The New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) has issued a report to Governor Kathy Hochul, requesting a raised target for the state’s distributed solar targets.

NYSEIA specifically requested an increased target for the buildout of distributed solar projects, which are typically installed on rooftops, carports or other built-environment locations for homes and businesses.

Under New York’s current climate strategy, the state targets 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030. NYSEIA has called for this to be doubled five years later, reaching 20 GW by 2035.

NYSEIA projects achieving this goal would lead to $50 billion in gross electric bill savings; $3 to $4 billion in revenue for rural landowners, municipalities and school districts; and support an additional 15,000 jobs in the solar industry.

New York is a leader in distributed solar buildout. About 90% of the state’s solar capacity is distributed, a much higher percentage than solar heavy states like California and Texas that have invested heavily in large, centralized utility-scale projects.

New York added more than 800 MW of distributed solar capacity last year alone and is on track to surpass 6 GW by the end of 2024, one year ahead of schedule.

“Scaling up distributed solar deployment will deliver cost-effective progress toward New York’s overall climate goals while delivering immense benefits to New York’s environment, economy, and working families,” said Noah Ginsburg, executive director, NYSEIA.

In 2019, New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), directing New York to be powered with 70% renewable energy by 2030, 100% renewable energy by 2040, and a carbon neutral economy by 2050. 

Since then, a wave of high-profile utility-scale renewable project cancellations has jeopardized the feasibility of achieving 70% renewable energy by 2030, said NYSEIA.

“As New York struggles to meet its ambitious renewable energy mandates, legislative leaders and regulators must take decisive action,” said Ginsburg.

In 2023, Governor Hochul enacted a 10-point action plan to get utility-scale renewable projects back on track. However, NYSEIA said while utility-scale projects are important, they are not enough to meet New York’s mandates. To double solar cumulative solar deployment in six short years, distributed rooftop solar can be deployed rapidly to fill the gap.

There is hope yet for New York to achieve its climate goals. Solar deployment has grown at an average 31% annual growth from 2013-2022. To reach the new 20 GW by 2035 goal, the state will need to sustain 7-10% annual growth in deployment. NYSEIA said this was driven in part by the state’s leading community solar program.

NYSEIA advocates for the following policy changes to achieve the goal:

• Interconnection reform and flexible interconnection to lower clean energy costs and accelerate deployment 
• Streamlined permitting for rooftop and community solar
• Virtual power plant programs and dynamic rate design to compensate distributed solar and energy storage for exporting power when and where it’s needed
• Continued investment in New York’s nation-leading community solar programs to provide even more direct bill savings to low-income New Yorkers

“Distributed solar has performed so well in New York because it fits the nature of our state,” said Senator Pete Harckham, chair of the environmental conservation committee. “We have a unique mix of urban, suburban, and rural communities that can support a diverse portfolio of renewable energy projects, and it’s time we lean into our character as a state.”

Find the full roadmap here.

• David Rogers, founder & CEO of Amp Energy, welcomes Andy Hoffman, CFA, to the team as its newest Chief Financial Officer, joining from The Carlyle Group, where he led the origination, structuring, and underwriting of private credit real asset transactions within the firm’s $5B+ AUM Infrastructure Credit platform.
• Matthew Dorsen just joined Deriva Energy as their new Director of Development.
• Jiwan Singh is announcing their new role as Director of Engineering at Atwell, LLC.

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New York policy authorizes $814.6 million to fund energy storage The new order puts the state on track to install 6 GW of energy storage by 2030.

Utility-scale solar development: Good planning makes good neighbors A recent study by Berkeley Lab, the University of Michigan, and Michigan State University found that sharing plans for large-scale solar projects with local residents improves the perception of such sites.

GCL says perovskite solar module passes silicon degradation tests At Intersolar Europe, the Chinese manufacturer said the perovskite-silicon tandem module would cost 50% of a crystalline silicon module that costs $0.15 per W, meaning $0.075 per W.

A look at the prevailing wage and apprenticeship final rule Taxpayers seeking to claim the highest available investment and/or production tax credits for renewable energy projects must comply with the prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements.

Spontaneous glass breakage on solar panels on the rise The National Renewable Energy Laboratory noted an increase in spontaneous glass breakage in solar panels. The PV Module Index from the Renewable Energy Test Center investigates this and other glass-related trends in solar manufacturing.

In case you missed it: Five big solar stories in the news this week  pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.

The New York State Public Service Commission approved a new framework for New York to achieve 6 GW of energy storage by 2030, representing at least 20% of the peak electricity load of New York State.

The original Energy Storage Order was developed in 2018 and had a target of 3 GW of energy storage. However, New York set ambitious clean energy goals through the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, including generating 70% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 and 100% zero emission electricity by 2040. The new order doubles the energy storage goals set in 2018, increasing the target to 6 GW by 2030.

The funding authorizes $814.6 million in total energy storage funding, which breaks down to $675 million for 1.5 GW of community and C&I energy storage incentives, $100 million for 200 MW of residential incentives, and $39.6 million for program administration.

“Expanding energy storage technology is a key component to building New York’s clean energy future and reaching our climate goals,” said Governor Hochul. “This new framework provides New York with the resources it needs to speed up our transition to a green economy, while ensuring the reliability and resilience of our grid.”

According to New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), these future procurements, combined with the 1.3 GW of existing energy storage being procured or already under contract and getting closer to commercial operation, will allow New York to achieve its 6 GW goal by 2030. NYSERDA reports that as of April 1, 2024, New York has awarded about $200 million to support approximately 396 MW of operating energy storage in the state.

“Governor Hochul has long been a staunch supporter of energy storage development in New York State, and with her steadfast support, we have been able to develop this roadmap to guide New York away from fossil-burning power plants to a clean energy economy,” said Rory M. Christian, chair of the Public Service Commission.

The Roadmap includes:

• 3,000 MW of new bulk storage, enough to power approximately one million homes for up to four hours, to be procured through a new competitive Index Storage Credit mechanism;
• Use of at least 35% of program funding to support projects that deliver benefits to Disadvantaged Communities (DACs) and that target fossil fuel peaker plant emissions reductions, with program carve-outs for projects sited in the downstate region, given its high concentration of DACs and peaker plants;
• Requiring electric utilities to study the potential of high-value energy storage projects toward providing cost-effective transmission and distribution services not currently available through existing markets;
• Continued prioritization by existing programs on investing in R&D related to reliable long-duration energy storage technologies; and
• Requiring payment of prevailing wage for energy storage projects with a capacity of 1 MW and above.
• Fire safety requirements must be in NYSERDA Implementation Plans, reflecting recommendations from the Fire Safety Working Group.

“By setting clear and ambitious targets for energy storage deployment and creating robust incentive structures for both retail and residential projects, this order lays the foundation for a cleaner, more reliable energy grid. NYSEIA applauds the dedication and vision of these agencies, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration to achieve these critical goals for the benefit of all New Yorkers” New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) said.

The roadmap will support a buildout of storage deployments estimated to reduce projected future statewide electric system costs by nearly $2 billion, according to NYSERDA, in addition to further benefits in the form of improved public health because of reduced exposure to harmful fossil fuel pollutants.

“With more renewable generation than any other state on the east coast, deep duration storage is only going to become more critical to keeping the lights on as New York continues to work towards its decarbonization goals,” said Jordan Cole, chief commercial officer of Hydrostor. “New York has recognized that 8+ hour storage is needed to move the energy transition forward while maintaining the reliability of the grid, and we’re confident that other states will follow. We look forward to working with NYSERDA on its implementation plan.”

Next steps to be taken include the development of implementation plans by NYSERDA, which will include stakeholder input. The commission will then review and approve the plans before the incentives are made available.

• David Rogers, founder & CEO of Amp Energy, welcomes Andy Hoffman, CFA, to the team as its newest Chief Financial Officer, joining from The Carlyle Group, where he led the origination, structuring, and underwriting of private credit real asset transactions within the firm’s $5B+ AUM Infrastructure Credit platform.
• Matthew Dorsen just joined Deriva Energy as their new Director of Development.
• Jiwan Singh is announcing their new role as Director of Engineering at Atwell, LLC.

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New York State’s “Renewable Optimization and Energy Storage Innovation Program” is dedicating $5 million to support long duration energy storage (LDES) projects, with project applications due by September 24, 2024 at 3 PM EST. This funding, administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), targets innovative solutions capable of delivering energy storage for durations of 10 to 100 hours, within the specified technical categories:

1. Electrochemical:
   • Including flow batteries and advanced battery solutions
2. Mechanical
   • Innovative pumped hydro and compressed air/gas solutions
   • Mechanical/gravity energy storage
   • Geomechanical energy storage
3. Thermal
   • Pumped heat electrical energy storage
   • Thermophotovoltaic (TPV) storage
   • Innovative mediums such as water, sand, molten salts, and rocks

Now in its third iteration, the program finances up to 50% of each approved project’s cost. It prioritizes projects that tackle renewable integration challenges like grid congestion, hosting capacity constraints, and the siting limitations of lithium-ion batteries in New York City. NYSERDA seeks to support technologies that are not yet commercially scaled and are still in developmental stages. Eligible expenses include product development and demonstration projects.

Additionally, the application package stipulates that companies receiving awards must not conduct business in or with Russia.

Proposal evaluation criteria

The proposal scoring criteria lists twenty-eight questions, including:

• Is the proposed work technically feasible, innovative, and superior to existing alternatives?
• Are the fundamental scientific principles well understood and clearly articulated?
• Does the proposed solution have strong potential for commercialization, addressing demonstrated customer needs and significant market opportunities?
• Is there an appropriate plan for performance monitoring and data analysis included in the proposal?
• To what extent will there be economic benefits in New York State in the form of subsequent commercial activity and economic growth?
• How widely can the technology be deployed, both in New York and globally?
• How realistic is the schedule for achieving the goals of the proposed project?
• How significant is the commercial potential of this technology?

This funding round follows significant investments in previous years. In the summer of 2023, four demonstration projects received nearly $4 million. Ecolectro was granted just over $1 million to advance sustainable hydrogen technologies; Form Energy received $1.2 million for their iron flow batteries; Polyjule deployed a 167 kW/2 MWh plastic-based battery with slightly over $1 million; and Urban Power was awarded about $700,000 to develop a 100 kW/1 MWh zinc battery.

In 2022, Borrego Solar, JC Solution, Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station, Power to Hydrogen, and Roccera were awarded $16.6 million to develop long-duration energy storage solutions. This funding effort was part of a broader initiative that began in 2020, when New York embarked on a project with Zinc8 to develop long-duration zinc energy storage. Following successful development, Zinc8 decided to manufacture its zinc-air batteries in New York State.

As shown in chart above, New York targets significant energy storage milestones by 2050: achieving 10.4 GW over four hours (41.2 GWh) and 6.7 GW over eight hours (53.6 GWh), pushing toward a total of nearly 100 GWh in bulk energy storage. Yet, as of early 2023, despite its mention in the state’s energy roadmap, New York has not quantified energy storage capacities exceeding ten hours.

People on the move: 3E, Pure Power Engineering, Crux, CMBlu, and more Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.

New York invests $5 million in agrivoltaics The Empire State seeks “active farming,” such as cattle grazing, cannabis, corn, foraging, or specialty crops, on solar power sites. Offers up to $750,000 per site for demonstration projects that share data publicly.

Texas gas station to save on costs with solar installation A Shell gas station is expected to save over $150,000 from a solar array installed on the roof of its pumping station.

Assessing solar asset operational risks A report from kWh Analytics shares new data on mitigating solar asset operational losses.

