California Requiring Solar Panels on All Newly Built Homes by 2020

Earlier this month it was announced that the state of California will now require any homes built in 2020 and after to be outfitted with #solar panels. In a historic move, the Building Standards Commission for the state voted in an unanimous decision to add this new provision to California’s already strict solar and renewable #energy goals. Requiring all new homes in 2020 and beyond to be solar-powered is a mandate not yet seen before by any other state or organization in the United States. This is just another move in a series of steps California has taken in order to become a primary leader in solar energy utility production in the nation. 

Solar Options for Homeowners 

Beginning in 2020, homebuyers in California and those building homes in the state will have several options for implementing solar panels. Homeowners can decide to buy the solar panels upfront at cost, lease the solar panels, or enter into something known as a power purchase agreement with solar developers. Power purchase agreements are common among solar energy providers and the customers they serve. Typically, a power purchase agreement, or an electricity power agreement as it is sometimes called, will outline certain legal conditions between a customer and their solar energy service provider. Most often, non-profit organizations and other similar entities may be able to take advantage of these types of solar energy contracts in order to help reduce the cost of the solar panels overall. Additionally, homeowners may also be able to take advantage of community solar panels, instead of having to install solar panels separately to each individual home. 

Solar Cost Savings Over time 

Executive Director for the Building Standards Commission, Drew Bohan, mentioned in an interview with National Public Radio that the addition of these panels to homes in the state will save individual homeowners upwards of $19,000 over the time span of a 30-year mortgage. These savings, thanks to the solar panels, will ultimately offset the initial building and construction costs of rooftop solar panels, according to Bohan. The solar panels for new homes may add an additional $10,000 in construction costs for homes up front, but the Building Standards Commission and other California officials are confident that this investment in solar energy panels is ultimately worth it and will balance out, especially as lower energy bills over time add up in savings. 

Addressing Real Estate Market Cost Impacts 

Earlier this month, a public hearing was held where various concerns were addressed in regard to this new solar energy provision. Many wondered how it might affect the already pricey housing market. Additionally, especially in wake of the recent fires that have devastated portions of California, some questioned if solar panels becoming a requirement might hinder those in the rebuilding process due to additional and newly mandated costs. Cost savings overtime and the long-term impacts solar panels will have for homeowners over the lifespan of their homes have state and energy officials sure that this is ultimately the best possible move for the state, residents, and the housing market as a whole. Officials are determined to work together with real estate developers, industry groups, and local communities in order to help keep costs low.  

Working Towards the Bigger Picture 

Overall, support for the implementation of solar panels for new homes by 2020 has been largely supported and celebrated by environmental leaders, solar energy companies, and other renewable utility advocacy groups. This unprecedented and bold mandate will be positive for the state of California and its residents overall, as well as set a standard for other states to follow in the future. 

California has proven time and time again in recent years that solar energy utility and renewable energy are at the top of the priority list. The state’s position as a leader and example in the solar energy realm only continues to grow with each passing season. These new solar energy provisions, which require solar panels for new homes, are just a small part of a larger picture for the state of California when it comes to solar energy. These and other requirements are intended to push California closer to their ultimate goal of establishing 100 percent renewable utility by the year 2045.  

Resources:

https://ift.tt/2RGGGaR 

https://ift.tt/2rmGrGf 

Solar Could Become Most Affordable Form of Energy in U.k.

In the British Isles, the price to generate #solar electricity has dropped below previous predictions. By the year 2030, solar costs could be in the ballpark of $50USD/MWh.

Thanks to changes made with certain policies, the #Solar Trade Association (STA) has modified its evaluation of solar’s #LCOE (levelized cost of electricity), or the price of electricity per unit over the lifespan of a project. The solar market in the U.K. is gearing up to see some changes in the year 2019 after a recent period of inactivity. Basically, industry expectations for the year 2019 have already been defied because of technology, and solar is on the path to becoming the least expensive source of #energy in the U.K.

This is a huge step in a positive direction.

