Solar-storage system helps Hawaii aquaculture facility operate off grid

A lithium ion battery and solar panel system has enabled a Hawaiin nursery to opreate independently of high grid-connected utility rates.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 26, 2016

Study: Deep decarbonization of U.S. grid possible without energy storage

Carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced 80%, relative to 1990 levels, without significant impacts on retail prices or participation from energy storage, a new report concludes. 

By Robert Walton • Jan. 26, 2016

Explore the Trendline➔

Data Centers and the US Grid

A look at how data centers are affecting the U.S. grid today and how new technologies and rate structures could affect that trajectory in the years to come.

By Utility Dive staff

NV Energy proposes 'grandfathering' existing rooftop solar customers

Solar advocates have expressed opposition to recent net metering rule changes that place existing solar customers onto new rates in Nevada.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 26, 2016

10 state rooftop solar debates to watch in 2016 and beyond

As solar deployment spreads, so do policy debates about its value to customers and utilities. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 25, 2016

Mississippi electric co-ops ask regulators for rehearing on net metering

The co-ops say their nonprofit, member-owned status means they should have the right to set their own solar net metering rates. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 25, 2016

GTM: Global solar added 59 GW in 2015 with China leading at 19 GW

The U.S. added 7 GW in 2015, but analysts expect more in the coming years thanks to an extension of vital tax credits.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 25, 2016

New York Gov. Cuomo unveils $5B clean energy fund

The New York State Public Service Commission approved the plan, which aims to support state efforts to reach 50% renewables by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 22, 2016

PSE&G's renewables arm buys 66.6 MW of solar for $110M

Those purchases bring PSEG Solar Source's portfolio to 14 projects and more than 214 MW.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 22, 2016

Nevada PUC to reconsider 'grandfathering' provision in new net metering policy

Regulators will reconsider a provision that applies new remuneration rates and charges to existing solar installations, as well as new ones. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 21, 2016

Can utilities learn to love distributed solar like central station arrays?

Utility-scale solar has become mainstream among U.S. power providers, but persisting questions around cost and valuation are masking further opportunties in the distributed generation space, analysts say.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

Solar customers file lawsuit against NV Energy over new net metering rates

The customers say the utility unlawfully reduced their net metering rates to stave off competition from rooftop solar companies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

ISO/RTO model best alternative to Hawaiian Electric service, Maui report concludes

A report commissioned by leaders in Maui County, Hawaii, suggests forming an independent system operator to take over grid operations from the investor-owned utility. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

SunEdison buys 33% stake in Dominion solar portfolio, moves assets to yieldco

SunEdison completed the acquisition of a third of the 231 MW portfolio, and then dropped the assets into Terra Nova Renewable Partners, a partnership managed by SunEdison and J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 21, 2016

Southern California Edison signs 500 MW of utility-scale solar PPAs with First Solar

The California utility renews its push for renewables in response to state’s new mandate requireing 50% renewables by 2030. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 21, 2016

In AEP-Sierra Club coal plant deal, cost of additional renewables remains unknown

American Electric Power (AEP) reached a settlement last month that calls for development of 900 MW of renewable energy, but so far no one knows what it will cost.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

Southwest Power Pool study shows it can reliably manage 60% wind penetration

The grid operator needs new wires and tools to add 4,700 MW of wind by 2017, a new report shows.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 20, 2016

DOE proposes $18M in funding for solar-plus-storage

The announcement builds on the Department of Energy's grid modernization effort announced last week.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 20, 2016

New arrival Spruce ups game for 'trusted energy advisor' role

A new company offering both DER and efficiency financing can be a partner or a competitor to incumbent utilities looking to bolster their customer relationships. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

ERCOT: Wind energy provided record 45% of electricity on Dec. 20

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas maintained reliability with over 10 GW of wind energy on that day.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 19, 2016

Global investment in renewables hit record $328.9B in 2015 as new markets opened

Opportunity in renewables kept investors away from cheap fossil fuels, Bloomberg New Energy Finance reports.

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 15, 2016

Tesla collaborator SolarEdge rolls out inverter to work with Powerwall battery

SolarEdge Technologies has introduced an inverter designed to work with Tesla's Powerwall.

By Peter Maloney • Jan. 15, 2016

Diary of a Grid Defector: Community solar, keeping warm and policy talk at the local bar

Struggles with heating drive Robert Walton to a local bar, where he meets officials from a local solar company whose business is taking off.

By Robert Walton • Jan. 15, 2016

Nevada PUC denies request to stay solar net metering reforms

The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada denied requests to delay implementing the new net metering remuneration rates and fixed fee rate hikes on rooftop solar users. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Jan. 14, 2016

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

UBS: Resident opposition could sink NextEra-Hawaiian Electric deal

The investment research firm sees a good chance of “the deal breaking up given persistent consternations.”

By Herman K. Trabish • Jan. 14, 2016