The weekend read: California’s solar and wind integration challenge
As a leader in the global energy transition, California is putting some of the highest levels of solar and wind on its grid in the world to date. And while the state’s grid operator has made some progress, the integration of these resources is currently limited not by physics, but by market rules and operational practices.
First Solar sees manufacturing hiccups, but bookings remain strong
The thin film PV maker reports difficulties in ramping its new Series 6 product, as well as pressure from module price collapses.
Monitoring consolidation: AlsoEnergy acquires skytron, Draker
The renewable energy software company will keep the skytron brand and platform, as well as providing services for Draker’s customers.
Facebook, Pacific Power plan 437 MW of solar in US
Two projects totaling 100 MW will be built by Invenergy to serve the company’s data center in Prineville, Oregon
Renewable energy brings California emissions below 1990 levels
The U.S. state’s latest report shows that it has beat its 2020 target for emissions reductions four years early, mostly thanks to more renewable energy.
Pennsylvania lays out a plan for 11 GW of solar by 2030
The state’s environmental department has participated in a study which calls for the state to increase installed solar 36-fold, to reach 10% of all generation by 2030.
US: Mixed impact of proposed Section 301 tariffs on inverter makers
GTM Research says the 10% tariffs that the Trump Administration is calling for are “significant”, and some companies and sectors will be affected more than others.
US proposes 10% tariffs on inverters, AC modules, non-lithium batteries from China
As the trade war escalates, PV inverters, solar panels with attached microinverters and battery storage products other than those which utilize lithium-ion chemistry, may be the latest victims.
China’s Chint investigates US solar manufacturing
The company is planning pilot U.S. inverter assembly in Texas, while it scouts for manufacturing locations in the U.S. Midwest.
Panasonic mulls further investment in Tesla battery gigafactory as shortages loom
The suggestion of additional investments beyond the $1.6 billion follows reports of battery cell shortages as Tesla’s Model 3 picks up production. It is unknown what impacts this will have on Tesla’s stationary storage business.