Solar module prices increase for first time in years, Anza reports Using its own database of price quotes, the Anza Q2 Pricing Insights Report highlights the first price increase in years as a result of AD/CVD petition and the reinstatement of bifacial import duties.

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) announced that $5 million is now available for demonstration projects that co-locate solar and agriculture within the state. Each project can receive up to $750,000. The state aims to expand the body of knowledge on the technical and financial viability of solar agrivoltaic facilities.

Participants in the program must agree to share data on the projects, including costs, benefits, lessons learned, and to host educational events open to the public.

Applications can be submitted through the NYSERDA website September 12, 2024, at 3 p.m.

Agrivoltaic facilities that are part of a larger solar facility should submit their application accounting only for the solar power area that is part of the agrivoltaic experiment. For instance, a 5 MW solar facility that integrates corn cultivation within 1 MW of solar panels should apply as a 1 MW agrivoltaic facility.

Agrivoltaic projects must be a minimum of 100 kW and are limited to 5 MWac.

According to NYSERDA summary documentation, eligible crops, livestock, and livestock products include, but are not limited to:

• Field crops, including corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, hay, potatoes and dry beans.
• Fruits, such as apples, peaches, grapes, cherries and berries.
• Vegetables, such as tomatoes, snap beans, cabbage, carrots, beets and onions.
• Horticultural specialties, including nursery stock, ornamental shrubs, ornamental trees, and flowers.
• Livestock and livestock products, including cattle, sheep, hogs, goats, horses, poultry, ratites (such as ostriches, emus, rheas and kiwis), farmed deer, farmed buffalo, fur bearing animals, wool bearing animals (such as alpacas and llamas), milk, eggs, and furs.
• Maple sap.
• Christmas trees derived from a managed Christmas tree operation whether dug for transplanting or cut from the stump.
• Aquaculture products, including fish, fish products, water plants and shellfish.
• Woody biomass, which means short rotation woody crops raised for bioenergy, and does not include farm woodland.
• Apiary products, including honey, beeswax, royal jelly, bee pollen, propolis, package bees, nucs and queens. “Nucs” are defined as small honeybee colonies created from larger colonies, including the nuc box – a smaller version of a beehive, designed to hold up to five frames from an existing colony.
• Actively managed log-grown woodland mushrooms.
• Industrial hemp as defined in Section 505.

Projects that solely include pollinator-friendly ground cover, apiary installation and maintenance, sheep grazing, or crops for biofuel generation are not eligible.

The project application package includes a “General Eligibility Checklist.” A negative response to any of the questions on this form may disqualify the proposal from further consideration.

Source: NYSERDA

A variety of eligible groups, including solar developers, farmers, landowners, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and local governments, can submit projects. Individuals and business owners may also apply independently. Teams looking to enhance existing or under-development distributed solar projects must apply through the NY SUN portal and be certified as NY SUN contractors. Additionally, projects associated with the NYSERDA Large Scale Renewable program are eligible.

The total potential prize of $750,000 is split into two parts; it allocates up to $500,000 for funding incremental solar hardware to ensure the facility’s viability. The remaining $250,000 is designated to support the agricultural aspects of the project. Funding will cover no more than $0.50 per watt for the incremental costs of the solar power plant.

• Edgar Lim is starting a new position as Director of Business Development at Pure Power Engineering
• Hugo Lapie has joined 3E, a leader in the renewable energy industry, leaving Prescinto

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The  U.S. Solar Market Insight Q2 2024 report says 11 GW of new solar module manufacturing capacity came online in the United States during Q1 2024, the largest quarter of solar manufacturing growth in American history.

The report, released by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie, estimates that total U.S. solar module manufacturing capacity now exceeds 26 GW annually.

In addition to solar manufacturing, the U.S. is also quickly ramping up solar installations. With 11.8 GW of new solar capacity installed thus far in 2024, total capacity now stands at 200 GW in the United States. The utility-scale segment alone accounts for nearly 10 GW of the new capacity added.

The report shows that the U.S. added over 40 GW of new solar capacity last year, and Wood Mackenzie now projects that the U.S. is on target to achieve the same goal in 2024.

“This quarter proves that new federal investments in clean energy are revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening our nation’s energy economy,” said SEIA president and CEO Abigail Ross Hopper. “Whether it’s a billion-dollar investment in a nearby solar project or a new manufacturing plant employing hundreds of local workers, the solar and storage industry is uplifting communities in every state across this country.”

The report points to Florida and Texas as leaders in new solar capacity in Q1. Florida installed 2.7 GW in Q1 and Texas 2.6 GW. California, historically a solar leader, falls into third place with 1.4 GW of new installs; however, it is notable that in 2023, Texas installed nearly 12 GW, while California was about 6.4 GW. New Mexico is another leading market with 686 MW installed in Q1, with Ohio following close behind at 546 MW. Bringing up the bottom is North Dakota, Alabama and Alaska.

“The U.S. solar industry continues to show strength in terms of deployments,” said Michelle Davis, head of global solar at Wood Mackenzie and lead author of the report. “At the same time, the solar industry faces a number of challenges to its continued growth including availability of labor, high voltage equipment constraints, and continued trade policy uncertainty.”

The residential solar segment has been hard hit by high interest rates and unsupportive state policies. California, where the highly controversial NEM 3.0 went into effect, experienced its worst quarter in two years. Overall the residential sector installed 1.3 GWdc in Q1, reflecting a 25% decline year-over-year and 18% quarter-over-quarter but going forward residential solar is expected to be steady.

Commercial solar showed 23% growth in 2023 and expected to grow by another 14% in 2024. This sector is somewhat buoyed by California projects that were submitted under NEM 2.0 still being in the interconnection queue.

Looking at community solar, installations resulted in 279 MWdc of new capacity in Q1, with New York topping the charts at 17% year-over-year in Q1 2024, making up 46% of national installed capacity.

Again, state policy changes in California are punching holes in a previously growing market. As a result of the CPUC’s vote on AB 2316, the report authors revised their five-year outlook for California and now expects just 200 MW rather than the 1.5 GW—an 87% decline. Overall the community solar market is expected to grow 4% in 2024, exceeding 1.3 GWdc of annual capacity.

Questions and challenges

With many unanswered questions about tariffs on imported solar modules and other components, the report contends that a tariff increase will not have a significant direct impact on the U.S. solar industry, given that the U.S. is importing less than 0.1% from China at the present time.

Moving forward, the report’s five-year outlooks expects the U.S. industry to install around 40 GWdc a year for the next five years. Trade policy uncertainty coupled with shortages in workers as well as high-voltage equipment, will keep overall growth in the single digits through 2029. The five year projection, however, is for U.S. solar capacity to grow to 438 GW by 2029.

• Katlyn Lawver has accepted a role as VP of Pre-Construction with Convergent Energy and Power after 9 years with Borrego / New Leaf Energy
• Raman Mall is starting a new position as Director, Transmission & Distribution Engineering at SaskPower
• Michael Williams started a new position as Senior Vice President of Sales at Catalyze
• Chris Kalowes started a new position as Senior Key Account Manager- Energy Storage at Sungrow Power Supply

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• Daniel Smith started a new position as Director of Development Engineering at Catalyze
• Katlyn Lawver started a new position as VP of Pre-Construction at Convergent Energy and Power
• Raman Mall started a new position as Director, transmission & Distribution Engineering at SaskPower
• Nicole Tomasin started a new position as Head of Sales, US at SolaX Power US

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Impact investment firm Advantage Capital announced the appointment of energy executive Steven Lichtin as managing director and chief executive officer of Advantage Capital Renewables. Lichtin brings nearly 15 years of experience developing solar and energy storage projects totaling over 10GWs in various markets across the U.S. Prior to joining Advantage Capital, he was Vice President of Development at CypressCreek Renewables, a renewable energy independent power producer (IPP).

Additional job moves provided by EnergeiaWorks:

• Darren Devine started a new position as Chief Financial Officer at Linea Energy
• Ty Baccile II was promoted to Director of Development at New Energy Equity
• Oran Arms started a new positions as Director of Business Development at Catalyze
• Emilie Wangerman started a new position as Chief Operating Officer at Lightsource BP

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The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has pre-qualified 79 private developers and investors to collaborate on the development of renewable energy generating projects, including solar, wind, battery storage, green hydrogen, geothermal, and related transmission.

The developers and investors were selected based on a Request for Information (RFI) issued in March that sought to assess potential interest and opportunities for renewable developers, contractors and companies. While the RFI was seeking developers across a range of renewable energy sectors, some were qualified only for one technology or category.

Respondents were assessed based on several considerations, including an evaluation of experience, financial overview, partnership structure customization and flexibility, knowledge of market dynamics and incentives, previous successful engagement within New York State, and team size and resources.

Those that were chosen are prequalified for 5 years and may now respond to both future Requests for Proposals (RFP) or other procurement offerings from NYPA.

“Through this solicitation we have identified 79 qualified potential partners that are eager to join with us to advance renewable energy generation at scale and help us advance the state’s bold climate agenda,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll. “We are confident that building this stable of prequalified companies will allow NYP to move forward decisively in deploying additional renewable energy generation for the benefit of all New Yorkers.”

New York State’s nation-leading energy goals has set it on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. In 2019, New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which established objectives and requirements aimed at addressing climate change and guiding the state toward a clean energy-based economy.

With solar as a strong part of the clean energy mix, the state created a framework to achieve at least 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030, enough to annually power nearly 700,000 average-sized homes. That framework provides a strategy to expand the state’s already successful NY-Sun initiative into one of the largest and most inclusive solar programs of its kind in the nation.

The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget provided NYPA with enhanced authority over renewable energy generation and storage projects to help support the state’s renewable energy goals. In addition, new renewable projects will support the new

REACH program, which aims to enable low-income and moderate-income electricity customers to receive bill credits through the production of renewable energy by NYPA.

 The RFQ will remain open and additional participants may still submit qualification. Also NYPA says that companies that did not qualify for this solicitation may respond to future procurement actions that may better align with their business models.

“We are very encouraged by such a positive response to our RFQ,” said Vennela Yadhati, NYPA vice president of renewable project development. “Having a deep bench of qualified partners will allow us to proceed deliberately and expeditiously as projects are identified.”

NYPA will now proceed with a planning process that will include conferrals and public hearings on its renewable energy development strategic plan, which NYPA will publish in January 2025.

The U.S. recently exceeded five million solar installations, with the residential sector accounting for 97% of all solar installations in the U.S., according to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie.

A recent report, The state(s) of distributed solar—2023 update from the Institute of Local Self Reliance (ILSR), estimates that 29 GW of solar capacity was installed in 2023; 31% of which is distributed solar. Distributed solar is solar that is owned by individuals, small businesses and public entities—and is generated at or very near the site where it is used.

The map below shows how much distributed solar was installed in each state through 2023, relative to population.

For the purposes of the map, community solar in Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, and Oregon is included as distributed solar.

To arrive at these figures, ILSR added its own figures on state community solar capacity to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) figures on small-scale photovoltaic capacity by state. This sum was divided by state population estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, resulting in a figure of watts per person. The U.S. EIA did not collect data from Alabama or North Dakota.

A key finding is that 21 states and the District of Columbia have a distributed solar saturation of more than 100 watts per capita.

California, Arizona, Nevada, and Massachusetts all land in the top ten for both distributed solar saturation and total solar generation capacity.

California, Texas, Florida, and North Carolina have the largest overall capacity whereas Hawaii, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and California have the greatest distributed solar saturation, as measured in installed distributed solar capacity per capita.

