The CPUC has come out with new proposed residential rate structures according to the bill that saved solar in California, AB 327. The plan calls for no fixed charges because customers hate them but works to shrink the tiers of users down to 2 which are separated by 20%, both of which would be in the >$0.20/kWh by 2019. The initial takeaway is that large users would save less on their high tier reduction but in general, solar adoption would grow massively. Between onsite and community solar, you get much closer to 100% solar adoption in the residential segment.
Yann
News
1 SFGate:
New California proposal - Use less electricity, pay more
2 Popular Science:
MIT Invention Turns Salt Water Into Drinking Water Using Solar Power
3 Utility Dive:
NC lawmakers extend tax credit for 'in construction' renewables one year
4 11 Alive:
Bill makes solar power a smart move for homeowners
5 24/7 Wall Street:
Analyst Says Solar Installers to Gain From California Rule Change
6 Bloomberg:
Solar Costing a Third of Retail Power Emerges in Germany
7 The Hill:
Senate Dems want to double size of solar training program for vets
8 PV Magazine:
Utilities in New Jersey pursue 80 MW of solar approvals
Opinions:
9 The National:
Solar depends on more research
Have a great day!
Yann
In the most surprising and amazing story of the year (which I figured as a headline bait) is the news of solar making an impact on the people of North Korea. Even Kim Jong Un can't stop solar! When solar makes it to the balconies of Pyongyang, you know that solar has become the most democratized energy source around the world. So let's have a moment to thank solar for producing energy and providing freedom for those with less of it than us. When you hear the argument against solar, remember that taking your solar power is like taking your freedom!!!
Yann
News
1 Bizjournals:
Duke Energy's N.C. solar projects to employ 900 construction workers
2 Dispatch:
Solar group, AEP at odds over costs of connecting to grid
3 The Tennessean:
TVA gets input on energy plan as environmental groups seek more renewable sources
4 Greentech Media:
PV, Batteries and the Smart Home
5 Scientific American:
The Age of Wind and Solar Is Closer Than You Think
6 Clean Technica:
Updated Solar Map Tracks Output From 5500 PV Systems Australia-Wide
7 Slashgear:
Save your solar power; Tesla to announce home batteries on April 30
8 NBC Newyork:
More New Jersey Homes, Businesses Using Solar Panels
Opinions:
9 Business Insider:
North Korea's solar boom is giving power to the people for once
Have a great day!
Yann
It’s earth day, so let’s talk about solar and it’s relationship to the climate change discussion. Most of us aren’t scientists, so let’s assume we listen to them and believe that our energy usage affects the earth. What is becoming interesting to me is the fact that solar is a vital part of the climate discussion and of the plans to combat the effects of climate change. Whether we talk about EPA regulations or carbon trading, just a few years ago, solar was not really in the mix due to cost. With solar at very low prices today, there is no reason why the two don’t become a very closely linked partnership. Happy Earth Day!
Yann
News
1 KNPR:
Extra Power - The Fight Over Solar In Nevada
2 PV-Magazine:
SEIA rejects call for ITC “phase down”
3 RE World:
How Free Solar Undermines the True Value of PV-Generated Electricity
4 PV Tech:
Deutsche Bank - Solar installs in China could top 20GW in 2015
5 Utility Dive:
New Mexico hearing examiner rejects PNM rate hike, solar fees
6 Greentech Media:
Mexico’s Solar Market in Limbo With Reforms ‘Changing the Rules Mid-Game’
7 Bloomberg:
Here’s Why Apple Is Building Solar Farms in China
8 Breitbart:
Bonfire of Insanities - Solar Panels Start Fire at Green Party-Run Hove Town Hall
Opinions:
9 Seeking Alpha:
The Long-Term Prospects Of Residential Versus Utility-Scale Solar
Have a great day!
Yann
The commercial solar nut cracking is discussed by Cory Honeyman’s 5 numbers that will shape the future. Interestingly, many of his other points stand in the way of commercial in some way, whether it is ITC, net metering values, etc. Why doesn’t commercial solar work? Lack of scale for transaction, one-off documentation, landlord/tenant split incentive, no way of doing underwriting efficiently, and mostly because small and medium private companies have no credit. Crack that nut, and you may become the next solar billionaire…
Yann
News
1 Utility Dive:
Hawaii PUC gives HECO, solar advocates until June 30 to resolve net metering dispute
2 Greentech Media:
5 Numbers That Will Shape the Future of US Solar in 2015 and 2016
3 Energy Collective:
2015 State of Solar Financing, Part 2
4 Renew Economy:
What utilities would do if they were serious about exiting coal
5 Washington Post:
Obama to press climate change agenda with trip to Everglades on Earth Day
6 Seeking Alpha:
The Massive Growth Potential Of The Solar PV Industry
7 Wall Street Journal:
China Speeds Up Solar Drive
8 Daily Finance:
How to Know If Solar Energy Is Right for Your House
Opinions:
9 New Times:
Florida's Largest Solar Project Is a Win for Utilities, Loss for Private Industry and Homeowners
Have a great day!
Yann
