US Senate approves tax bill with provision to hobble solar, wind tax credits
The bill will now be reconciled with the House version, which does not contain the BEAT provision. The Solar Energy Industry Association says that it has four Senators who support “fixes”, but was not able to get a modification to the Senate bill.
Californian project recognised for demonstrating solar’s supply of grid services
California’s grid operator (ISO) says that a joint National Renewable Energy Lab, First Solar and the California Independent System Operator project shows that renewable energy plants with smart inverter technology can provide grid services similar to, or in some cases better than conventional generation.
Lazard shows ongoing cost declines in solar
The consultancy’s 2017 study finds that the global cost of utility-scale solar has reached an unsubsidized LCOE of under US$50 per megawatt-hour, making new solar cost-competitive with running existing coal or nuclear plants.
The clock ticks: ITC turns Section 201 over to President Trump
With the receipt of the final report by the ITC, the Trump Administration now has 60 days to take action on the Section 201 case. The probability of restrictive tariffs is high, a move that will likely have impacts on the global solar industry.
Solar Saves Lives: The U.S. solar industry launches major hurricane relief effort
The Solar Foundation and 20 solar companies and organizations have joined forces with the Clinton Foundation, Operation Blessing and others to help bring power and clean water to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
U.S. utilities step up attempts to increase fixed charges, minimum bills
The latest report by North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center shows that American utilities are trying the same tactics to gain more revenue from and/or stop their customers from going solar. But their success rate has not changed.
U.S. thin film PV maker Stion to discontinue operations
The Mississippi-based CIGS manufacturer cites “intense” competition from imports.