Several state solar markets have made significant changes since ISLR’s 2022 update. Installed distributed capacity grew by more than 1 GW in Texas (6 GW), California (4.7 GW), Florida (2.5 GW), Ohio (1.8 GW), Virginia (1.2 GW), and Colorado (1.1 GW).

Five states doubled or more than doubled installed capacity in 2023, including South Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Arkansas. While doubling capacity is good news, it still may not amount to much as both South Dakota and West Virginia are considered “solar laggards” according to PV Intel’s analysis, based on EIA data.

Other states that saw strong growth include Wisconsin, Indiana, Montana, Louisiana, Maine, and Michigan.

Community solar

Community solar provides a way for people to benefit from solar energy who may be unable to install solar either due to financial restrictions or because they do not have a suitable rooftop for solar.

ILSR’s 2024 Community Power Scorecard states that “a model community solar policy has no cap, has a fair compensation rate, simplifies the billing process for subscribers, meaningfully accounts for the challenge of reaching low- and moderate-income (LMI) subscribers, and rewards other beneficial development or small subscriber-friendly practices”.

ILSR reports that state policies like community solar, net metering, simplified interconnection rules and a renewable portfolio standard carve-out for distributed energy are crucial in promoting the adoption of distributed solar.

The distributed solar report notes that 19 states and the District of  Columbia currently have community solar policies and highlights nine states that ILSR calls “solar-enabling” for their strong community solar policies and installed capacity.

Total installed community solar capacity at the end of 2023:

1. New York 1.72 GW
2. Minnesota 904 MW
3. Massachusetts 852 MW
4. Illinois 251 MW
5. Maryland 149 MW
6. Colorado 147 MW
7. New Jersey 137 MW
8. Oregon 29 MW
9. Hawaii 4 MW

ILSR tracks these policies and others in its Community Power Map. According to the ILSR’s Community Power Scorecard, 26 received failing grades in 2024, suggesting that many states have much room for improvement.

ILSR’s State(s) of Distributed Solar analysis is updated annually. For a historical snapshot, explore archived analyses of distributed solar by state in 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

U.S. government doubles tariff rates on PV cell imports from China to 50% The administration of President Joe Biden raised tariff rates on PV cell imports from China from 25% to 50%. It also increased the tariff rates for semiconductors, electric vehicles, and EV batteries from China, among other goods.

PV players wrestle tariff threat and oversupply  The requirements of measures such as the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) mean that solar panel prices in the United States can be twice as much as in Europe. 

Midea unveils outdoor residential heat pump Midea says its new outdoor residential Evox G3 Heat Pump ranges in size from 1.5 tons to 5 tons, with a coefficient of performance of 1.8. It features enhanced vapor injection technology and uses A2L as the refrigerant.

People on the move: Schneider Electric, Lightsource bp, GoodFinch and more Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.

Catalyze secures $100 million to support 79 MW New York solar portfolio The funding comes from NY Green Bank, which is requiring that a significant percentage of solar project subscribers benefit disadvantaged communities.

Catalyze, a national independent power producer that finances, builds, owns and operates solar and battery storage systems, announced that it secured $100 million in financing from NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), to support a 79 MW portfolio of community distributed generation (CDG) solar projects across New York State.

“CDG is one of the most effective means of making solar energy more accessible to low-to-moderate income communities, and we look forward to how this partnership will support both the goals of NY Green Bank and New York State,” said Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze.

NY Green Bank is the oldest green bank in the nation and supports the state’s green economy, which was written into law under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. The Climate Act set the goal of economy-wide carbon neutrality by mandating an 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 100% clean electric grid by 2040. This includes a goal of installing 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025, on the path to 10 GW by 2030.

The NY Green Bank’s mission is to collaborate with the private sector to “transform financing markets in ways that accelerate clean energy investments, combat climate change, and equitably deliver both economic and environmental benefits to all New Yorkers.”

The transaction requires that a significant percentage of solar project subscribers benefit disadvantaged communities.

“As our first term loan using a sale-leaseback structure for a CDG portfolio, coupled with a minimum 65% subscriber commitment benefiting historically disadvantaged communities, this transaction underscores NY Green Bank’s unique ability to provide innovative financing solutions that support the equitable distribution of clean energy,” said Andrew Kessler, president of NY Green Bank.

Schneider Electric announced the appointment of Ruben Llanes as CEO of Digital Grid, the company’s line of business that accelerates grid modernization through cutting-edge digital management software. Under Ruben’s leadership, Digital Grid will continue its mission of helping customers modernize their grid systems by maximizing resources and minimizing ecological footprints, helping to drive the industry’s global green energy transition. 

Lightsource bp is announced the appointment of Emilie Wangerman as its chief operating officer (COO) of the United States and member of our executive team, effective immediately. Emilie will lead the growth and development of our ambitious U.S. portfolio. Wangerman has been an integral part of Lightsource bp since joining in late 2017 to significantly accelerate expansion into the U.S. market. Over the last seven months, Emilie has been acting as interim COO of the U.S.

Key Capture Energy, LLC, a leading developer, owner and operator of battery energy storage systems in the United States today announced that Joel Vyduna is joining its growing team as executive vice president of technology and will be a member of the company’s leadership team. In addition, two members of the KCE team were promoted: Taylor Quarles is now executive vice president of development and Jim Brown is executive vice president of engineering and construction.

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Kiterocket announced it has hired Jessica Fishman as director for its renewable energy practice. As the climate tech sector experiences exponential growth, Fishman will lead the agency’s renewable energy client portfolio and continue its proven track record of advancing brands advancing the world.

Fishman brings 20 years of experience as a strategic marketing leader. Prior to joining Kiterocket, she worked at leading clean energy companies including Conergy and AlsoEnergy where she led marketing and communications departments. Fishman also spent nearly seven years as head of global public and media relations at SolarEdge where she built a highly effective and efficient public and media relations department during a high-growth period, which included three acquisitions and an IPO. The company ultimately emerged as an industry thought leader with a multi-billion-dollar valuation.

Wood Mackenzie announced that Jason Liu has been appointed chief executive officer (CEO). Mr. Liu replaces former CEO Mark Brinin, who is departing to pursue other opportunities after successfully leading the company through its transformative carve-out.

Mr. Liu is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience leading growth-oriented, private equity-backed companies in the software and data industries. He most recently served as CEO of Zywave, a prominent provider of software, data, and analytics in the insurance technology space, where his strategic vision and operational execution doubled the size of the company and substantially enhanced its market position.

North America’s leading renewable energy search firm

A study by Cornell University, Exploring the Conditions of the New York Solar Workforce, surveyed more than 260 solar installation and maintenance workers in the state, finding significant disparity in pay and benefits, as well as safety concerns. 

In 2023, the national median annual wage of construction trade workers was $52,000, while the national median annual wage for solar photovoltaic installers was $48,230, and $23.46 per hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The New York solar workforce continues to grow, rising from an estimated 11,500 in 2022 to more than 14,500 in 2023. 

Most of the 260 survey respondents CJI interviewed were nonunion, full-time workers directly employed by solar companies between December 2021 and September 2023. 

The report found significant differences in compensation and benefits. Nearly 60% of workers surveyed reported having no benefits. Installation workers for utility-scale projects were the least likely to be paid an annual salary, and less likely to report longer employment tenures with their main employer. 

Cornell’s Climate Justice Institute (CJI) said the actual count can be difficult to trace, as many people work for multiple employers. More than 40% of respondents had at least two employers, and nearly a quarter worked for three or four. About two-thirds relocated to New York for solar jobs, mostly with large national companies, and more than 70 said they lived in one of 23 other states, including 53 people moving from as far as California. 

CJI found that Black and Hispanic workers were more likely than white workers to report not receiving benefits from their employment. Surveyed white workers were paid an annual salary nearly twice the median rate of Black and Hispanic workers. Black workers were more likely to be paid in cash than white workers and were also more likely to experience wage theft from their employer, but less likely to formally report wage theft, according to the report. 

About 34% of survey respondents said they are paid on a per-panel-installed basis, which CJI said is a safety and quality concern. 

“Previous literature has identified potential links between piece rate pay— which would include pay by panel— and adverse outcomes for workers,” said the Cornell report. ”The legality of piece rate pay, minimum wages, and transience across the solar sector must be analyzed further.” 

Most respondents indicated they held some level of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification. About 58% of the sample had an OSHA30 certification, 48% of the sample had an OSHA 10 certification, 39% of the sample had an OSHA Flagger certification, and 8% of sample had an OSHA scaffold certification. Only 2% of the sample indicated that they held no OSHA certifications. 

Another safety concern for solar workers on New York job sites is stimulant use. More than 50% of workers surveyed reported that they agreed stimulant use on their solar worksites in New York was a problem. 

The report warned that “pay-per-panel was associated with an increased likelihood to report stimulant use as an issue on solar worksites,” though CJI noted more research is needed on this correlation. 

CJI said “unionized workers are more likely to earn higher wages, tend to have reduced racial and gender pay gaps, are more likely to be covered by employer-provided benefits, and are more likely to report unsafe working conditions” based on a 2021 study by EPI.

CJI said it intends to do a follow-up study of unionized workers to compare with the results of this study.

“Research comparing union and nonunion workers in the solar industry may provide a more accurate view of the conditions that currently exist for solar workers, as well as the conditions that workers and policy makers can realistically aspire to achieve,” concluded the report. “It is possible that a highly skilled workforce that is treated well may produce higher-quality work that is on-time and on budget, with less turnover.”

TotalEnergies is constructing a 12 MW solar canopy in a long-term parking lot at John F. Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York. The solar will be paired with 7.5 MW / 25 MWh of battery energy storage to help reduce reliance on the electric grid during peak periods.

TotalEnergies will own, operate, and maintain the system, and recently signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for half the energy generated (6 MW) from the behind-the-meter portion of the project.

The other half the electricity generated is allocated as community solar, to be completed in phase two of the project. The plan is to deliver energy to Con Edison through the NYS Community Distributed Generation Program and provide guaranteed electric bill savings for 25 years to historically disadvantaged and environmentally impacted households located in nearby Queens communities.

“We applaud Governor Hochul, PANYNJ and NYPA for their leadership on this unique project, which will not only make clean power accessible to millions of travelers who pass through JFK Airport each year, but also reduce electricity costs for residents of low-income neighborhoods in Queens,” said Marc-Antoine Pignon, managing director, TotalEnergies Renewables USA.

TotalEnergies told pv magazine USA that the project will be constructed on a canopy with a custom wave design. Included will be 32,000 Sunpower solar modules and 164 SMA inverters. There will also be five Tesla Megapack battery energy storage systems.

The project is expected to be placed in service in phases during 2025 and 2026. When complete, this JFK solar carport will produce enough clean energy to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 6,000 tons annually, equivalent to the greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 1,500 gasoline powered passenger vehicles driven for one year. It will also contribute to the Port Authority’s goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions across the agency’s facilities by 2050.

Last year another solar project was announced for JFK International Airport. The New Terminal One microgrid project will include 11.34 MW of rooftop solar with 2 MW / 4 MWh of lithium-ion batteries and 3.68 MW of combined heat and power (renewable natural gas) and hydrogen fuel cells. Electricity from this project is expected to meet 90% of the electrical needs of the terminal.

TotalEnergies has a portfolio of large-scale solar, battery storage, onsite B2B solar distributed generation and other renewable projects that are expected to generate up to 10 GW of clean power by 2025 and more than 25 GW by 2030. The company recently reached over 1.5 GW of renewable PPAs with over 600 industrial and commercial customers worldwide, of which 1.1 GW is already operational.

