EIA: Utility-scale solar capacity to grow 8 GW in 2016

In May, renewable energy made up 12% of the nation's total energy consumption.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 29, 2016

California solar project shot down after clearing federal environmental permits

A 287-MW solar project on the edge of the Mojave Desert won all federal permits, but was voted down by county supervisors over concerns about the impact to the bighorn sheep habitat. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Sustainability

Companies are pursuing increasingly ambitous sustainability goals around clean energy, but integrating rising amounts of renewables, minimizing environmental impacts, and achieving carbon reduction targets can be challenging.

By Utility Dive staff

EIA: Monthly renewable generation beat levels from previous years

But other renewables, such as wind and solar, have exceeded hydro generation each month since February as the West recovers from a historic drought.  

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Headwinds ahead: Solar companies trim deployment expectations ahead of possible slowdown

A glut of modules and the ITC extension could temper the solar sector's rapid growth. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 26, 2016

Report: Only a fraction of proposed New York community solar to be built

According to GTM Research, New York has 1.8 GW of proposed community solar capacity but none operating so far.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 26, 2016

Hawaii utilities hit rooftop solar caps for grid supply tariff on Maui, Big Island

Less than a year after implementing new rooftop solar tariffs, two utilities have hit their caps on one of the tariffs, which were designed to replace the retail rate net metering program.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

Walking a tightrope: ACC Chair Doug Little looks for balance in Arizona's solar debate

Arizona's head utility regulator says the state's ongoing value of solar docket will be key in informing future rate design.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 25, 2016

As manufacturers ramp up production, solar industry could face a panel glut

Manufacturers increased their capacity by up to 18% this year, according to Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 25, 2016

California lawmakers vote to extend greenhouse gas goals

California's Legislature passed two bills extending the climate change goals and legislative oversight of the California Air Resources Board yesterday. Both now await the governor's signature. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 25, 2016

EIA: North Carolina top state for PURPA-qualified solar projects

North Carolina has the second most independent power producer (IPP) solar plants and the most PURPA solar plants, according to the EIA.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 24, 2016

Obama proposes new rule to speed renewable development on public lands

The new rule would more closely mirror how the federal government leases oil and gas development sites.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

Arizona regulator proposes doubling renewables standard to 30% by 2030

But the proposal will likely draw controversy, as it would also eliminate carve-outs for distributed resources.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2016

The Road to Renewables is Paved with Reliability

As demand for solar continues to grow, utilities are looking for ways to provide reliable power. To achieve that, utilities need solid partnerships to help them keep the solar facility up and running with little to no disruption.

Aug. 23, 2016

Global utility M&A up 105% in Q2 amid rush to renewables, regulated assets

Deal value hit $43 billion in the second quarter of 2016, with North American companies leading the way.

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 23, 2016

Rocky Mountain compromise: Inside Xcel's landmark Colorado solar settlement

In a summer of solar contention, Colorado stakeholders chose a path of less-resistance. Their deal could be a model for more than just rate design.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2016

Washington commits $12.6M to grid modernization effort

The funds will be matched by five utilities and used for projects focused on renewable energy, battery storage and a "shared energy economy." 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2016

El Paso Electric drops demand charge push as regulators approve solar settlement

El Paso Electric reached a settlement with stakeholders last month to drop a demand charge targeted at rooftop solar users.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 19, 2016

So close, so far: Can Maine put its near-agreement on solar net metering back together again?

Supporters of a compromise incentive failed to override Gov. LePage's veto, plunging the state back into a net metering debate and grinding the state's solar sector to a halt. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 19, 2016

SolarCity shifts focus to growth, cuts CEO pay to $1, trim severance packages

The move comes after SolarCity suffered $55 million in Q2 losses. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 19, 2016

Nevada report: Rooftop solar customers shift $36M in annual costs to other ratepayers

The report is an update from a 2014 paper that found $36M in annual benefits from rooftop solar on the system. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Aug. 18, 2016

As states debate solar, contentious rate cases give way to broader valuation proceedings

Fixed charges and net metering dominated solar debates in the second quarter, but those conversations are increasingly leading to more comprehensive valuation attempts. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2016

Sun burn: Solar tax credits scorch state budgets

States are pulling back on swelling solar tax credit programs, but sector players say well-designed incentives can deliver additional economic benefits. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 17, 2016

PNM, solar developer tussle over right to supply Facebook data center

Los Angeles-based MaxxSolar says it can supply 100% renewable power to the data center at a low price, but it may never get the chance to present its case to regulators. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 17, 2016

Colorado solar compromise avoids new grid fees, pushes TOU rate pilots

Xcel Energy had sought to increase grid access charges and decrease payments to rooftop solar owners in its general rate case. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 16, 2016

Australia developer moves ahead with 5 MW solar+storage virtual power plant

Australian energy company AGL will install 1,000 batteries in South Australian homes and businesses with a combined 7 MWh of energy delivery.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 16, 2016