in Japan Drop First Time Since 2012 Incentives
5 PV-Magazine:
Hanergy to cut 2,000 jobs under restructuring plan, posts 90% net loss
6 US News:
In Alaska, Obama depicts stark future without action on climate change by US, other countries
7 Utility Dive:
Iowa co-op withdraws proposed $57.50 fixed fee for solar owners
8 Solar Love:
SolarCity Invites Utility Cooperation
Opinions:
9 EDF:
Finding a Balanced Solar Policy in Kansas
Have a great day!
Yann
As you may have read last week, an IG report did not shed pretty light on the Solyndra management that pushed for the DOE loan guarantee. The interesting turn by the WSJ Editorial Board was to take the IG report on federal lobbying by a corporation and compare that to the non-subsidy of net metering. Apparently, the WSJ does not feel it to be appropriate for solar companies to try and make money, capitalism is apparently reserved for those that deplete resources. NV Energy is obviously not too pleased by their utility commissioners didn’t agree with their lobbying efforts and decide to go after a solar policy pro by name. A badge of honor in my opinion.
Yann
News
1 Utility Dive:
Big Solar’s Subsidy Bubble
2 Politico:
Warren Buffett vs. the greens
3 New York Times:
Obama’s Alaska Visit Puts Climate, Not Energy, in Forefront
4 Bloomberg:
Yingli’s Solar Margin Cut in Half by Higher Production Costs
5 Breaking Energy:
Solar Decathlon 2015 - Meet The Teams
6 Las Vegas Sun:
Why NV Energy needs to step up its solar-power game
7 The Guardian:
The government’s efforts to kill off the solar industry and lead us to fracking hell
8 TechCrunch:
How Technology Is Fueling The Push Toward Solar
Opinions:
9 Miami Herald:
Give consumers freedom to choose their solar providers
Have a great day!
Yann
These are the top 10 most read solar articles by your peers this week!
News
1 CleanTechnica:
PACE Will Be Available To US Single-Family Homes
2 Motley Fool:
What's Behind The Fall of Solar Energy Stocks?
3 Wall Street Journal:
Next Texas Energy Boom - Solar
4 New York Times:
Obama Flies to the Nevada Desert to Promote Solar Energy
5 The Olympian:
Nevada regulators vote to keep existing rooftop solar rates
6 PV-Magazine:
Idaho axes PURPA contract lengths in a bid to slow down solar
7 Renew Economy:
Citigroup sees $100 trillion of stranded assets if Paris succeeds
8 WUNC:
Solar's Future In NC Hangs In Balance Over Tax Credit
9 Yale:
In Clash of Greens, a Case for Large-Scale U.S. Solar Projects
10 Fast Company:
Use Google's New Mapping Tool To See How Much Solar Panels Would Benefit Your Home
The Top 10 is ranked by the number of SolarWakeup.com readers that clicked on the news article during the previous week. It is the poll of the most relevant solar news of the week as judged by your colleagues and competitors.
Have a great day!
Yann