Over 10 million homes are located within one mile of the 8,000+ large-scale solar (LSS) projects, as reported by Energy Markets & Policy (EMP) at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. This number is expected to grow significantly, despite efforts by certain groups to spread falsehoods and hinder progress. Solar power does remain the most popular form of electricity nationwide, despite its popularity declining in more conservative and rural areas as a result of targeted attacks.

To better understand the perceptions of those living near solar power facilities, the EMP team, in collaboration with the University of Michigan, conducted a comprehensive, 12-page survey that explored 49 different aspects of living near LSS projects.

Data solicited from 4,974 households was published in ‘Perception of Large-Scale Solar Project Neighbors: Results from a National Survey’. The group shared the responses from 984 households located within three miles of 380 unique LSS projects, with 71% of these households located within one mile of the projects.

According to the EMP study, neighbor attitudes remained fairly consistent until projects surpassed 100 megawatts, at which point the sentiment shifted dramatically, displaying a 12 to 1 ratio of negative to positive responses. This strong opposition was closely linked to concerns about the impact on local aesthetics, overall quality of life, and perceptions of unfairness in the project planning process.

Notably, only 20% of those surveyed were aware of the projects before construction began, and about one-third discovered the projects’ existence only upon receiving the survey. Those who see large solar installations on a daily basis were significantly more likely to express negative attitudes toward these projects.

When asked about expanding LSS projects and other types of energy infrastructure, respondents showed the strongest support for rooftop solar, with less than 10% opposition. Support for new LSS projects ranked second, followed by wind energy, gas plants, pipelines, wells, and nuclear energy, in that order.

Interestingly, if a solar power project must be built, agrivoltaic projects (which integrate agriculture with photovoltaic systems to maximize land use) received the highest approval ratings, with less than 10% expressing a negative view, and 50% being positive or very positive.

The results showed that 85% of these neighbors held a positive or neutral view of their local solar power projects, 11% viewed them negatively, and 4% had a very negative perception. Attitudes were slightly less favorable among those living within a quarter mile of a facility.

Overall, support for constructing additional solar facilities was strong, with 42% in favor and only 18% opposed. However, attitudes shifted significantly as project sizes increased. Research from upstate New York echoed these findings, showing a change in perception when projects exceeded 50 acres.

Free solar projection tool beats commercial competition  NYSolarCast, a solar projection tool developed by the state of New York to handle its growing base of solar power facilities, demonstrated equal or superior performance compared to competing commercial alternatives, according to a year-long analysis.

Illinois agrivoltaic project successfully permitted, despite local challenge  The 4.95 MW Nesler Road agrivoltaic/community solar project will be installed on 36 acres and will grow hay along with generating enough clean, renewable solar energy to power 1,100 Illinois homes each year.

Livestream shows how eclipse impacts solar power production across the U.S.  The 2024 solar eclipse will bring a few minutes of total darkness to twelve states as it cuts its path from Texas to Maine, and interest in how it will affect solar production brings to light the importance of solar energy on today’s grid.

Federal community solar program extends $31 average monthly bill savings to low-income households Residents in eligible states can save on their electricity bills by subscribing to community solar via the Clean Energy Connector software. The Department of Energy is inviting more states to join the program, which vets solar providers and integrates consumer protections.

How much solar will be impacted by the solar eclipse points out how far solar has grown in the U.S. since the last eclipse in 2017. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that a combined 6.5 GW of solar capacity lies in the path of the full solar eclipse, also called the path of totality, with 84.8 GW that will experience the partial eclipse

“Total solar installations in the U.S. have increased threefold in the last seven years,” explained Guohui Yuan of the Solar Energy Technologies Office, which sponsors this study. “On a typical spring sunny day, solar photovoltaics will generate about 30% of the electricity used in Texas.”

The 2017 eclipse didn’t have much effect on solar energy production, however, solar contributed only 1.3% to the electrical grid at that time, according to the EIA. The EIA estimates that solar will provide 6% of U.S. electricity generation this year—a significant increase over 2017, and enough to cause some concern about the eclipse effect.

NREL researchers have calculated the following maximum power reduction from solar photovoltaics in the three interconnection regions:

• East: 71%
• West: 45%
• Texas: 93%

While Texas will experience the greatest overall reduction during the eclipse, the Eastern region’s power grid will be most affected due to the number of power plants on that region’s grid.

The researchers also modeled every independent system operator region and individual balancing areas (roughly on a utility-by-utility scale) across the country.

Maximum PV Reduction

“A systematic study of the impacts of the eclipse will provide valuable insights for grid operators across the country as they prepare for extreme weather events,” said Marilyn Jayachandran of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, a collaborator on the study.

The sun will be partially covered in major metropolitan areas for up to 3.5 hours and many in total darkness for as much as four minutes, requiring system operators to be prepared to meet a fast generation ramp rate. However, other weather events require that system operators build in enough diversity to energy systems so that utility customers will be ensured that there will not be a power outage.

Load rebalancing

How will they do this? While the researchers expect solar energy to decrease by 35.3 GWh during the time of the eclipse, assuming mostly sunny conditions across the country, the load will be rebalanced primarily by pumped hydropower storage (42%) and hydropower (24%), along with gas (30%), and a combination of oil-gas-steam (2%), and steam (2%).

Battery storage will also play a role by using stored solar and wind generation and discharging it when needed. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that 15.4 GW of battery storage is installed today in the U.S., compared to only 0.6 GW in 2017 during the last eclipse.

The ramp rates during the eclipse are expected to be two- to three-times higher than typical dawn and dusk ramp rates, NREL reports.

The U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and the North American Electric Reliability Corporation are evaluating the grid impacts and NREL will provide a livestream via Zoom, beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET.

pv magazine USA will report on the research team’s post-event analysis and the mitigation measures taken by grid operators.

Researchers have found that NYSolarCast, New York state’s dedicated tool for predicting solar generation forecasts, is often more accurate in predicting solar generation than existing tools, and is also updated more frequently, every 15 minutes. The study, NYSolarCast: A Solar Power Forecasting System for New York State, shows the tool’s proficiency in forecasting global horizontal irradiance (GHI) using data from various locations in the state, often outshining its commercial counterparts.

The New York Independent System Operator (ISO) region, exclusive to the Empire State, employs five-minute wholesale electricity settling periods, segmenting electricity sales into five-minute intervals for efficient grid distribution. With natural fluctuation from wind and solar energy, plus the addition of substantial and rapidly responsive energy storage systems, the utility of frequently updated electricity generation projections cannot be overstated. This step mirrors global advancements in energy management, similar to the significant industry shift witnessed when Australia commenced its transition to five-minute settlements.

NYSolarCast, developed by researchers from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in 2021, was tailored to help New York state manage its expanding solar power infrastructure. The tool’s forecasts of GHI, which is an indicator of potential electricity production from solar plants, are updated every 15 minutes at select solar farms and on an hourly basis for each zip code.

The tool’s predictive accuracy is honed by training on a plethora of data streams. This includes three years of real-world data from 10 utility-scale solar power plants and 490 distributed solar sites, paired with the corresponding weather conditions when available. These data points are further enriched by weather information from New York state’s expansive network of 126 NYS Mesonet stations.

NYSolarCast aligns its forecasts with the data from Mesonet weather stations, shown below:

The NYS Mesonet is a comprehensive network of 126 surface weather stations that deliver “real-time averaged observations at a temporal resolution of 5 minutes.” These stations, spaced approximately 19 miles apart, ensure at least one station per county across all 62 counties and the five boroughs of New York City. They monitor and transmit data on a variety of atmospheric parameters, including temperature, humidity, atmospheric pressure, GHI, wind velocity and direction, and precipitation.

The research team notes that while NYSolarCast is open source and therefore freely accessible and usable by all, it may serve best as a framework rather than direct code application. This is attributed to the distinct weather input features of New York state, which vary greatly from region to region, each necessitating tailored tools and resources.

The source code of the tool is available for download on GitHub.

When analyzing the data, the authors conducted tests to determine the importance of various predictors (factors that influence the accuracy of their solar generation forecasts). They discovered that certain key pieces of data, such as weather conditions or solar irradiance levels, were only relevant for a short period, around 45 minutes before conditions changed.

The authors observed that prediction errors varied throughout the day, with a noticeable increase in the late afternoon to evening hours. They attributed this rise in inaccuracies to the data becoming less current as the day progresses. While this time frame doesn’t align with the peak solar generation period of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the evening hours are often marked by higher electricity costs on the grid, making accurate predictions especially valuable.

Throughout a one-year validation period, wherein forecasts “were produced and delivered on a quasi-operational schedule,” the findings presented a complex and nuanced picture. Despite revealing various potential areas for improvement, the core results of the study remained clear:

NYSolarCast GHI forecasts overall out-performed both smart persistence and the NWP blended forecast of hourly-issued WRF-Solar and HRRR models at all intra-day (out to 6 hours) lead and valid times.

Furthermore, the forecasts made by NYSolarCast were “nearly always better” than those derived from tools situated precisely at the weather stations. This is likely because the tool could analyze real-time data straight from active solar farms, unlike weather stations, which had limited access to real-time data.

One potential area for improvement identified by the researchers is the integration of real-time data from the utility-scale solar facility pyranometers, which measure the intensity of solar radiation. Although this data contributed to the validation process, its inclusion in the predictive phase was hindered by the delay in data accessibility.

As a serial entrepreneur and advocate for environmental stewardship, I’ve navigated the complexities of various industries, but few have been as challenging – or as rewarding – as the journey to establish a solar farm on Long Island; New York.

The Middle Island Solar Farm (MISF) stands today as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Since its full operation in 2018, MISF has been generating 19.6 MW of electricity, equivalent to powering approximately 4,000 homes annually on Long Island.

Moreover, its clean energy output translates to removing the emissions of 6,000-8,000 cars from our roadways, a significant stride towards environmental sustainability. Witnessing the realization of my vision to utilize private investment for public welfare brings me immense satisfaction. However, the road to its success was fraught with obstacles that threatened to derail the project at every turn.

One of the most pervasive challenges we encountered was the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) mindset prevalent in many communities. Despite the undeniable benefits of solar energy – including reduced carbon emissions and energy independence – local opposition often arises, fueled by fear and misinformation. Overcoming this resistance requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to community engagement.

In addition to public perception, outdated zoning laws and bureaucratic red tape presented significant hurdles to the development of MISF. The arbitrary classification of solar farms as electric generating plants, coupled with convoluted regulatory processes, created unnecessary delays and added complexity to the approval process. Reforming these outdated laws and streamlining regulatory procedures are essential steps towards facilitating the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Furthermore, the influence of vested interests cannot be ignored. Established industries, threatened by the rise of sustainable energy, have wielded considerable power and resources to maintain the status quo. Lobbying efforts aimed at undermining clean energy initiatives perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels, hindering progress towards a greener future.

Despite these challenges, the case for clean energy investment remains stronger than ever. The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy are undeniable, with solar power emerging as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more conducive environment for investment.

Education and community engagement are crucial components of this effort. By dispelling myths and highlighting the tangible benefits of clean energy projects, we can garner public support and overcome opposition. Moreover, fostering partnerships between government agencies, businesses, and local communities can help streamline the approval process and expedite the development of renewable energy infrastructure.

Additionally, policymakers must prioritize sustainability and incentivize investment in clean energy initiatives. By implementing policies that promote renewable energy adoption and phase out subsidies for fossil fuels, we can level the playing field and create a more equitable energy landscape.

