Originally published on Solar Love. A new study has concluded that utility-scale solar PV systems across the US are “significantly” more cost effective than rooftop solar PV systems. Specifically, the study, conducted by economists at global consulting firm The Brattle Group, found that utility-scale solar PV systems were more cost … [continued]
There’s no getting around the fact that clean energy took a popularity hit, particularly among Republicans, with the fossil lobby’s 2011 subterfuge: the phony Solyndra non-“scandal.” We can now say with confidence that there was never any “there there” (“hat tip” to normally pro-fossil fuels Joe Nocera, who wrote that … [continued]
A new report makes the case that electric utilities can get a “quadruple win” by converting their existing gas and diesel fleets to electric vehicle fleets.
Last year, the Edison Electric Institute predicted that the widespread adoption of renewable energy (especially on-site electricity generation) is going to destroy the traditional utility business model that power companies have been using for all these years. New research says: not so much. People do not want to have to pay … [continued]
Originally published on PV Solar Report. By Rosana Francescato Solar advocates around the country express varying views on the Value of Solar Tariff. Being proposed as an alternative to net metering, the policy has its pros and cons — but some worry that it imposes a tax on solar customers … [continued]
National utility trade association Edison Electric Institute (EEI) has admitted that its members are pushing for solar taxes. Utilities across the country are lobbying for Value of Solar Tariffs (VOSTs), which require solar homeowners to sell the solar power they generate to the utility. That sale triggers substantial taxation for … [continued]
Originally published on PV Solar Report. Net metering continues to be a theme for solar, with legislative victories in several states. Massachusetts looks forward to favorable outcomes despite attempts to weaken net metering there. Last week, we reported on legislation in Massachusetts that would increase homeowners’ access to net metering … [continued]
Originally published on the ECOreport. The latest attempt to curtail net metering just occurred in Washington state. If HB 2176 had passed, utilities companies would have been able to obtain control of “leased energy” programs. Only the bill has been returned to committee, which, as this session is over, means … [continued]
Those of you who are following net metering battles across the country (and if you’re reading this, you likely are) may have heard that Duke Energy is speaking out publicly against net metering and rooftop solar. Just last week, Duke CEO Lynn Good met with local reporters and attacked net … [continued]
Originally published on Reviving Gaia by Roy L. Hales The relationship between Colorado’s rooftop solar industry and the state’s principal investor owned utility, Xcel, seemed good in 2012. Xcel had reason to be proud of the solar topped schools, homes and libraries that it had partnered with local installers on … [continued]
