1. Solar installations at K-12 schools in Pennsylvania have tripled in the last decade
2. California approves use of DER schedules to avoid interconnection upgrades
3. DOE announces $72.8 million loan commitment for Viejas microgrid project in California
Solar installations at Pennsylvania K-12 schools have nearly tripled in the last decade, growing from 14 MW to approximately 39 MW. This increase was reported by Generation180, a clean energy nonprofit. In California, the approval of using DER schedules for renewable energy systems to interconnect to the electric grid can help avoid costly infrastructure upgrades and support higher levels of renewables on the grid. The DOE has announced a conditional loan commitment of up to $72.8 million for a solar and energy storage microgrid project on Tribal lands in California.
In New Mexico, the Supreme Court ruled to continue the state’s community solar program despite challenges from regional utilities. The Dept. of Commerce’s preliminary findings suggest import duties may apply to aluminum solar racking due to subsidies from countries like China and Turkey. In California, the CPUC sided with utilities over solar advocacy groups in determining the community solar market regulations.
Guidance from the IRS further defines the qualifications for clean energy projects in communities with a history of fossil fuel extraction. New IRS rules also allow for direct pay and transferability of clean energy tax credits, benefiting various government entities and organizations. The U.S. saw a record-high deployment of grid-scale energy storage in 2023, with 4,236 MW installed, marking a significant increase from the previous quarter.