As we confront the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for decisive action has never been greater. By breaking down barriers to clean energy investment, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. It’s time to harness the power of innovation and collective action to build a world powered by clean, renewable energy. The time for change is now.

Jerry Rosengarten is a serial entrepreneur and advocate for environmental stewardship. He is the author of Jump on the Train: A Dyslexic Entrepreneur’s 50-Year Ride From The Leisure Suit to the Bowery Hotel and a New York Solar Farm.

New York State Governor Hochul announced $16 million is now available to advance hydrogen projects through the Hydrogen and Clean Fuel Program. The program funds research, development, and demonstration projects of clean hydrogen for industrial processes, transportation, energy storage, and grid support. 

The program is currently accepting funding applications for product development proposals and pilot demonstration projects. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2024. 

Clean or “green” hydrogen differs from traditional “blue” hydrogen, by using renewable energy sources like solar and wind rather than fossil fuel-based electricity. The buildout of clean hydrogen is expected to address hard-to-decarbonize end uses. 

The funding round comes as part of the pursuit of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal to transition to 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040, one of most ambitious state climate goals in the union. 

New York’s scoping plan calls for 18 GW of zero-carbon, firm, dispatchable long duration energy storage capacity is required by 2050. 

“New York is taking the lead to build a clean hydrogen ecosystem and growing the nascent industry,” said Governor Hochul. 

The program will be administered by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).  

“While tax credits included in the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act will significantly improve the economics of clean hydrogen projects, the reality is that individual states must also take direct action to accelerate domestic clean hydrogen production and use,” said Hydrogen and Low Carbon Fuels Regional Head DNV Amit Goyal.  

Funding for these initiatives is through the New York’s 10-year, $6 billion Clean Energy Fund (CEF) and the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). 

“NYSERDA’s initiative for industrial process heat applications, high volume dense storage, supporting microgrids and enabling heavy duty transport is exactly the kind of state-level support that is needed to complement federal incentives and help further catalyze the hydrogen economy,” said Goyal. 

Read more pv magazine USA coverage on hydrogen. 

The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) recently hosted its annual Finance, Tax, and Buyer’s Seminar in Times Square, New York City. This year’s seminar built on the main topic of 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), and explored its various facets in greater depth.

Key topics included the much-discussed tax credit transferability rules, the process of filing for and monetizing “elective pay” (also known as direct pay), domestic content and brownfield tax adders, capital structures, and the evolving finance structures as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Treasury Department continue to release financial guidance.

Tri Merit, a specialist in renewable energy tax credit solutions, presented “The Process for Monetization of Renewable Energy Tax Credits.” The presentation highlighted a significant talking point for selling solar to non-profits: to convert the IRA tax credit into a direct payment, the non-profit must file the IRS 990-T form.

Their presentation outlined the steps for submitting various applications to the IRS, including parts of the process currently delayed due to the development of necessary online tools that will allow for the submission of the required documents.

pv magazine USA’s discussion with Tri Merit revealed their approach of early collaboration with project developers and CPAs to develop financial models. Represented by Barry Define and Randy Burge, Tri Merit provides a comprehensive document for developers to integrate into their financial models. As projects progress, Tri Merit assists with finalizing documentation for IRS submission, working with tax professionals to fine-tune values and navigate IRS website forms.

Despite the purported simplicity of the tax credit transfer process, multiple presentations highlighted the risks and challenges associated with monetizing the credits, especially among larger organizations dealing in projects priced above $10 million. Foley & Lardner LLP, a law firm with extensive experience in tax and energy law, presented “General Overview of Tax Credit Transferability,” which delivered a wealth of high-level information on the subject.

The Foley presentation covered the risks of tax credit recapture by the IRS, which can occur when solar projects fail to meet the technical requirements that initially qualified them for tax benefits. These recapture risks are a major factor driving the extensive documentation requirements, which continue to include significant fees and recapture insurance, necessary to complete tax credit transfers.

The presentation also detailed the processes of the newly developed finance structure that has emerged with the introduction of transferability. This structure begins with the traditional tax equity finance model that has been in use for years, but it now incorporates an additional tax credit transfer step at the end. A key aspect of this process, which is more complex and costly than a simple tax credit transfer, is that it enables solar developers to include a “step up” (or development fee) in the transaction at an amount approved by the IRS. It also has the potential to monetize the project’s depreciation.

Residents in New York are planning to gather in Crown Heights, Brooklyn on March 7 to voice their support for Senate Bill S3596B, a bill that would increase the maximum state income tax credit for those who install residential solar projects at their residence.

Since 2006, New York has offered a Solar Tax Credit that is capped at $5,000 per household installing solar. The credit is sized at 25% of the system cost, or $5,000, whichever comes first. The new bill would double that cap to $10,000, allowing customers to offset state income taxes with a credit. It would retain the 25% installed system cost.

For eligible low- to moderate-income residents, the tax credit would also be available to be collected as a tax refund. Any remaining credit that exceeds the amount due in taxes would be paid as a refund.

If passed, solar projects installed after January 1, 2025 would be eligible for the heightened cap. Energy storage tied to a PV system would also be considered an eligible cost for the credit.

The bill states:

“Though residential solar provides a net savings in energy costs, the high upfront cost of installing solar panels is an obstacle that hinders homeowners across New York from fitting their roofs with solar. Indeed, with an initial installation cost in the five-figure range – a heavy lift for many families – it can take several years for residents to receive a return on their investment. Expanding the residential solar tax credit limit will make the installation of residential solar more affordable and accelerate its expansion, assisting the state in meeting our goals.” 

The support rally is taking place Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Participants will gather at 838 Park Place, Crown Heights, Brooklyn, an income-restricted co-op building with a rooftop solar canopy.

As of the first half of 2023, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) reported that over 5.8 GW of community solar had been installed across the United States. There are 41 states with at least one community solar project installed and operational, with at least 19 states recognizing the benefits of shared renewables by encouraging their growth through policy and programs. 

This sector is expected to grow considerably in a short time, with Wood Mackenzie projecting that cumulative installations could reach 14 GW by 2028, more than doubling the total in less than five years. 

Community solar allows residents, small businesses, organizations, and municipalities to subscribe to a portion of a solar asset’s electricity generation to receive credit on their electricity bills for the power it generates. One of the major benefits of community solar is it opens access to customers that may not have a suitable roof or financial situation for rooftop solar. 

As consumer protection practices, Department of Energy recommends that community solar programs ensure subscribers receive about 20% savings on their electricity bills, are not assessed exit or termination fees, and that compliance mechanisms are in place to ensure the community solar assets deliver on their expected generation. 

Community solar is in a nascent stage in many states, and requires more program structuring, regulatory support, and community engagement to build out. The report points to landmark markets like New York and Illinois that can serve as models for implementing a successful community solar program. 

“Near-term growth in Wood Mackenzie’s national outlook is driven by robust pipelines in existing state markets like New York and Illinois. Longer-term, newer state markets support lasting growth as mature markets saturate. Additionally, developers will begin to benefit from the incentives within the Inflation Reduction Act as soon as this year,” said Caitlin Connelly, research analyst for Wood Mackenzie. 

Wood Mackenzie expects 7.6 GWdc of new community solar will come online in existing state markets between 2024 and 2028, and the national total of community solar installations are expected to pass 10 GW of cumulative capacity in 2026.

The report said residential customers are representing an increasingly larger share of community solar subscriptions, suggesting a shift in focus for developers and providers. Low- and middle-income (LMI) customers rose from 2% of the customer base to 10% from 2022 to 2023, with costs to subscribe these customers declining 30% year-over-year. 

“The early years of community solar served almost exclusively commercial anchor customers; however, stricter LMI requirements in state programs and the availability of LMI-focused federal incentives are beginning to reveal a more well-rounded, community-focused subscriber profile,” said Connelly. 

There is some variability in the 14 GW by 2028 forecast by Wood Mackenzie. A bull case would raise the total by 13%, while the bear case decreases the national outlook by 38%. 

The ramp-up in installations is expected to be made possible in part by federal funding. The community solar industry will begin to experience the impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act as soon as this year, said Wood Mackenzie, and LMI credit adders will begin to be awarded. 

Wood Mackenzie noted that the LMI tax credit adder was in high demand, with applications totaling over eight times the allotted capacity. The industry also awaits the awards from the $7 billion Solar for All fund, which is expected to roll out in summer 2024. 

“I’m increasingly confident that we can leverage the transformational innovation of community solar products and the flexibility of programs to meet a diverse set of grid and policy goals in states across the country,” said Jeff Cramer, chief executive officer of the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “And what’s really exciting is that we’re seeing a significant uptick of residential and low-to-moderate income subscribers that will only grow exponentially as markets focus on these crucial customers.” 

RFP alert: New York Power Authority seeks proposals for 5.2 MW solar project NYPA looking for proposals for solar installation at State University of New York at Oneonta, preferably with a battery energy storage system. A second, non-lithium long-duration energy proposal is sought.

Stormy January impacts irradiance across North America In its weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that North America saw irradiance below average, primarily due to the stormy conditions that prevailed during the second half of January.

North Carolina appeals court weighs critical rooftop solar decision Environmental advocates appealed a cut to rooftop solar generation exports, arguing that utility Duke Energy ignored the benefits of customer-sited solar in its internal analysis of net metering rates.

Publicly traded solar installer Sunworks files for bankruptcy The residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural solar installer files for bankruptcy amid troubled macroeconomic conditions for distributed solar nationwide.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) is planning a 5.2 MW solar energy project on two separate parcels at the State University of New York at Oneonta, and prefers that developers also propose a battery energy storage system (BESS) to operate in parallel with the array

NYPA is requesting competitively priced proposals from developers, due by March 5.

The proposals should include design, development, construction, installation, financing as well as ownership, operation and maintenance of the solar project for the SUNY Oneonta. Proposals must demonstrate past success in these areas. NYPA encourages submissions to incorporate a battery energy BESS where possible, allowing energy to be stored when demand is low and used at a later time.

Evaluation criteria for the proposals will include price, technical competency, technical approach, strength of management team, financing availability and financial strength, risk analysis, and schedule for project delivery and completion.

“We’re excited to begin the planning process for the campus’ first on-site solar array. This project moves us closer to fulfilling one of the key elements of our Clean Energy Master Plan: reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. We’re looking forward to partnering with the New York Power Authority on this important initiative,” said Alberto J.F. Cardelle, SUNY Oneonta president.

The preliminary assessment has identified two sites on Ravine Parkway, one of which would host a 3 MW ground-mounted system on 60 acres of open area about a mile from the college. The second site would have a 2.2 MW ground-mounted system on a 7.5-acre parcel accessible from West Street. Developers are invited to participate in a walk-through at the site on Feb. 12.

Separately, SUNY Oneonta expects to participate in a grant-funded long-duration energy storage (LDES) project that will demonstrate a non-lithium-ion BESS technology on campus, behind-the-meter, in long-duration applications. The intent is to demonstrate the technology’s capabilities under various use cases to advance the product towards full-scale commercialization. To the extent possible, the vendor shall coordinate the solar or solar-plus-storage system with the planned LDES project. Details of the LDES project will be provided to the developer as they become available.

SUNY Oneonta recently completed its Clean Energy Master Plan that supports meeting the carbon reduction goals of the campus. The university is also subject to New York State Mandates and SUNY System Administration and State University Construction Fund Directives associated with energy and carbon reduction targets that include a goal of being carbon free by 2040.

Proposals are due March 5. For more information and to review the RFP, access NYPA’s Procurement site here.