Beating Solar Expectations

Regardless of policy complications, a report printed by Solar Trade Association claims that solar’s levelized cost of electricity has dropped more rapidly than was predicted back in 2014. Policy complications include the extension of tariffs on solar imports, and a surge of taxes on solar generation. Clearly, solar costs are still dropping as the solar power market continues to be on a fast-track to some serious growth.

Nicholas Gall, policy analyst for Solar Trade Association, discussed how the solar power market is outpacing official cost estimates, and that the hope is to see revitalization in terms of the solar market in the U.K. He wants decision-makers to comprehend how policy contexts which are effective can permit lower costs for solar. This, of course, is a perk for consumers.

Solar Costs Are Falling

Back in 2014, Solar Trade Association predicted the LCOE for solar to fall around GBP 80/MWh. However, the latest report estimates solar’s LCOE will fall between GBP 50 and GBP 60/MWh in 2019. This, of course, would make solar very competitive with onshore wind and gas. The previous estimates were made based on the assumed elimination of tariffs and continuous steadiness with regard to financial and policy support.

Solar Trade Association believes that with the right policies, by the year 2030, solar generation could see costs as low as GBP 40. STA is calling on the government to bring together policies – including supporting the commercial sector through a climate change tariff exemption for clean energy obtained from a corporate power purchase arrangement, technology neutral auctions, and restructuring rules for network access.

As per Chris Hewett, Solar Trade Association Chief Executive, there is a strong message for corporate energy buyers and government – that solar electricity is reasonable in comparison to fossil fuels in terms of costs. Moreover, by having the right policies in place for solar and storage, technology could reach its full potential with the help of the government, in delivering an inexpensive, low carbon energy system.

Solar has already attained costs lower than $30/MWh in high isolation rate markets, and although costs in Europe are still slightly higher than this, there is a great deal of potential for these cost reductions to endure. In the majority of the world’s major economies, according to BloombergNEF, wind and solar are the cheapest energy sources.

Price Drops, Huge Projects and Big Goals

A study was recently released regarding obtaining 100 percent renewables by 2050 in Europe, and in accordance with this study, it is predicted that LCOE’s are expected to decrease substantially in Europe by the year 2050. What could these price drops lead to? Well, for one, they could lead to large-scale PV projects becoming as competitive as onshore wind power and gas turbines. Maintenance and operations costs are also dropping, and solar equipment is being built to last longer. Panel degradation is slower than formerly believed, too, as conversion efficiency is dropping.

All of this is good news for those interested in saving money on their electric bills, enjoying a healthier planet, and making the world a cleaner, better place. Using clean, renewable energy is so important, which is why places all across the planet are making the decision to make moves in this direction. Keep following solar news to stay on top of changes happening across the globe – there are great things to come!

Sources:

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2018/12/12/solar-could-soon-be-uks-cheapest-source-of-energy/

https://www.power-technology.com/news/uk-solar-power-sta/

 

Rhode Island Building Solar Plants on Top of Former Landfills

CME #Energy, Hectate Energy, and many other supports in the area are bringing this innovation of #solar plants on landfills to life. This is the second solar energy landfill project to be completed in a series of projects knowns as the Forbes Street Solar Project II (FSSPII). This second solar landfill project will be nearly identical to the first solar energy project, capable of generating 3 megawatts of photovoltaic energy and producing around 5.35 gigawatts hours of electricity per year. Based on the project’s location and the size of the solar plant altogether, this second solar energy project in the series for Rhode Island will produce enough energy to service up to 500 households in the area. 

The first solar landfill project was completed around 5 years ago in conjunction with Narragansett Electric Company, and was placed on top of a capped and abandoned landfill, which was in service up until 1979. Both Hectate and CME believed in repurposing the landfill site for a more productive use. These initial unifying goals led to the partnership between CME and Hectate and the continual involvement they have had as a unit in establishing newer, cleaner and more efficient ways of utilizing property and optimizing existing structure for solar energy construction purposes. 

The Power of the CME and Hecate Energy Partnership 

Preston Shultz, Hecate Energy’s development director told Solar Energy World last month that he is proud to be a part of a team that is using the latest in solar energy expertise and innovation to help solve the environmental and energy problems that have sprung from the consistent use of traditional utility sources in the past decades. Shultz continued on, stating that this latest solar energy project is just another proud addition to their portfolio solution-based projects, in which they are helping to advance solar energy implementation across the country. 

