Concentrating Solar Power with Storage Provides High Grid Value
A recent NREL report finds that concentrating solar power systems (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) provide value to the grid that is $30/MWh to $51/MWh higher than conventional base load generation. The analysis focused on grid performance in California under a 33% renewable scenario.
Enabling Greater Penetration of Solar Power via the Use of CSP with Thermal Energy Storage.
At high penetration of solar generation there are a number of challenges to economically integrating this variable and uncertain resource. These include the limited coincidence between the solar resource and normal demand patterns and limited flexibility of conventional generators to accommodate variable generation resources. Of the large number of technologies that can be used to enable greater penetration of variable generators, concentrating solar power (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) presents a number of advantages.
Simulating the Value of Concentrating Solar Power with Thermal Energy Storage in a Production Cost Model.
Concentrating solar power (CSP) deployed with thermal energy storage (TES) provides a dispatchable source of renewable energy. The value of CSP with TES, as with other potential generation resources, needs to be established using traditional utility planning tools. Production cost models, which simulate the operation of grid, are often used to estimate the operational value of different generation mixes. CSP with TES has historically had limited analysis in commercial production simulations. This document describes the implementation of CSP with TES in a commercial production cost model.
Utility-Scale Concentrating Solar Power and Photovoltaic Projects: A Technology and Market Overview.
Over the last several years, solar energy technologies have been, or are in the process of being, deployed at unprecedented levels. A critical recent development, resulting from the massive scale of projects in progress or recently completed, is having the power sold directly to electric utilities. Such 'utility-scale' systems offer the opportunity to deploy solar technologies far faster than the traditional 'behind-the-meter' projects designed to offset retail load.
Renewable Energy Finance Tracking Initiative (REFTI) Solar Trend Analysis.
This report is a summary of the finance trends for small-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects (PV <1 MW), large-scale PV projects (PV greater than or equal to 1 MW), and concentrated solar power projects as reported in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's Renewable Energy Finance Tracking Initiative (REFTI). The report presents REFTI data during the five quarterly periods from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the first half of 2011.
SEIA Statement on House Committee Approval of No More Solyndras Act
WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce approved H.R. 6213, the No More Solyndras Act, by a vote of 29-19. Rhone Resch, President and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®), issued the following statement on the legislation:
Annual Solar Energy Report Demonstrates Record Growth of U.S. Market After Two Years with Investment Tax Credits
Today the Solar Energy Industries Association released its 2007 U.S. Solar Industry Year in Review produced in conjunction with the Prometheus Institute. The report noted that 254 megawatts of photovoltaic and concentrating solar power were installed in 2007.
SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight Report: Strong US Solar Industry Growth for First Half of 2010
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) and GTM Research today released the inaugural U.S. Solar Market Insight™ report with data for the first half of 2010 showing significant growth in the U.S. solar industry despite the continuing struggles of the overall economy.
New Report Shows U.S. Solar Outpaces Global Market: PV Demand Grows 69 Percent Year-Over-Year
The U.S. solar energy industry continued its rapid growth through the second quarter of this year, gaining a greater share of the total global market according to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA)'s latest quarterly U.S. Solar Market Insight report.
SEIA Applauds Sec. Salazar for Progress on Utility-Scale Solar Projects
The Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) praised Interior Secretary Ken Salazar for his leadership that resulted in the groundbreaking today for the 1,000 megawatt (MW) Blythe Solar Power Project in Blythe, Calif., which will be the world's largest solar energy facility. The completed project is expected to generate enough electricity to power more than 200,000 households.