Solar recycling headquarters and research lab opens in Arizona Backed by funding from leading corporations and institutions, Solarcycle sets up shop in Mesa, Arizona, to advance a circular economy for the solar industry.

IRS pre-registration portal open for IRA elective pay and transferable credits Registration through the portal is required to obtain a registration number to be included on the income tax return filings needed to claim direct cash payment or transfer credits.

Five drivers of New York City solar energy expansion Changing regulations, programs, and renewable energy targets are placing New York City on a path for increased solar buildout.

Increasing alternative energy standards would bring billions in investment to Pennsylvania Three business groups crunched the numbers and found that, if a 30% by 2030 plan was enacted, more than $13.1 billion could be invested in Pennsylvania in that time period and 129,000 jobs could be created.

Seven community solar projects to deliver bill savings to low-income residents Walmart, U.S Bancorp Impact Finance and Reactivate closed a tax equity transaction on the portfolio of solar projects in New York and Illinois.

Long-duration energy storage market to reach $223 billion in 20 years Alternatives to lithium-ion batteries are likely to emerge, according to a report on IDTechEx.

New York City faces unique challenges to meet its renewable energy goals, being a densely populated area with a robust built environment. Despite the challenges, the city is going all-in on solar with numerous supportive policies, changes in regulations, and programs to expand solar access. 

T.R. Ludwig, the chief executive officer of Brooklyn SolarWorks, an NYC-based installer, shared five ways that the city is driving growth in solar adoption.

1) City of Yes 

The City of Yes program is a broad change to New York City’s zoning regulations that seeks to modernize the city and make it more equitable and environmentally conscious. It has three major facets focused on housing opportunity, economic opportunity, and carbon neutrality.

The carbon neutrality section of the City of Yes program will remove existing zoning obstacles that severely limit how much space on a rooftop can be covered by solar panels, also known as setback requirements. It will also make it easier to install energy storage by loosening some of the strict zoning laws related to battery placement.

Among other changes, City of Yes is expected to open solar opportunities for more than 8,500 acres of parking lots across New York City. Ludwig said the changes present opportunities for rooftop solar development on more than 50,000 buildings and more than 1 million homes in NYC.

2) Property tax abatement

New York City has increased its property tax abatement from 20% to 30%. It covers 30% of solar panel installation costs by reducing property tax bills from the New York City Department of Finance incrementally for 4 consecutive years.

This is a tax abatement, which lowers the amount of property taxes owed by applying a credit.

3) Local Law 97

Local Law 97, taking effect this year, limits emissions for buildings greater than 25,000 square feet, requiring a reduction of emissions by 40% by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Buildings not in compliance are required to pay penalties.

This law dovetails with NYC Local Laws 92 and 94, also known as the Green Roof Law, which requires that all new roof construction must include either a green roof, a solar array, or a combination of both.

4) Low income communities bonus credit

The Inflation Reduction Act provides at least 30% and up to 70% of a solar project’s installed system cost in the form of a tax credit. The Low-Income Communities Bonus Credit program allows for up to 1.8 GW of eligible solar or wind capacity to be allocated credits each year. Read more about the program here.

5) Job creation

Ludwig said economic opportunity in the form of job creation will expand dramatically.

“The rising demand is being felt by the city’s developers and installers with the city’s comptroller predicting the creation of 13,000 clean-energy jobs over the next 8 years,” said Ludwig.

T.R. Ludwig is the CEO and co-founder of both Brooklyn SolarWorks and Brooklyn Solar Canopy Co. and serves as treasurer for New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA).

A recently completed portfolio of seven community solar projects in Illinois and New York is expected to help approximately 5,000 low- to moderate-income (LMI) households. Additional subscribers will be public schools, a municipality, non-LMI households, and various private organizations, including two affordable housing providers, a community recreation center, religious institutions, and a housing association.

The seven projects boast a combined capacity of 14.4 MWac, estimated to avert 667,788 metric tons of CO₂ emissions or the equivalent to eliminating 748 million pounds of coal burned over the lifespan of the projects.

The six Illinois community solar projects are located in Chicago Heights, Ford Heights, Monee, Granite City, and Rockford, and will serve qualifying customers of ComEd and Ameren. The New York solar project is located in Oswego County and will serve qualifying customers of National Grid.

Reactivate, a renewable energy company, in collaboration with Walmart and U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance closed a tax equity transaction on the portfolio.

According to Reactivate, 90% of the cost savings delivered by the projects will go to LMI households who will see a minimum 20% reduction on their retail electricity costs, up to the amount of their subscription to project output. Total customer savings from the projects in this investment are projected to exceed $17 million over the lifespan of the projects.

“Projects like Reactivate’s are shining examples of how renewable energy developers can distribute the direct benefits of grid-decarbonization to historically underserved communities,” said Clark Conlisk, vice president, assistant director of project management & impact capital at U.S. Bancorp Impact Finance. “For the LMI households subscribed to the project, the money that no longer must be spent to keep on the lights and A/C is a benefit to real people and empowers them to spend or save as they choose.”

Reactivate, founded by Invenergy and Lafayette Square, specializes in developing, owning and operating renewable energy projects that improve the lives LMI households and energy transition communities across the country. The company focuses on community solar, commercial and industrial, small utility-scale, energy storage, and EV charging projects.

Walmart set a goal to bring at least 2 GW of community solar projects in service by the end of 2030, and the retailer reports that this investment is an example of its energy transformation strategy of focusing on projects that make access to clean energy affordable, reliable, and equitable.

“Serving our customers and communities is core to our purpose at Walmart and our support of this high-impact portfolio demonstrates our continued commitment to that purpose,” said Frank Palladino, vice president, renewable energy strategy at Walmart. “These projects will assist in building a stronger and cleaner grid, expand access to clean energy for underserved communities and help people save money on their utility bills.”

As solar capacity increases, the grid impact of subsequent major solar events also increases. On April 8, a total eclipse will pass from Mexico, across Texas and up the East Coast, with most of the continental U.S. experiencing a significant drop in solar generation. The eclipse will occur from Noon to the early afternoon, when solar generation is at its highest. It is too early to predict weather conditions for the day, in particular high-resolution cloud modeling, so this analysis is based on clearsky data via the Solcast API.

Areas in the totality, where the moon completely blocks the sun, will see a 100% loss in solar generation for the duration of the totality. However, the overall effects of the eclipse will cost up to 16% of daily total clear sky irradiance in areas most affected.

While it is too early to predict the precise cloud impacts on the day, Grid Operators will already be preparing for the maximum potential impact, a temporary total loss of solar generation and a fast ramp of solar decreasing then increasing. For areas directly in the path of the eclipse, the maximum duration will be over 90 minutes of impacted generation, and a total loss of up to 6 minutes. In every grid analyzed, the rate at which solar generation drops off and then picks back up again, is faster than grids normally see in the morning and evening.

Due to the large proportion of utility scale assets in ERCOT, Texas will be heavily impacted by the effects of the eclipse. Individual assets will lose up to 16% of their daily irradiance, but the wide area covered by ERCOT means that the overall loss to the grid will be up to 11.7% of daily utility scale solar generation. At current capacity, that would be 16.9 GWh, though the rapid increase in capacity in ERCOT, and known projects coming online before April makes it likely this number could be higher. Solcast’s grid aggregation model shows that the ramp will be slightly steeper than normally seen in the morning or evening, peaking at a rate of 250 MW/minute. The fast change in generation is what can cause instability in the grid, so asset managers, energy traders and grid operators will be working to maintain stability whilst making the most of volatile energy prices.

As the eclipse moves up the East Coast, it will impact both NYISO and ISO-NE. These regions have less utility scale solar than Texas, so the impact will mostly be seen in ‘behind-the-meter’ residential rooftop solar generation. For each grid, the impacts are fairly similar. NYISO will lose up to 10.91% of their daily rooftop generation, and up to 3.1 GWh of power. Being further south, and hit by the eclipse slightly earlier explains the difference with ISO-NE. New England will lose up to 9.85% of its daily behind-the-meter generation, though differences in installed capacity make this a higher 3.7 GWh. Notably the ramp rate is much higher than the morning or afternoon ramps, as irradiance will drop from almost the daily maximum to zero in approximately 40 minutes. This will require active management from the grid operators to maintain stability.

CAISO in California will also see impacts from this eclipse, though being so far from the path of totality, the effects will be less than seen in the partial annular eclipse in September 2023. Despite seeing a lower proportional effect from grids in the North-East, only 5.72% of daily generation, increased levels of rooftop solar in California mean that the energy losses will be greater than either NYISO or ISO-NE, up to 4.0 GWh.

While the impact of this eclipse is significant, it is predictable, and grid operators are already preparing and planning for the impacts. Large storm events, snow dump events and large heavy cloud fronts are less spectacular but can have even bigger impacts on whole-day solar generation. These events are also harder to plan for and predict, which makes it more important for asset owners and grid operators to plan and manage the impact of weather on solar generation as solar increases in the generation mix.

Solcast produces these figures by tracking clouds and aerosols at 1-2km resolution globally, using satellite data and proprietary AI/ML algorithms. This data is used to drive irradiance models, enabling Solcast to calculate irradiance at high resolution, with typical bias of less than 2%, and also cloud-tracking forecasts. This information is used by more than 300 companies managing over 150 GW of solar assets throughout the world.

This article was amended to correct the figure in this statement: “the wide area covered by ERCOT means that the overall loss to the grid will be up to 11.7% of daily utility scale solar generation”.

As progressive as the Empire City is, up until recently NYC’s transition toward renewable energy had suffered paralysis by its own laws and regulations. For example, despite much of the city’s suburbs’ flat-topped roofs being ideal to house rooftop systems, the city’s stringent zoning restrictions allowed for the majority of rooftops to only be outfitted with small, unsubstantial systems.

But at the close of 2023, the city passed a series of zoning amendments, as part of Mayor Adams’ ‘City of Yes for Carbon Neutrality’ initiative, which will relax burdensome zoning restrictions on solar development. These changes unlock 5 gigawatts of previously undeveloped capacity for rooftop solar development across more than 50,000 buildings and more than 1 million homes in NYC. In addition, 8,500 acres of parking lots will be re-zoned to allow for solar installations – equivalent to 10x the acreage of Central Park.

The relaxed zoning restrictions will usher in a new wave of solar development in time for homeowners to take advantage of a wide variety of federal and state incentives aimed at making solar installations affordable for all. For residents of New York City, there is an additional incentive of note. Beginning in 2024, the city’s property tax abatement (PTA), which was set at 20%, will be increased to cover 30% of the cost of a solar installation, over the course of four years. And the 30% rate has been extended through 2035.

The laxed zoning restrictions and financial incentives will make solar installation both logistically and economically feasible for property owners throughout the five boroughs, a necessary feat given New York State’s aggressive climate goals and the city’s implementation of Local Law 97. Local Law 97 (LL 97), which took effect at the start of the year, requires buildings greater than 25,000 square feet to reduce carbon emissions by 40% by 2030. Buildings that exceed emissions limits or fail to meet adequate reductions in emissions will face monetary penalties. Solar energy will play a significant role in ensuring buildings meet LL 97 regulations, and the zoning changes adopted by the City of Yes Carbon Neutrality amendments and the city’s increased property tax abatement are crucial to LL 97’s practicality and success.

These regulations and incentives have come together to create a “solar mecca” in the Big Apple that will propel the city toward its emissions reduction goals, while driving significant economic impact. The city’s comptroller predicts that the influx of solar-development will create 13,000 clean-energy jobs over the course of the next 8 years with experts predicting a potential market opportunity of more than $23 billion.