Additionally, CME is humbled to partner with Hecate to help bring the solar energy landfill projects to life. William Martin, President of CME Energy, mentioned several important factors that make FSSPII so influential for Rhode Island energy utility, but also for solar energy innovation as a whole. For one, the solar energy landfill project offers a brand new renewable and clean energy source via solar utility for consumers and customers in the region. Second, using a former landfill, a property which constitutes few other uses, offers a way to revitalize a space that in other circumstances may be deemed useless. Next, solar energy landfill projects offer a brand-new revenue stream for the city and state economies. Lastly, the solar project helps protect our environment, not only by reusing natual land space but with mechanisms that will ultimately help the planet heal. 

Recognized for Their Innovation in the Solar Community 

Grow Smart Rhode Island recognized FSSPII as an outstanding Smart Growth Project, being described as a solar utility innovation that offers a primary example of maintaining environmental integrity while also implementing new solar energy utilities and resources. Additionally, the Forbes Street Solar project, the first of its kind in the series, built back in 2015, received a Clean Energy Future Award, along with being named best renewable energy project in the state of Rhode Island. 

Even Carol Grant, Rhode Island state energy commissioner, expressed her confidence in the project and the smart use of former spaces for more productive means, like solar utility. She believes the work that CME and Hecate Energy are doing with landfills is an example for other solar utility and renewable energy companies to follow. Recyling former landfills to be made into solar energy production sites is essentially a win-win or the environment. Grant also is encouraged by the progression and implementation of the solar energy landfill projects, as they are in conjunction with helping Rhode Island reach their goal to grow clean and renewable energy supply in the state ten-fold by 2020. 

Resources 

https://ift.tt/2QI2OnT 

https://ift.tt/2Patgl9 

Second Biggest Solar Array in Long Island Is Coming Online

In #Long Island, NY, the former #Tallgrass Golf Course in Shoreham is about to go solar. Toward the end of November, it was announced by a Duke #Energy subsidiary that a 24.9 megawatt #solar array is getting ready to launch in the most recent wave of comprehensive solar energy projects. The focus on renewable energy is clearly becoming more and more popular, and this is very exciting news!

What’s Happening?

This massive #solar project was sold to Duke Energy in 2017 after being developed by Invenergy. The expectation is that 3,500 homes will be able to be powered by the amount of solar energy produced. There is a 20-year contract with Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) and the cost will be roughly $177 million. Since July, it has been producing power. Shoreham Solar Commons, where the solar project is located, is roughly 60 miles east of Manhattan.

The solar project sits on 150 acres. Another solar project is nearby on 60 acres. Both of these properties were previously owned by DeLalio Sod Farms. Some demonstrated concern regarding home values that might be impacted by the huge field of panels. However, according to people like #Jane Bonner, Brookhaven Town Councilwoman, the solar arrays are a passive use of the property. She stated that tax payments from this solar project are anticipated to go up to $900,000 per year, for the fire departments, local library and primarily for the Shoreham/Wading River school district.

Shoreham Solar Commons

Shoreham Solar Commons is the Invenergy array and it is the second biggest on Long Island. Number one is Brookhaven National Laboratory’s solar farm. However, the title isn’t expected to hold for too long. Why? Because Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) has contracted for numerous other big solar arrays on farmland as well as other plots of land in Riverhead/Calverton. According to Public Service Electric and Gas Company (#PSEG) Long Island’s director of power resources and contract management, Jim Parmalee, one of these solar arrays will be a 36-megawatt project that might be up and running by the year 2020. He anticipates bigger solar projects in the future because of more land becoming available and technology continuing to develop. This makes sense and it is an obvious step in a positive direction for our planet.

More than 50 business, energy and community leaders came out to a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month for the #Shoreham Solar Commons Project. The goal is to provide renewable energy to customers that they can afford. Who doesn’t want to use clean energy in an effort to improve our planet and overall heath, for a price that is budget-friendly?

