Is solar worth $0.33 per kWh? Inside Maine's valuation debate

A study finds solar has great value, concerning the state's utilities.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 19, 2015

North Carolina bill would legalize third party financing, solar leasing

The state's utilities are expected to oppose the legislation introduced by four GOP reps.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

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

Are rooftop solar installers fleecing customers? The industry responds

Utilities and some lawmakers are worried about improper cost and energy saving claims.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 18, 2015

S.C. utility backs program to help customers install solar

Solarize South Carolina began this week in Charleston and is expected to spread.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

Would Iowa legislation make rooftop solar safer, or just block its growth?

An Iowa lawmaker has proposed requiring safety measures solar proponents say are expensive and unnecessary.

By Robert Walton • March 18, 2015

West Virginia bill to study, cap net metering signed into law

The GOP governor had vetoed a nearly identical bill two weeks before.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 17, 2015

IHS: 9% of solar PV systems will have attached storage in 2018

The growth will be driven by commercial systems, as residential consumers will not likely see the same benefits.

By Robert Walton • March 17, 2015

Xcel's Southwestern Public Service buys 140 MW of New Mexico solar

PPAs from NextEra Energy Resources move Xcel toward its goal to cut carbon emissions 25% y 2020.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2015

PSEG and SEPA CEOs: Why utilities are critical to cleaner, smarter energy future

Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm argue that the 'solar vs. utilities' narrative only tells one side of the story. 

By Ralph Izzo and Julia Hamm • March 16, 2015

Report: APS to propose higher rooftop solar fees

Arizona Public Service Co. wants to raise fees on rooftop solar from about $5 to $21 per month, reports say.

By Robert Walton • March 16, 2015

How wind can become America's biggest single energy source by mid-century

A U.S. Department of Energy study shows wind will soon be competitive with the cheapest generating resources, with or without subsidies.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 16, 2015

Maine PUC study values solar at 33 cents/KWh, more than double the price of utility power

Environmental groups hailed the study but said it still undervalues the resource.

By Robert Walton • March 13, 2015

DOE study: Wind to reach 35% of U.S. power supply by 2050

Wind to be cost-competitive without subsidies by 2030 and cut power prices 2% by 2050

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Colorado bill calls for 'alternative utility revenue models'

HB 1250 would reform utilities to better serve distributed generation, customer choice.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Why SRP's controversial demand charge unlocks a huge opportunity for solar-plus-storage

The utility wants customers to help with peak demand but they may buy batteries instead of more SRP electricity.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 12, 2015

Opinion: How solar advocates are overvaluing DG solar

Ashley Brown, executive director of the Harvard Electricity Policy Group, argues that rooftop solar is valuable, but should not be paid at full retail value. 

By Ashley Brown • March 12, 2015

Vermont House passes 75% by 2032 renewable energy mandate

A special provision of the bill targets fossil fuel reductions.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

ISO New England warns of threat to grid reliability over gas supply shortage

“Thousands of megawatts of generation” are at risk if there is a major gas pipeline outage, according to ISO NE. 

By Herman K. Trabish • March 11, 2015

Solar made up 32% of all new U.S. generating capacity in 2014

The $17.8 billion market broke records for new utility-scale and residential builds.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 10, 2015

SolarCity pushes into Texas market

The nation's leading residential solar installer wants to awaken "a sleeping giant" — the Texas solar market. 

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Senate votes to broaden definition of 'renewable' in RPS

The proposal would allow any investment that reduces carbon to comply with utility renewable requirements.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Black & Veatch: Why fixed charges are a solution to the solar conundrum

B&V's Dr. Overcast explains why utility fixed charges are an efficient price signal to consumers. 

By Dr. H. Edwin Overcast • March 10, 2015

Facing lower gas prices, Duke Energy wants to cut solar rates in North Carolina

The utility said cheaper natural gas was behind the request for lower rates.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Washington Post: Utility industry is 'waging a campaign' against rooftop solar

Back in 2012, the industry identified rooftop solar as a long-term threat to its business model, according to documents.

By Robert Walton • March 10, 2015

Xcel asks regulators to change community solar rules in Minnesota

The utility got over 400 applications for solar garden arrays in less than 3 months.

By Herman K. Trabish • March 9, 2015