National Lab Explores Resource Planning of Western Utilities
In a recent report, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory summarizes the Integrated Resource Plans of major Western U.S. utilities to assess their assumptions about future changes within the electricity markets they serve.
U.S. Solar Industry Records Second Largest Quarter Ever
WASHINGTON, D.C. AND BOSTON, MA — GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today released U.S. Solar Market Insight: 3rd Quarter 2013, the definitive analysis of solar power markets in the U.S., with strategic state-specific data for 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
SEIA Leadership Urges Industry to Unite in Face of Challenges
CHICAGO, IL -- Speaking at the opening session of Solar Power International 2013 -- the largest solar trade show in America -- Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association delivered the following remarks:Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to Chicago. Welcome to SPI 2013. And welcome to the Big Leagues.
SEIA Welcomes American Honda Motor Company as New Member
Another iconic, blue-chip automaker has joined the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). American Honda Motor Co., Inc. is a strong advocate of renewable energy – both here in the U.S. and around the world – and is working with SEIA and others to further the deployment of solar energy in America.
U.S. Installs 832 MW of Solar PV in Q2 2013, According to New U.S. Solar Market Insight Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. AND BOSTON, MA — GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association® (SEIA®) today release U.S. Solar Market Insight: 2nd Quarter 2013, the definitive analysis of solar power markets in the U.S., with strategic state-specific data for 28 U.S. states and the District of Columbia.
America’s Solar Industry Looks to Play Key Role in Grid Modernization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reacting to a new report issued today by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says its members are well-positioned to assist efforts to modernize the U.S. electric grid and to make it more resilient in the future when pounded by severe weather.SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement after the report’s release:
California Solar Initiative 2013 Annual Program Assessment
In July 2013, the CPUC issued its annual report on the progress of the California Solar Initiative, showing that the program has installed 66 percent of its total goal, with another 19 percent reserved in pending projects. This equals an estimated 1,629 megawatts (MW) of installed solar capacity at 167,878 customer sites in the investor-owned utility territories through the end of the first quarter of 2013, enough to power approximately 150,000 homes and avoid building three power plants.
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.
Impact of Financial Structure on the Cost of Solar Energy.
To stimulate investment in renewable energy generation projects, the federal government developed a series of support structures that reduce taxes for eligible investors--the investment tax credit, the production tax credit, and accelerated depreciation. The nature of these tax incentives often requires an outside investor and a complex financial arrangement to allocate risk and reward among the parties.
Federal and State Structures to Support Financing Utility-Scale Solar Projects and the Business Models Designed to Utilize Them.
Utility-scale solar projects have grown rapidly in number and size over the last few years, driven in part by strong renewable portfolio standards (RPS) and federal incentives designed to stimulate investment in renewable energy technologies. This report provides an overview of such policies, as well as the project financial structures they enable, based on industry literature, publicly available data, and questionnaires conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).