President of Duke Energy Renewables and Distributed Energy Technology Rob Caldwell expressed excitement over being part of the first large-scale renewables venture in New York State. Caldwell discussed how the solar project is going to deliver environmental and economic benefits alike to both the state of New York and the local community. If this sounds like a concept worth talking about, that’s because it is!

Why Is This Solar Project So Important?

Integrating this massive solar project into the Long Island Electric System offers many benefits. It offers clean energy and assists Long Island in lowering its fossil fuel dependence, according to vice president of power markets, PSEG Long Island’s Paul Napoli. The goal, for the record, is for New York State to achieve 50 percent renewable energy by the year 2030.

Here are the key points to keep in mind: as previously mentioned, this impressive solar project has the ability to generate up to $900,000 in annual tax revenue. The clean energy produced could end up displacing tons of greenhouse gas emissions – think 29,000 tons a year. Close to one million megawatt hours of renewable energy could be produced over its lifetime.

The second largest solar array in Long Island has a lot to offer. Continue following solar news so you can stay in the know regarding the latest developments!

Sources:

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/solar-project-shoreham-1.24380143

https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/duke-energy-renewables-and-invenergy-host-ribbon-cutting-ceremony-for-shoreham-solar-commons-project-on-long-island-2018-11-27

 

Community Solar Programs: Determine the Good Ones

Definition of Community #Solar 

Before determining the difference between a good and bad community solar program there is the importance of knowing the definition of community solar. Most often renewable #energy is installed upon an independent building with solar or ground panels, producing the electricity for each individual location first.  

The popularity of community solar exists as well, especially among those locations where there are a number of homes or buildings combined where there wouldn’t be convenient access to effective panel installation on the roof or ground. Basically, the community solar program works in the same manner as the fossil fuel and other carbon-based power grids that maintain the electricity of entire cities and regions. 

The Need for Community Solar 

Solar power is effective for low-cost community energy, and while it may not be completely difficult there is a decent amount of planning that is required. In some communities, buildings do not have the access or enough room for the solar panels to provide energy for all the units included, and other buildings may not have either enough roof-based or ground-based solar accessible space to have panels that will collect enough energy.  

Cells including photovoltaics may only fulfill renewable energy needs in part, therefore solar is needed in a much larger capacity. In this way, the need for community solar comes into play. With many nonprofits and other community charities, there has been the growth for the solar programs that provide renewable energy for buildings and units that are not able to do so on their own.  

Sometimes corporate buyers even find this out when there is not enough sun-accessible space on their office property for the transfer to solar. With the drop-in cost for both the purchase and installation of solar panels, there is much to gain from the movement to solar. However, without the ability of all buildings to independently install renewable energy there is a need for the current power grids to be replaced by solar in these cases.  

With the rise of consumer demand, increasing market, and expanding access for homeowners and renters alike, additionally for shaded properties, there is an added reason for the production of community solar systems. Community solar programs will have financial benefits for those involved as well as other economic improvements in those regions working toward cost-cutting, carbon reductions, and many other improvements.  

Preparation and Setup for Community Solar 

Well over half the country (36 states) already has community solar moving actively. Much success has been found from those in practice the longest, and there is still a great amount of positive work being done on those in progress for setup and initiation. Both in setting up the community solar program and keeping it running, there are certain steps that have been put into place. These include the following: 

1. Growth of solar access: Enough PV capacity is required to satisfy the demand, with a focus on guaranteeing low-income customers a decent share. 
2. Rates should go down: Community solar best practices include bill credits, not premiums. Financing should be paid by the bill, not paying deposits or up-front costs that are not returnable. 
3. Must be economically beneficial: Programs led by utilities work with scaled economies and strategies that gain land and minimize development costs. 
4. Consumer experience: Protection should be included, and bills should clearly reflect easy payment. Subscriptions should be transferrable. 
5. Programs should be competitive: Drive down ratepayer costs, becoming consumer-friendly. Therefore, developers of community solar programs should use local workers and pay the best wages. 
6. Program optimization for maximum benefit: Place PV projects at locations where community solar provides grid resiliency and community development (i.e. when located at or near a school could be paired with a micro grid working for the school). 
7. The project must complement existing programs: Community solar projects bring additional renewable elections and pair with other programs benefiting the population including like workforce development, STEM education, and helping low-income households pay utilities. 

