HECO proposes new community renewables program

The utility has asked regulators to approve a Community-Based Renewable Energy program that would allow more people otherwise encumbered by unsuitable roofs or renting properties to access distributed generation. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 5, 2015

Austin Energy approved for 300 MW utility solar buy under 4¢/kWh

The contracts are expected to be the cheapest ever for Texas solar, the utility says. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 5, 2015

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

Cost of Service? Arizona's solar saga takes on the valuation question

As APS backs a cost-of-service study to define the cost shift for non-solar customers, experts say such a move could set a nationwide precedent for solar's value. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 4, 2015

SolarCity touts its new rooftop solar panels as most efficient in the world

SolarCity will manufacture the 22.04% efficient silicon thin film hybrid PV module in New York and California, showing the fruits of vertical integration.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 2, 2015

To ITC or not to ITC: What happens if solar's federal tax incentives aren't extended

Without the ITC, the loss of potential solar capacity is equal to the total amount currently installed in the U.S., a new report finds.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 1, 2015

SolarCity maintains 34% residential solar market share in 1H 2015

Four of the top five U.S. solar installers are vertically integrated, and the one that isn't is losing market share.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 1, 2015

Ohio lawmakers, governor at odds over renewables and efficiency freeze

A legislative committee has recommended extending the state's temporary freeze on renewables and efficiency mandates indefinitely, a proposal Gov. John Kaisich (R) calls "unacceptable."

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 30, 2015

Mass. governor backs long-term renewable contracts and raising net metering cap

Mass. Gov. Charlie Baker (R) testified in support of legislation to raise the cap on net metering and allow utilities to enter 15-25 year contracts for renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 30, 2015

San Francisco community choice aggregation program delayed

CleanPowerSF was scheduled to begin offering renewable energy to city residents in the spring, but will be delayed at least six weeks because of contract approvals.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 29, 2015

CPS Energy tackles the cost shift by building solar on its own terms

San Antonio muni CPS Energy has designed a utility solar program it believes is a winner for the customer, the installer and the utility – and will work for IOUs, too.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 29, 2015

How storage will shape the future of concentrated solar power

CSP may not be the hottest topic in the solar or storage sectors, but its backers point out that it offers large scale renewable generation that is in many cases fully dispatchable.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 29, 2015

North Carolina hits milestone with 1 GW of solar

The state hits a major solar capacity milestone amid a heated battle between  renewables advocates and lawmakers over the state's renewable energy policies. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2015

APS withdraws controversial solar grid fee request

Arizona Public Service filed a request to withdraw from a hearing over its request for a $21 grid access fee, but only if the Arizona Corporation Commission moves forward with cost-of-service hearings in time for APS'  2016 rate case. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 28, 2015

How to become the 'Utility of the Future?' Industry experts weigh in

The key to creating the utility of the future is combining consumer demands with emerging technology in smart grids, energy efficiency and distribution generation, experts said during the 2015 Solar Power International conference. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2015

New York funds 5 clean energy projects under REV for $175M

The largest of the projects will be a 100 MW wind farm being developed by RES America Developments in Chautauqua County.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2015

Newly-opened NJ offshore wind tract could yield 3,400 MW of capacity

The federal government has opened nearly 350,000 acres of ocean off the coast of New Jersey to wind development in a bid to meet President Obama's clean energy goals.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 28, 2015

Vermont's updated energy plan reaffirms 90% renewable goal

The plan calls for utilities to develop microgrids, renewable transporation and buildings as part of its goal to run mostly on renewable energy. 

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2015

New SolarCity service targets low-income housing developments

The nation's largest solar installer has launched a new service aimed at lowering the cost of renewable energy for low-income housing communities.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 28, 2015

As solar prices drop fast, Austin Energy seeks to delay chunk of 600 MW purchase

Bids for utility-scale solar in the Southwest are falling farther and farther below $0.04/kWh.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 25, 2015

Hawaii PUC approves solar TOU rate pilot for co-op KIUC

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will cut daytime power rates about 25% for participants in a bid to get them to utilize more solar during its peak generating hours.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 25, 2015

Entergy brings Mississippi's first utility solar pilot project online

The 500 kW arrays will allow the utility to test solar economics and feasibility.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 25, 2015

Solar sector pleased as Nevada Gov. appoints Office of Energy head to PUC

Paul Thomsen, director of the Nevada Office of Energy, previously testified in favor of compelling the PUC to find a permanent net metering tariff.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 24, 2015

Senate Dems pack climate bill full of clean energy goodies, but no carbon tax

A proposed climate bill introduced by U.S. Senate Democrats was expected to be mostly political messaging, but instead is an expansive platform of clean energy policies. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 24, 2015

What solar's latest growth numbers say about the sector's future

Solar growth is likely to set more records until the federal tax credits expire, but good state policies and utility buy in could fuel growth even if national incentives aren't extended.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 24, 2015

Negative RECs for community solar: Market failure or utility opportunity?

Bidding has driven prices for Renewable Energy Credits for community solar projects into negative territory in Colorado, and installers say that constrains their ability to serve all customers.

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 23, 2015