T.R. Ludwig is a clean energy leader with over a decade of experience in various management and executive roles within the solar industry. He is the CEO and co-founder of both Brooklyn SolarWorks and Brooklyn Solar Canopy Co. and serves as treasurer for NYSEIA. He has led solar companies both large and small, with a focus on sales, marketing, and finance, and helped pioneer solar lending in the Northeast market. T.R. received his MBA from the Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands and was among the first solar professionals in the United States to become NABCEP Technical Sales certified.

This article was amended to say that the opportunity is worth $23 billion rather than million.

Scale Microgrids announced it has entered into an agreement with Gutami, Inc. to acquire 500 MW of distributed solar and storage projects. The projects are in locations across the U.S., including in California and New York. 

The transaction builds on an earlier 100 MW partnership in New York. The new agreement calls for Gutami to develop 500 MW of energy transition infrastructure assets. Scale Microgrids will acquire, finance, and own the community solar assets. 

“Community solar continues to be a priority for Scale for both its inclusivity and ability to provide more options to our microgrid customers,” said Ryan Goodman, chief executive officer, Scale Microgrids. “Community solar is a great option for those who are unable to install rooftop solar because they are renters, can’t afford solar, or because their property is not suited for it.” 

The associated assets with the deal will power roughly 80,000 homes and reduce annual CO2 emissions by about 800,000 tons. 

Scale Microgrids is a vertically integrated distributed energy platform, focused on building, financing, owning, and operating solar and energy storage projects. The company provides financing to technology providers, energy developers, and original equipment manufacturers. It also assists large consumers of energy to take charge of their energy infrastructure  

Gutami is a privately owned global developer and investor in sustainable energy solutions. The company, founded in 2006, has invested in utility-scale solar facilities, rooftop solar, energy storage, and hydrogen. 

“After our first success in New York, we were able to expand to other states,” said Gerben Pek, chief executive officer, Gutami. “The fast decision-making processes by local governments combined with clear legal structures and a well-functioning legal system, enables us to accelerate our growth in community solar in the U.S.”

EmPower Solar, a prominent New York-based commercial solar developer and installer, recently furloughed 40% of its workforce into 2025, and others into 2026. The layoffs came one week after employees voted to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 259.

According to union documents filed with the National Labor Relations Board, a December 21, 2023 vote was taken by 49 EmPower Solar employees, driven by concerns over working conditions and safety, as well as job security and equitable compensation. Of the votes, 29 were in favor of unionizing, 16 were opposed, one vote was challenged, and the last few votes were left uncounted.

Only two days before the official union vote, Empower Solar filed a charge with the National Labor Relations Board alleging that the union engaged in “coercion, incl’g statements or acts of violence,” in violation of Section 8(b)(1)(A) of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).

Since the furlough, workers have picketed the EmPower Solar facilities.

EmPower Solar told the New York Focus, “The decision to furlough had nothing to do with the UAW or results of the union vote.” Company leaders cite macroeconomic factors such as high interest rates and inflation as the primary reasons for the reduced demand for their services.

However, the timing of these announcements – just after a significant unionization event – is strategically inopportune for the company. The UAW and the affected employees, have categorized the actions as deliberate, retaliatory union busting.

At the time of furloughing these employees, EmPower’s website listed 13 positions for new full-time employees. The following positions were still listed on the company website as of January 11, 2024:

Under the NLRA, Section 8(a)(3) strictly prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for unionizing. This section forbids firing as a form of penalty due to union activities or sympathies. Simultaneously, the NLRA protects employers from union coercion, as stated in section 8(b)(1)(A). This section prohibits unions from restraining or coercing employees in exercising their rights under the act, including the right to refrain from union activities.

The Solar Energy Industry Association shows that community scale solar coming online has slowed in 2023, while commercial installations have stayed constant.

Recently, The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Laborers International Union of North America, and the International Union of Operating Engineers have signed a national tri-trade solar agreement. The agreement specifies the roles of each union in utility-scale solar projects across the United States (California excluded).

This article was amended to reflect that while the website listed many open positions at the time of furlough, the website has now been updated to show just one open position.

NineDot Energy, a developer of distributed community-scale battery energy storage in the New York City metropolitan area, announced it has secured a $225 million investment, led by Manulife Investment Management and Carlyle.

Adding to previous investment commitments from CIT, SMBC, and NY Green Bank, a division of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), among others, NineDot has now secured a capital base of approximately $400 million.

“From our first meeting it was clear that Manulife IM understood the importance of battery storage in modernizing the urban electric grid, making it cleaner, more resilient, more equitable, and less costly,” said David Arfin, chief executive officer and co-founder, NineDot Energy.

New York Governor Hochul has placed a nation-leading roadmap for energy storage, calling for 6 GW of storage capacity by 2030, on the path to 100% zero-emission electricity for the state by 2040.

Battery storage is an important aspect of electricity decarbonization. Not only does it enable more intermittent renewable capacity to operate on the grid, it is also an alternative to natural gas peaker plants. Peaker plants are reserve capacities of natural gas that are only fired up during times of peak electricity demand, a highly carbon-inefficient process.

“We have been believers in community-scale battery storage for a long time and are pleased to form a long-term equity partnership with NineDot Energy. We view NineDot as the leading BESS developer in a complex but attractive market,” said Recep Kendircioglu, global head of infrastructure, Manulife Investment Management.

NineDot is making progress towards its internal goal of deploying 400 MW of battery storage capacity by the end of 2026. The company’s initial battery storage site, located in the Pelham Gardens neighborhood in the Northeast Bronx, became operational last summer.

The company has about 30 projects under construction across the New York metro area, with many more in development. NineDot said a typical 5 MW battery project is designed to power 5,000 New York City households for four hours on a peak summer day. Using the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) emissions methodology, each 5 MW peaker battery site would offset 420 tons of carbon emissions equivalent in 2022 grid conditions.

As part of the transaction, Christopher McKenzie, a managing director from Manulife’s infrastructure business, will join NineDot’s board of directors.

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) issued a Request for Information (RFI) to assess potential interest and opportunities for collaboration with renewable developers, contractors and companies on projects including solar energy, wind and battery energy storage.

The RFI seeks information related to joint development opportunities in support of New York State’s aggressive energy goals, and it seeks to advance takeaways identified in the Power Authority’s recently published Conferral Report.

New York State’s nation-leading energy goals has set it on a path to achieving a zero-emission electricity sector by 2040, including 70% renewable energy generation by 2030, and economywide carbon neutrality by mid-century. In 2019, New York enacted the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act), which established objectives and requirements aimed at addressing climate change and guiding the State toward a clean energy-based economy.

With solar as a strong part of the clean energy mix, the State created a framework to achieve at least 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030, enough to annually power nearly 700,000 average-sized homes. That framework provides a strategy to expand the state’s already successful NY-Sun initiative into one of the largest and most inclusive solar programs of its kind in the nation.

“The results of this RFI will inform the Power Authority’s next steps, advancing a cohesive and efficient transition to a clean energy economy for New York State that will benefit all New Yorkers,” said NYPA President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll.

NYPA is looking for feedback and is particularly interested in responses from private sector renewable developers, contractors, and companies. Responses should be sent to NYPARenewables@nypa.gov by February 7.

The Power Authority, which is the largest state public power organization in the nation, constructed the state’s largest hydroelectric power plants in Niagara and Massena in the 1950s and 60s, setting it on a path toward clean energy. The 2023-24 Enacted State Budget gave NYPA more authority to develop, own and operate renewable energy generating projects. NYPA currently operates 16 generating facilities and more than 1,400 circuit-miles of transmission lines, more than 80% of the electricity it produces coming from hydropower.

To support the transition to clean energy, New York has invested more than $50 billion in 66 large-scale renewable and transmission projects across the state, $6.8 billion to reduce building emissions, $3.3 billion to scale up solar, more than $1 billion for clean transportation initiatives, and over $2 billion in NY Green Bank commitments. These and other investments are supporting more than 170,000 jobs in New York’s clean energy sector in 2022 and over 3,000% growth in the distributed solar sector since 2011.

Trends in the hydrogen sector in 2023  The industry had policy support, including funding for regional clean hydrogen hubs, and some interesting project announcements this year.

Thin-film solar is the future of agrivoltaics  In contrast with traditional panels, thin-film solar modules are much more adaptable to these agricultural situations, thanks to their flexible, lightweight design.

Cadmium Telluride Accelerator awardees to receive $1.8 million in contracts The awards will enable the seven research groups to develop cheaper, more efficient and scalable solutions to thin film solar cells made from domestic raw materials.

Who’s on top of the residential solar-plus-storage market? Wood Mackenzie’s new leaderboard ranks battery manufacturers and solar-plus-storage installers. Recent findings show that three companies have held 80% of the market since 2018, but that tide is turning as new providers enter the growing market.

Waaree Energies to build 5 GW solar cell, module factory in U.S.  India’s Waaree Energies says it will build a solar module manufacturing facility with an initial capacity of 3 GW per year by December 2024. It plans to ramp up to an integrated 5 GW cell facility by 2027 and has already secured an offtake contract with SB Energy.

Solar manufacturers unite to develop 700 W+ module standards Solar module size standardization will enhance supply chain efficiencies, boost production, and lower costs, according to the 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, thus accelerating the industrialization of 700 W or greater modules.

Enphase to lay off 10% of workforce The company is also shutting down contract manufacturing in the U.S. and Romania.

Two solar projects, totaling over 12 MWdc sit on a 197-acre decommissioned landfill in Lancaster in Erie County, New York.

The first site, Lancaster 1, is a 6.06 MWdc community solar project, with Finger Lakes Health as the anchor commercial utility off taker. Lancaster 2, a 6.63 MWdc project, is not a community solar site and is instead classified as a “remote crediting” site, and Finger Lakes Health is one of its many off-takers.

Ampion, a community solar subscription management company, enrolled Finger Lakes Health along with the Town of Hector’s municipal sites and other subscribers.

Both of the solar installations use 540 W Znshine solar modules, Gamechange racking and Chint inverters. Lancaster 1 has 11,232 modules installed, whereas Lancaster 2 has 12,298. The projects are connected to the New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG) distribution infrastructure by two different interconnection points.

Originally designed by AC Power, a woman-owned development company specializing in repurposing previously disturbed land into productive solar fields. Catalyze acquired the two installations, which it will now own and operate.

“In working alongside Catalyze, we’ve managed to turn a once dormant landfill into a source of clean energy, contributing to New York’s ambitious renewable energy targets,” said AC Power founder and CEO Annika Colston. “This project is a shining example of how solar development can not only offset land maintenance costs but also transform a challenge into a revenue-generating asset, all while supporting the community and the environment.”

Catalyze is a national independent power producer (IPP) with a strong presence in the California and New York markets. Catalyze is backed by EnCap Investments L.P. and Actis.

“We’re proud to support New York’s efforts in expanding solar energy access to commercial and mass market energy users that may not have the option of putting solar on their own building,” said Jared Haines, CEO of Catalyze. “This project further demonstrates renewable energy’s role in supporting local economies, and we will continue to look for opportunities that both accelerate the clean energy transition and create value from unused space.”

These projects will support New York’s goals of expanding clean energy access to commercial users and the state’s clean energy target of 6 GW of distributed solar by 2025, and 70% renewable energy by 2030.

Thermal energy storage developer Brenmiller Energy has finished commissioning a bGen thermal storage-based co-generation station at the State University of New York (SUNY) Purchase. It is expected to slash around 550 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions every year.