Advancement of U.S. Solar Programs 

American cities are continually growing toward the desire for complete reliance on renewable energy. In this case, community solar programs are becoming more common. While existing community solar is about one gigawatt currently, it is expected to increase to about 50-80 gigawatts within the next decade. This is much to be seen for the potential of solar as it will continue to grow for all of us. 

On top of community solar there is also the development of community choice aggregation. In this platform local governments negotiate the purchase of large-scale renewable energy through utility companies. While this is only available in a few states at this time it has the potential to grow into other areas very soon. 

In addition, national promotion of solar is growing incredibly even with the White House placing great emphasis on the need for coal in the American economy. Luckily, the number of solar incentives available to taxpayers across the country, the SolSmart program also helps with the adoption of community solar. The Solar Foundation runs this program in an effort to help local governments with solar permitting processes and incredible competition for marketplace growth. 

Reference:
https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/17/how-to-tell-a-good-community-solar-program-from-a-bad-one/ 

 

Solar and Wind Production Increasing in Germany

Big changes are happening in #Germany. The country plans on increasing #energy generation from #solar and wind farms by an additional 8 gigawatts (GW) through the year 2021. More specifically, the governing coalition in Germany has approved supplemental tenders to add 4 gigawatts of solar in addition to 4 gigawatts of wind onshore. The government, as it seems, is attempting to make up for its choice to previously abandon firm emissions objectives.

The arrangement was accepted by the Social Democratic Party and Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Union alliance earlier this year. In said agreement, there was a pledge to add 4 gigawatts of solar and an equal amount of onshore wind through special auctions. There is an obvious dedication to going solar and shifting the focus to clean, renewable energy. This is something we are seeing across the globe, and for good reason! But why the change in Germany?

Solar-Friendly Changes and Improvements

What led to this solar-friendly decision? What is changing in this beautiful country? Well, in Germany, power capacity has been increasing over the last few years as it relates to wind and solar by 5 gigawatts per year. And the 8 gigawatt solar and wind increase through 2021 is going to be in addition to these numbers. The fear was that Germany was at risk of missing its 2020 national emissions objective if no additional steps were taken, to some extent due to a higher than anticipated population and robust economic development. Boosting solar energy and clean energy generation overall seems to be a no-brainer.

Note: Government strategies to boost solar/clean energy production were approved by the Bundestag lower house (one of the legislative chambers of the Federal Republic of Germany) toward the end of November.

Perhaps just as exciting, there is a new objective which has been set forth by the government to increase the share of solar and green energy in the country’s consumption of electricity by the year 2030 to 65 percent (which is up from a third this past year).

According to this plan, the solar energy production subsidy will be cut to just under 9 euro cents, down from 11.09 euro cents.

Other Key Changes in Germany Worth Talking About

It is also worth noting that German electric utility, #Greenpeace Energy, planned a takeover bid for power plants and lignite open-cast mines presently belonging to RWE (German electric utilities company). The goal? To shut them down over the course of the next seven years. What would happen to these power plants? They would be replaced with #solar power and wind power plants! Clearly, solar and clean energy are becoming quite popular.

Why the Interest in Solar?

Why the push toward solar? People everywhere are enticed by solar and other clean energy sources for various reasons – one being a desire to save money on their utility bills. They also have an interest in helping the environment. Additionally, many believe that going solar is better for their health. It would be difficult to argue with these concepts. All across the globe, solar power is on the rise. As a matter of fact, according to Trinasolar, experts believe that solar power could become the largest source of electricity in the world by the year 2050. According to the same source, a pair of reports were released by the International Energy Agency representing a map outlining how up to 16 percent of the world’s electricity could be produced by solar PV systems. Moreover, an additional 11 percent of generation could come from solar thermal electricity. Let’s say these numbers are realistic – by the year 2050, this would drop global emissions each year by more than 6 billion tons of carbon dioxide.

