Solar prices are stabilizing at new lower levels, but causation remains elusive

The factors that drive price differences in solar PV remain largely a mystery, but a new study provides some novel insights on the question and shows that costs are beginning to cluster at new, lower levels. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 14, 2016

Obama touts clean energy growth, promises fossil fuel extraction reform in State of the Union

The president took on climate change doubters in his final State of the Union address Tuesday night and promised to reform policies allowing for the extraction of fossil fuels on federal lands. 

By Gavin Bade • Jan. 13, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Distributed Energy Resource Growth

Distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicles, are experiencing significant growth in the U.S. as the power sector evolves to a cleaner, less centralized future.

By Utility Dive staff

How a new business model could get the Puerto Rico public utility out of debt

The only way PREPA can save itself is to find a path to lower cost electricity, but any restructuring deal is bound up in the politics of both the island and Capitol Hill.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 13, 2016

Nevada regulator urges commission not to delay new solar net metering rates

The full Nevada commission will meet today to consider calls from the solar industry to stay a controversial net metering ruling, but one regulator has already made his opinion on the matter clear.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 13, 2016

Tesla shifts production to its Gigafactory to accommodate Powerwall demand

As it begins delivering its stationary batteries, strong demand prompts Tesla to shift production to its Gigafactory.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 12, 2016

Oregon utility developing microgrids to bid into ISO markets, enhance reliability

The Oregon Department of Energy awarded Eugene Water & Electric Board almost $300,000 for a pilot project designed to show the benefits of microgrids and energy storage. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 12, 2016

Solar moves ahead of wind, hydro in California fuel mix, toward 10% of state's power

Huge growth in the sector, along with a hydro-hampering drought, means that solar now accounts for more generation than any other reneawble resource in California. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 12, 2016

Austin Energy poised to launch new distributed energy management system

Austin Energy is preparing to introduce a new distributed energy management system  "Austin Shines," with a formal launch in February.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 11, 2016

Utility-backed Florida solar proposal appears headed for 2016 ballot

An opposing ballot measure backed by solar advocates is still stuck in money troubles and is looking ahead to the 2018 ballot.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 7, 2016

Eos Energy touts storage for NY microgrid as 'lowest-cost battery solution on the market'

The company says its zinc hybrid cathode battery technology can be manufactured at a cost of $91-$116/kWh.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 7, 2016

What utilities need to know about solar growth after the ITC extension

With policy support now certain into the 2020s, solar offers utilities a wide range of price-competitive opportunities for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 7, 2016

DOE signs off on $33M for ARPA-E distributed energy management projects

DOE's Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy has signed off on $33 million in funding to develop projects in its Network Optimized Distributed Energy Systems program.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 6, 2016

Nevada regulators will consider delaying new net metering rates, monthly charges

The state's consumer advocate argues the ruling could violate the U.S. constitution’s contracts clause.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 6, 2016

Google's Project Sunroof expands online evaluations of solar potential to 20 metro areas

Would-be solar owners can now compare the costs and benefits of options for their unique roofs.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 5, 2016

DERs in 2016: What experts expect for a booming sector

With the market for distributed energy resources set to blossom thanks to the extensions of vital tax credits, solar especially is primed to grow, experts predict. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2016

Hawaii court upholds PUC order ending retail rate net metering

A circuit court judge last week halted a suit from The Alliance for Solar Choice seeking to overturn the PUC order. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2016

Survey: Over half of solar installers do not offer TPO financing or PPAs

Solar installers across the country are facing stiff competition for customers, and many are selling systems for cash or unsecured loans, a new survey finds. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 4, 2016

Rocky Mountain Power seeks to shorten Utah PURPA contracts

Rocky Mountain Power, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway-owned PacifiCorp, says Utah's required 20-year contracts for PURPA qualified contracts is too long. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Dec. 28, 2015

Storage in 2016: Utility-scale, long-duration markets take the lead

Behind-the-meter storage grew by a factor of 16 in 2015, but next year expect to see front-of-the-meter applications continue to make up the lion's share of new deployments.

By Peter Maloney • Dec. 22, 2015

New York utilities propose REV changes to speed demonstration project approvals

Investor-owned utilities want regulators to streamline the process for approving demonstration projects, including having more say in how the projects are evaluated. 

By Robert Walton • Dec. 22, 2015

Editor's Picks: The biggest Utility Dive stories of 2015

2015 was a time of change like no other in the electric power sector. Here's a recap of the year as told by some of our most important stories. 

By Gavin Bade • Dec. 22, 2015

Solar ballot measure battle in Florida likely postponed to 2018 election

Funding troubles and a lack of signatures means that Floridians for Solar Choice will likely need to wait for the 2018 ballot to get their proposal in front of voters. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 21, 2015

Mississippi co-op offers threatens to sue regulators unless they lower net metering rate

The South Mississippi Electric Power Association says the Mississippi Public Service Commission can’t set rates for electric co-ops. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 21, 2015

Rooftop solar owned by the user can add to home values, LBNL research shows

A new study uses side-by-side home comparisons to put a more accurate number on the value of solar systems.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 17, 2015

San Diego City Council approves 100% renewables by 2035 Climate Action Plan

The mandate is expected to cut city emissions 50% and grow the economy, lawmakers said.

By Herman K. Trabish • Dec. 17, 2015