Policy

The Department of Commerce (DOC) released a memo that provides some significant clarifications on its ongoing investigation into solar cell and module manufacturers in Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. While much of the memo is reiterated and more clearly-defined information than we have had since it was first announced, the memo includes two key developments: …

DOC clarifies scope of anti-circumvention investigation, but what’s actually new? Read More »

Citing a potential loss of 100,000 US jobs, and a ten-year horizon to build domestic manufacturing, Rep. Scott Peters called upon Department of Energy Secretary Granholm to end tariffs on solar imports. May 4, 2022 The dominant story in the US solar industry is the Department of Commerce investigation into alleged Chinese circumvention that could …

Congress calls for end to solar panel tariffs in DOE budget meeting Read More »

The state’s Department of Environmental Quality has defined solar panels as impervious surfaces for the purpose of measuring stormwater, which will increase project cost requirements. May 4, 2022 In March, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) announced — effective immediately — a change to how it measures water runoff at solar farms. After some …

Get your Virginia interconnection now, solar regulation increasing in 2025 Read More »

$3.1 billion is available to increase production of American-made batteries, with a separate $60 million to support second-life applications for used EV batteries, along with development of processes for recycling materials back into the battery supply chain. May 2, 2022 US battery manufacturing got a boost today with the announcement of  $3.1 billion in funding …

Funding announced for US battery manufacturing, processing, and recycling Read More »

The investigation is estimated to have put more than 4,350 MW of solar and storage projects set for deployment between 2022 and 2024 in jeopardy. May 2, 2022 California Governor has sent a letter to the Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, laying out the devastating impact the ongoing investigation into solar …

California Governor calls on DOC to end anti-circumvention investigation. DOC says it can’t Read More »

The US solar manufacturer booked nearly 12 GW in less than 60 days since the prior earnings call, bringing year-to-date bookings to 16.7 GW. April 29, 2022 First Solar announced financial results for the first quarter that ended March 31, 2022, noting a drop in net sales of $540 million and a loss per share of $0.41. …

First Solar Q1 earnings drop, while bookings remain strong Read More »

California has been the clean energy frontrunner in the United States, and it has been particularly strong in deploying distributed, rooftop solar. Distributed generation, especially when paired with energy storage, has numerous advantages in cost savings, efficiency, a lessened carbon footprint, the preservation of land, and more when compared to centralized resources. The state represents …

California solar bill would extend access, savings to renters and low-income families Read More »

PV ICE uses the latest data from the PV industry to model the flow of PV materials over the next several decades, helping predict the effects of different market trends, technological developments, and government policies. April 25, 2022 Exponential growth of PV installations continues in the US and so will the growth in PV panel …

PV in the Circular Economy: Modeling tool helps predict flow of PV materials Read More »

Governor Whitmer announces Michigan Healthy Climate Plan  Reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 requires immediate action, starting with six steps to take by 2030 that include more clean energy and an emphasis on clean transportation and charging infrastructure. Ontario amends net metering policy to allow third-party ownership  Prior to these amendments, Ontario’s net metering regulation required …

Sunrise brief: Test your knowledge of solar in the US with this quiz for Earth Day Read More »

The decision has been lauded as one that could lead to much-needed upgrades to the nation’s electrical grids, updates that would enable higher penetrations of renewable resources. April 21, 2022 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a decison today to initiate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to reform the Commission’s electric regional transmission planning …

FERC takes major step toward transmission reform Read More »