The numbers are fantastic. It is great to see countries all across the globe taking advantage of the benefits of clean, green energy like solar power. Think about how clean/solar energy is being used where you live – are you seeing changes take place around you? What could your neighborhood or city do to make a positive difference for our planet? Perhaps others should follow Germany’s lead! Stay in the know by continuing to follow the latest solar news!

 Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-energy/germany-to-increase-wind-and-solar-power-production-idUSKCN1NZ252

https://cleantechnica.com/2018/11/30/what-changed-in-the-solar-energy-industry-in-november/

https://www.trinasolar.com/us/resources/blog/why-solar-power-so-popular

https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/germany-greenlights-tenders-8-gw-of-onshore-wind-solar-capacity

 

 

Solar PV Generation on Track to Dominate

Year to date over the course of 2017 to 2018, in accordance with the #Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration, electricity generation from #solar PV grew just under 30 percent. This year, #solar PV has only provided a little more than 2.3 percent of the total electricity produced in America. While development of solar PV generation is slowing down, it is still on track to dominate. Read on for more information on changes to anticipate. Clean #energy is certainly seeing a great deal of popularity in the United States, and it’s easy to see why!

Clean Energy Growth

Solar wasn’t the only form of energy to grow – natural gas expanded by roughly 15 percent from a big base; coal has actually been down just under 5.5 percent; wind happens to be up 14 percent; and nuclear is up a little more than 2 percent. In the first nine months of the year, solar and wind equaled 8.7 percent of all electricity.

Electricity generation would be expected to increase if the United States were to deploy close to an equal amount of solar capacity as it did in 2017, in 2018. Therefore, the progression of overall solar electricity would drop to roughly 22 percent, which would be the lowest rate of growth over the last 10 years. But this doesn’t mean solar won’t continue to be an extremely popular form of energy.

Growth Over Previous Years

How do these #solar growth rates compare to previous years? Take a look…

In 2015 over 2014, rates were roughly 35 percent. In 2016 and 2017 over previous year, the number was 44 percent. From 2019 to 2022, expanded volumes of solar PV are anticipated to be installed. Toward the end of this time frame, rates of solar growth are expected to increase heavily.

A hypothetical analysis has suggested that if solar power were to gradually lessen its growth rate by just 5 percent a year from the 22 percent anticipated slower growth rate for the following year, the solar industry would actually generate roughly 40 percent of today’s electricity usage by the year 2038. Fast forward to the year 2038, and this model would propose a growth rate for solar electricity of 8.8 percent each year, which is roughly a quarter of this year’s anticipated growth rate.

Let’s say in 2020 through 2022 that the volume for solar deployed in 2017 and 2018 doubles. If this ends up being the case, clearly there will be a premature leap in rates of solar growth. While this rate of solar growth would not be quite as high as in 2016 through 2017, there would be no question that progression is still taking place. To put it simply, we would hit 40 percent of total electricity around the year 2027 if this year’s 29 percent solar growth rate stayed the same over the next 10 years. This rate of development would likely be unmanageable.

The numbers can understandably become quite confusing. But to give a better idea of how fast solar PV generation is developing, let’s look at some information provided by #Solar Energy Industries Association (#SEIA). According to seia.org, in Q2 2018, 2.3 GW of solar PV capacity was installed in the United States, which equates to just over 58 GW of total installed capacity, and this is enough to power 11 million homes in America. These numbers are indicative of a 7 percent quarter over quarter decrease and a 9 percent year over year decrease. But also according to Solar Energy Industries Association, over the course of the next five years, total installed solar PV capacity in the United States is expected to at least double. And the expectation is that by the year 2023, more than 14 GW of PV capacity will be installed each year.

The numbers are holding strong, regardless of which way you look at it. Solar PV generation is on track to dominate in the United States. Keep following solar news so you stay in the know regarding new information coming out regarding clean energy.

Sources:

https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2018/11/30/solar-pv-electricity-generation-grows-29/

https://www.seia.org/us-solar-market-insight