Smaller, leaner Vivint Solar moves to direct sales (with chart)
Like other large U.S. third-party solar companies Vivint is increasingly moving away from the leasing model to direct sales.
SunPower’s losses continue during Q1
The high-efficiency solar manufacturer is still bleeding red ink, as it begins shipping its lower-cost P-Series modules and continues its restructuring.
California grid operator gets ready for August eclipse (with graph)
With California getting a higher portion of its electricity from solar than any non-island nation, the stakes are high with this summer’s eclipse. Fortunately, Europe has already been down this road.
Minnesota’s solar market is growing fast (with chart)
Minnesota installed 203 MW-DC of solar during the first quarter, adding to 207 MW deployed in 2016. The state is expecting to reach more than 800 MW of installed capacity by the end of this year.
Tesla scales down solar deployment in Q1, readies Solar Roof
The first full quarter since Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity shows a 30% fall in watts of solar deployed, as the company focuses on preparations for the roll-out of its Solar Roof and Model 3 electric vehicle, including expanded battery production.
U.S. utilities try new tactics to discourage solar, but still aren’t getting what they want
The latest NCCETC report on state solar policies finds some new twists as part of an ongoing attempt by utilities to weaken the economics of customer-owned solar, but regulators still mostly aren’t on board.
U.S. power company NRG continues moving into solar during Q1
Despite a challenging financial environment, NRG continues its solar expansion, including an increasing presence in community solar.
First Solar reports strong Q1 results as it readies for Series 6
First Solar brought in a net profit on the sale of a major solar project, as it orders tools and prepares for the switch to its large-format series 6.
Report: Near-total renewable energy systems cheaper than gas in 2030 (w/ chart)
A report released last week by Climate Policy Initiative stresses flexibility and shows how energy storage and limited gas generation can support a power system dominated by renewables at a lower cost than conventional generation.
Dominion to add 990 MW of solar PV in the United States over the next five years
The U.S. utility sites the falling cost of utility-scale solar for the expanded role, and the large majority of solar plants will be located in North Carolina.