The project was developed along with the New York Power Authority and partially financed by a grant from the Israel-U.S. Binational Industrial Research and Development Foundation. Brenmiller intends to hand over the system to the university after training in mid-January. 

The company’s thermal energy storage system essentially uses crushed rocks to store the energy from renewables or the grid, Gideon Sharir, managing director, U.S., at Brenmiller Energy, told pv magazine USA. The system heats this energy to up to 1200°F, via internal heaters, and stores it until it is ready to be discharged on-demand in the form of clean steam, hot water, or air, Sharir said. 

The SUNY system is part of a combined heat and power system. The project charges using electricity via embedded electric heaters and waste heat from the microturbine’s exhaust, and discharges to heat SUNY Purchase’s recreation center, which is one of the campus’ most energy-intensive buildings. 

The project, which “charges” using both exhaust gas and electricity, is a demonstration site that showcases the full array of thermal energy storage capabilities, including its ability to charge with electricity and recovered heat, according to Sharir. It is distinct from the other projects in Brenmiller’s pipeline, which are designed to charge using only electricity from renewables or the grid. As a demonstration project, the SUNY system is relatively smaller in size – 450 kW/400 kWh – although Brenmiller’s other projects typically range from 10 MWh to 100+ MWh. 

Turning over the operation of the project is a huge milestone for the company, said Avi Brenmiller, Brenmiller’s chairman and CEO. 

“The benefits of our bGen, once demonstrated through this project, could enable broader adoption of our thermal energy storage systems in New York and across the U.S.,” Brenmiller said. 

Thermal energy storage can play a massive role in the clean energy transition, according to Sharir. 

Industrial heating demand accounts for about 12% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. Because thermal batteries can reach extremely high temperatures at a cost that is competitive with natural gas, and are mature and reliable, industrial manufacturers are increasingly looking at them as a decarbonization solution, he said. 

“As these technologies continue to gain traction, the thermal energy market is expected to yield trillions of dollars by 2040,” Sharir added. 

However, the technology does face certain challenges to scaling up, including complex and outdated grid policies and supply frameworks, he said. On the one hand, market structures must be updated to take advantage of the benefits of thermal energy storage to reduce stress on the grid. On the other hand, regulators must allow thermal energy storage to participate in wholesale markets and access spot prices, he said. 

“Overcoming both of these barriers will ensure that [thermal energy storage] can provide flexibility to the grid and cost-effectively enable industrial decarbonization,” said Sharir.

Oscilla Power deploys ocean wave energy converter prototype  Floating in the oceans of coastal Maine is a 1/6 scale model of the company’s 1 MW floating device that converts wave energy into electricity.

Sharp unveils 575 W TOPCon solar panel with 22.26% efficiency  Sharp’s new IEC61215- and IEC61730-certified solar panels have an operating temperature coefficient of -0.30% per C and a bifaciality factor of over 80%.

U.S. draft rules may disqualify Australian critical minerals from IRA subsidies  A number of critical mineral producers will likely be ineligible for U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) subsidies, as the US government has published draft rules forbidding access to enterprises with stakes held by Chinese investors.

People on the move: Omnidian, kWh Analytics, Kore Power and more  Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.

Four community solar projects to serve LMI residents in New York City area  Ampion partners with UGE on four rooftop community solar projects with approximately half the electricity generated reserved to help low- to moderate-income residents save on electricity bills.

U.S. Virgin Islands cover 30% of electricity needs with six solar-plus-battery facilities  About 124 MWh of Honeywell battery energy storage systems will be installed alongside six solar facilities with a combined capacity of 140 MW.

Over half of solar facility loss claim costs are due to hail damage GCube Insurance said despite representing less than 2% of total claims filed, hail damage represents over 50% of total costs incurred.

Ampion, a community solar subscription and revenue management company, is partnering with UGE, a developer that owns and operates community and commercial solar and battery storage projects, to bring four rooftop community solar projects to the greater New York City area.

The four projects total 2.76 MW and include the Spare Cube site in Peekskill, New York, the Feldco site in Staten Island, the Conduit Ave. site in Queens, and a 1.3 MW project on a high-profile development in Queens. About half of the sites’ electricity production will benefit commercial subscribers, while the other half is reserved for low- to-moderate income (LMI) subscribers. Ampion reports that subscribers to these sites will receive a 10 to 15% discount on their electric bill

The Spare Cube solar installation sits on top of a self-storage facility in Peekskill, N.Y. with wireless provider T-Mobile serving as the project’s anchor energy off-taker, with 50% of the project’s energy output reserved for low- to middle-income (LMI) subscribers.

“For the vast majority of New York City residents and businesses, installing solar panels is not an option,” said Nate Owen, Ampion’s CEO. “These sites address this issue of access while bringing meaningful cost savings.”

The Staten Island project is owned by Feldco, a real estate developer, and it will be built on top of the Expressway Plaza shopping center. At just over half a megawatt, the project is expected to offset roughly 700 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year and will produce enough electricity to power approximately 140 homes. Subscribers to the Expressway Plaza community solar project will save a minimum of 10% on their electricity bills.

The Conduit Ave. project will be built atop a 116,725 square foot modern warehouse under construction located near John F. Kennedy International Airport that is owned and developed by New York City-based real estate developer Wildflower Ltd LLC.

The 1.3 MW project, which is located in New York City, is located on a building that will be the anchor energy off-taker, with remaining energy generated reserved for residents and businesses in LMI communities. The project is expected to offset roughly 1,700 metric tons of CO2 each year, or the equivalent of what would be generated by burning 200,000 gallons of gasoline.

“These projects not only generate clean energy but also provide tangible financial benefits to underserved communities,” said Nick Blitterswyk, CEO at UGE. “We’re proud to be part of this initiative and look forward to further advancing the transition to renewable energy in the region.”

The way the subscription works begins with ConEdison customers enrolling in community solar. They are then assigned to a solar farm and are allotted a share of clean energy based on their electricity usage. The amount of energy produced by their share of the solar farm appears on their ConEdison bill as credits, which replace their current charges on their ConEdison bill. Ampion reports that the subscriber receives a discount on these credits compared to the standard offer rate.

kWh Analytics, a provider of climate insurance for renewable energy assets, has named Isaac McLean as the company’s new chief underwriting officer. McLean will lead kWh Analytics’ growing underwriting team as the company ramps up its Property Insurance offering for renewable energy assets.

Omnidian has appointed Minesh Shah as president of the firm. Minesh Shah, with a notable leadership background at brands including Tesla, Walmart.com, Stitch Fix and UNIQLO, will be central in synchronizing the company’s operations, engineering and product teams. Minesh’s experience will enable Omnidian to scale rapidly to both improve the client experience while identifying operational efficiencies for Omnidian, their clients, and the industry overall.

Kore Power, Inc., a U.S.-based developer of lithium-ion battery cells and manufacturer of integrated solutions for e-mobility and energy storage systems, has named industry veteran Michael Canada the company’s chief operating officer. Canada, who has extensive experience scaling and commercializing energy storage and lithium-ion battery products for companies including Altairnano, EnerDel, and Sion Power Corporation, will oversee the completion of the KOREPlex in Buckeye, Ariz. and the launch of operations at the facility.

GoodLeap, LLC, a digital marketplace for sustainable solutions, announced two new hires. Daniel Lotano will serve as chief strategy officer. He joins from EverBright, a clean energy marketplace for the residential sector across the U.S., where he served as the company’s president.

GoodLeap also has hired John Shrewsberry as chief financial officer. In his capacity as CFO, Shrewsberry will oversee financial planning, accounting, capital markets, investor relations, human resources, legal, and compliance. Shrewsberry spent 22 years at Wells Fargo, the last seven of which he served as CFO.

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The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) targeting accelerated solar power projects. The initial application deadline is December 13, 2023, followed by an eligibility application deadline a week later, and the final bid proposal due January 31, 2024 – what awards expected in April.

Details of the RFP are available on NYSERDA’s website.

This RFP mirrors the structure of the state’s standard energy procurement process, which annually awards approximately 1 GWac of solar power. The latest round of this program procured 6.2 GW of renewable energy, including three offshore wind and 22 land-based projects. The land-based projects include 14 new solar facilities, six wind repowering projects, one new wind project, and one hydroelectric project returning to service.

NYSERDA told pv magazine USA that this specific RFP, dubbed ‘RESRPF23-1’ (2023 Tier 1 Solicitation), aims “to keep New York State apace toward achieving New York’s Climate Act goals in the face of financial pressures on New York’s portfolio of projects. No specific quantity is targeted in this solicitation, given the dynamic status of the portfolio and the potential for a subset of active contracts awarded under previous solicitations to be terminated.”

This procurement round is part of the state’s “10-Point Renewable Energy Action Plan”.

The RFP mandates prevailing wage payments for laborers, with bid submission fees in the following range:

• Less than 5.00 MWac: $5,000
• 5.00 – 19.99 MWac: $20,000
• 20.00 – 49.99 MWac: $50,000
• 50.00 MWac: or more $100,000

Successful projects will receive an Index REC Strike Price, balancing the risk of low power prices for plant owners without overcompensating them in high energy price scenarios.

The strike price is composed of the environmental value, based on New York’s social cost of carbon, and the wholesale value of electricity. The state sets a floor price, historically $75.19/MWh, which combines these values. If wholesale electricity prices increase, the state incentive reduces to a floor value.

Despite being in the northern part of the U.S., New York consistently ranks as a top U.S. solar market due to its strong policies. In addition to a strong distributed generation market, New York is one of the epicenters of community solar and last year hit the milestone of 1 GW of cumulative installations. Now that figure has doubled, with Governor Kathy Hochul announcing that more than 2 GW of community solar has been installed in the state, or enough to serve 393,000 homes.

Last April Governor Hochul announced that the State Public Service Commission approved a new framework for New York State to achieve at least 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030, enough to annually power nearly 700,000 average-sized homes. That framework provides a strategy to expand the state’s already successful NY-Sun initiative into one of the largest and most inclusive solar programs of its kind in the nation. Seven months later, the state has 5 GW of distributed solar, with 3.3 GW in development.

The program expansion also focused on bringing the benefits of solar to low- to moderate-income (LMI) New Yorkers, intending to deliver at least 35% of the benefits, with a goal of 40%, from the investments to disadvantaged and LMI communities.

Community solar is an ideal solution for LMI communities as there is no upfront cost to participants, and many customers can lock electricity rates as a hedge against the rising cost of power.

“New York’s two-gigawatt community solar achievement proves our commitment to a building a clean and healthy future,” Governor Hochul said. “Our ongoing investment in community solar generates measurable benefits for our health, our environment, our economy, and for the thousands of New Yorkers who can now enjoy lower electric bills, all thanks to our ability to harness the power of the sun.”

While community solar made up more than half the installations in New York this year, NYSERDA opened a second round of solicitations for the Inclusive Community Solar and Expanded Solar for All programs, which aim to add another 1.14 GW of community solar for LMI households and disadvantaged communities.

Wood Mackenzie Solar Market Insight quarterly report ranked New York as the all-time national leader in installed community solar, as well as number one in 2023 for community solar installations, number two in overall distributed solar and number five for residential solar.

“New York is steadfast in its commitment to achieving our Climate Act goals, and every milestone reached is one step closer to a more reliable, equitable, zero-emissions electric grid,” said Doreen M. Harris, NYSERDA president and CEO. “As the top market in the nation, community solar will continue to be a vital model to deliver clean, low-cost renewable energy to places where rooftop-mounted solar panels aren’t feasible, ensuring more New Yorkers realize the benefits of this renewable resource.”