North Carolina bill would sharply restrict utility-scale renewables siting

The bill would require developers to conceal solar farms and keep the noise from wind facilities to near the volume of a human whisper. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 2016

DOE releases comprehensive overview of efforts to cut solar costs

The SunShot program is 5 years into its 10 year run and 70% of the way to cutting solar cost to $0.06/kWh.  

By Herman K. Trabish • May 20, 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

Caps raised, New Hampshire turns attention to imminent struggle over solar value

A new law that raised net metering caps also directed state regulators to devise a new solar incentive program within 10 months. Already some innovative proposals are surfacing. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Nevada governor's task force committee recommends grandfathering rooftop solar customers

A group on the energy task force convened by Gov. Brian Sandoval has passed a resolution recommending grandfathering, and it could end up being included in a future energy bill. 

By Gavin Bade • May 19, 2016

Maine cities put solar plans on hold as state awaits regulators' action on net metering

National solar installers lobbied against the bill, saying it would give utilities too much power, but local developers worry a PUC review of net metering could ultimately be worse for their industry.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

'Like putting a man on the moon': How U.S. utilities can break into the offshore wind market

A new report brings lessons to bear from the European sector for U.S. companies looking to be leaders in the emerging market.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 19, 2016

Making waves: DOE reboots marine hydrokinetic energy program to push commercialization

A new competition and enhanced funding aim to move MHK technologies out of the "Wright brothers stage of development."

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Sunrun teams with Tesla to install solar+storage for Hawaii's self-supply incentive

Billed at $0.19/kWh, the price of the solar and storage installation comes in well under Hawaii's average retail electric prices for residential customers. 

By Peter Maloney • May 18, 2016

Wind developers eye Hawaii, California coasts for floating turbines

The two states have abundant wind resources, but deep water close to the coasts means that wind turbines fixed to the ocean floor are unfeasible. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 18, 2016

Xcel Colorado files for 600 MW wind project, the state's biggest ever installation

The utility wants to build the Rush Creek Wind facility in time to earn 100% of the federal tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

Energy storage bills fail in Hawaii, but could re-appear in next legislative session

Support for storage is widespread in Hawaii, but the state's financial situation makes new incentive funding a challenge.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Yieldco problems: systemic or a speed bump?

With SunEdison's bankruptcy, yieldco shares have taken a hit, raising questions about the viability of the investment vehicle.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

UES Electric drops mandatory demand charge proposal, except for new solar customers

Residential demand charges would still be mandatory for new rooftop solar customers, who would also see higher fixed monthly fees and lower net metering rates under the proposed rate plan.

By Peter Maloney • May 17, 2016

Washington utilities reach solar incentive cap, foreshadowing net metering limits

The Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offers solar customers incentives above net metering, but a number of municipal utilities in the state are halting applications. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 17, 2016

What SolarCity's new portfolio of grid services can do for utilities

The dominant residential solar installer is moving beyond the rooftop in a bid to become an essential partner for utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 16, 2016

Hawaii biodiesel plant is 1st in US certified as sustainable

Pacific Biodiesel's Big Island plant was certified by the Sustainable Biodiesel Alliance, following a review that looked at emissions, energy use, water conservation and other factors.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

SunEdison delays Q1 financials, fires CFO following bankruptcy

Chief Financial Officer Brian Wuebbels had also served as Chief Administration Officer and Chief Accounting Officer.

By Robert Walton • May 15, 2016

Hawaii solar jobs fall 35% after regulators end retail net metering

Solar installation permit numbers have also fallen, suggesting the new options to replace retail rate remuneration aren't as effective. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

PSE&G to invest $275M in new solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites

If approved, the New Jersey utility will build ten solar farms on brownfield and landfill sites. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 13, 2016

Utilities, greens still miles apart on solar valuation, new report shows

The Center for Biological Diversity identified 10 states it says are blocking rooftop solar, but the bigger takeaway is how its perspective on solar valuation differs from those of utilities. 

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

With Maine solar bill dead, industry waits on regulators for net metering reforms

A recent bill would have instituted a novel incentive structure for solar in Maine, but lawmakers were unable to overrule a veto from Gov. Paul LePage last month.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 12, 2016

An embarrassment of riches? Maui shows why renewables curtailment isn't all bad

While it's something to minimize, curtailment is crucial to the functioning of MECO's grid today, and the goal of reaching 100% renewables by 2045.

By Gavin Bade • May 11, 2016

Ohio lawmakers seek further freeze on renewable, efficiency standards

Some lawmakers are pushing to permanently freeze the state's renewables and efficiency mandates as the end of the current, temporary two-year freeze looms large.

By Krysti Shallenberger • May 11, 2016

Wyoming lawmakers to consider raising the only US state tax on wind generation

Lawmakers say they want to make tax rates for renewables and fossil fuel generation comparable, but wind developers claim they already pay higher rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016

Better together: How an organized market can help clean up the western US grid

Today 38 separate balancing authorities deliver power out West. A new paper says a single market would be more efficient.

By Herman K. Trabish • May 11, 2016