Solar installers ask Duke Energy to throw clout behind tax credit extension in N.C.

Duke Energy has long held it will neither support nor oppose the credits.

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 18, 2015

Google launches Project Sunroof, a 'treasure map' for rooftop solar

A new tool helps homeowners calculate their rooftop solar potential. 

By Davide Savenije • Aug. 18, 2015

Explore the Trendline➔

The Energy Transition to Renewables

Rising demand for power is continuing to drive demand for renewables, but policy uncertainty and mixed signals from the Trump administration add to existing challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

California regulators propose framework to put a value on DERs

Establishing value appears to be the first step to creating a distributed energy marketplace.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 18, 2015

Why solar financing is moving from leases to loans

"The market is still in its infancy, and it is yet to be decided which business models, financial products, or sales strategies will beat out the competition."

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 17, 2015

Conservative solar leader plans to fight Florida utilities' 'early cost recovery' privilege

Tea Party leader calls out utility allies for backing bill charges that give customers "the shaft."

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2015

Solar stock prices drop on concerns about falling oil prices

The good news is solar fundamentals remain strong

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 15, 2015

Nevada regulators reject extension to net metering cap

As the state closes in on its net metering cap, regulators say they are frustrated because the legislature does not have the authority to extend the program.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2015

Inside the contentious fight over rooftop solar in Florida

Dueling ballot measures are testing Floridians’ ability to understand solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 13, 2015

IPPs oppose utility ownership of large-scale renewables in New York

Independent producers and energy groups in New York say a proposal to allow utility ownership of large-scale rewnewables would threaten customers' low rates.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 13, 2015

Distributed solar prices in U.S. continue to fall for fifth straight year

Prices are now falling below $0.50 per watt in some states despite stable module costs, suggesting success soft cost cuts.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 13, 2015

Note to utilities: Here's why 2015 is the 'tipping point' for community solar

The year of community solar is here: “As utilities wake up to the value proposition, it will increasingly shape the market.”

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

DOE: U.S. wind grew 8% in 2014 with prices dropping to all-time lows

New market report shows wind at almost 5% of U.S. electricity generation.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

Alliant Energy reverses stance, agrees to net meter third party solar

The change opens the door for an Iowa solar boom led by third party financing.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 11, 2015

How renewable energy can save utilities money

Former Colorado regulators Ron Binz and Ron Lehr reveal how one utility saved money by investing in wind and solar.

By Ron Binz and Ron Lehr • Aug. 10, 2015

Massachusetts Governor proposes to expand net metering caps

Gov. Charlie Baker has filed a bill to bolster solar development beyond the state's goal of 1,600 MW by 2020.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2015

Dominion CEO predicts gap in renewables development from 2017 to 2020

But once states begin setting their Clean Power Plan compliance strategies, credits could essentially double, according to the CEO.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 10, 2015

Is 28% renewables by 2030 possible without the wind PTC?

Wind’s capability to provide its share may hinge on whether Congress extends its tax credit.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 8, 2015

Is New Hampshire solar racing toward a brick wall?

The failure of state legislators to extend the net metering cap could hurt solar.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 7, 2015

CA utilities, solar installers on same page in renewables mandate lobbying

Usually opponents in policy debates, both groups want rooftop solar counted toward the state's renewables standards.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 7, 2015

HECO asks regulators to simplify electric vehicle charging rates

Looking to leverage both the popularity of electric vehicles and the growth of solar, Oahu's biggest utility filed discounted charging rates with state regulators.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2015

Report: Wind energy siting regulations need more consistency

The Center for Rural Affairs.examined wind regulations in four states and found widely varying rules and regulations - even within an individual state.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 7, 2015

The other death spiral utilities are beginning to deal with

Key corporate customers are clamoring for more renewables, and will get it from someone else if the utility won't provide. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

Michigan senate bill would erode the value of net metering for solar owners

Change from retail rate to wholesale rate remuneration could double the time it takes to pay off a solar system.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

APS must ask for its solar fee increase in a rate case, Ariz. judge rules

The utility's next rate case, a request for a boost from $0.70 per kW to $3 per kW for solar owners, must wait until 2016.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 6, 2015

CA utilities call for solar remuneration cuts, fixed and demand charges

The solar industry wants retail rate net metering until 2019 to compensate for tax credits due to expire.

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 5, 2015