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An electric cooperative in Arizona has successfully implemented a cutting-edge solar and energy storage project, aiming to enhance the delivery of clean and reliable power to its members. The project features a 40-MWh energy storage system integrated with an existing 20-MW photovoltaic system. Utilizing advanced AI-driven software, the system is designed to optimize and monitor performance, ensuring maximum efficiency. This initiative marks the first of three similar projects planned, all expected to be operational by the end of the year. Electric cooperatives across the U.S. are increasingly adopting such technologies, with the sector expected to be one of the fastest-growing segments in the energy market. The deployment of these systems is set to account for over 20% of future energy storage installations, highlighting the significant role co-ops play in advancing sustainable energy solutions. This project demonstrates the effective combination of AI-driven software, hardware, and services, enabling enhanced value and improved returns for cooperatives and their members. The initiative not only supports the cooperative's commitment to clean energy but also strengthens the overall reliability and sustainability of the power grid.

The rapid expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the United States is addressing a major barrier to EV adoption. With one optimized EV station for every 15 gas stations, drivers can now enjoy quicker turnaround times, reducing downtime and maximizing efficiency. As of now, there are nearly 8,200 quick-turn EV charging stations nationwide, with substantial growth in the first quarter of 2024. Approximately 600 public fast-charging stations were added, marking a 7.6% increase from the end of 2023. This expansion reflects ongoing efforts to enhance EV infrastructure and accessibility. Federal support has been crucial in this expansion. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act have provided significant funding to fill gaps in the EV charging network. States like Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Alabama have opened numerous new fast-charging stations, easing range anxiety and making EV driving more convenient. Despite this progress, urban areas face unique challenges. For instance, New York City aims to have 20% of vehicle registrations as EVs by 2050, requiring a comprehensive network of publicly accessible chargers. Installation issues include avoiding interference with bike lanes, loading docks, and fire hydrants. However, utilization rates for EV chargers in the city have been remarkably high, with plans to install thousands more chargers by 2030. The surge in EV charging infrastructure is critical for widespread EV adoption, offering benefits for consumers and the environment. Increased availability of charging stations makes the transition to electric vehicles more feasible, promoting a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.

The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is embarking on a transformative journey to modernize its electric pricing structures. With a focus on fairness and customer empowerment, OUC aims to introduce innovative changes that will enable consumers to save money while promoting energy equity. One of the key components of this initiative is the introduction of new distribution charges tailored to peak demand. These charges, set at different tiers based on usage patterns, ensure that customers pay their fair share for infrastructure while providing incentives for efficient energy consumption. In addition to these distribution charges, OUC plans to roll out programs like TruNet Solar, designed to compensate rooftop solar users for the excess electricity they generate and sell back to the grid. This initiative aims to foster the adoption of renewable energy solutions while providing fair compensation to solar customers. Looking ahead, OUC is preparing to implement a Shift & Save pricing structure in 2026. This innovative program will offer price signals encouraging customers to shift their energy usage to off-peak hours, providing opportunities for significant cost savings. To engage with the community and gather feedback on these proposed changes, OUC will host a Public Workshop on June 13, 2024, at Reliable Plaza in Orlando, FL. This event will serve as an opportunity for stakeholders to learn more about the initiatives and provide input on their implementation. Through these forward-thinking measures, OUC is committed to promoting energy equity, empowering customers to make informed choices, and fostering a sustainable energy future for the community.

The U.S. solar industry reached a significant milestone in the first quarter of 2024, installing 11.8 GW of new solar capacity, which brought the country's total to an impressive 200 GW. This data is from the latest "U.S. Solar Market Insight" report by SEIA and Wood Mackenzie. The report also confirmed that in 2023, the U.S. added over 40 GW of new solar capacity. Looking forward, Wood Mackenzie will project another 40 GW of new solar installations in 2024. The utility-scale solar market is the main driver behind these record-breaking figures, contributing nearly 10 GW of new capacity in the first quarter alone. Florida and Texas led the charge with substantial utility-scale growth, while New Mexico and Ohio also showed strong performance, adding 686 MW and 546 MW, respectively. “The U.S. solar industry continues to demonstrate strong deployment capabilities,” said Michelle Davis, head of global solar at Wood Mackenzie and lead author of the report. “However, the industry faces several challenges, including labor shortages, high voltage equipment constraints, and ongoing trade policy uncertainties.” The residential solar segment, however, experienced a downturn. Influenced by policy changes in California, it had its worst quarter in two years, installing only 1.3 GW — a 25% year-over-year decline and an 18% drop from the previous quarter. On the other hand, the commercial solar market added 434 MW, and the community solar sector contributed 279 MW, both remaining stable year-over-year. These findings underscore the dynamic nature of the solar industry. While utility-scale projects are driving growth, the residential sector faces hurdles that need addressing to ensure balanced expansion across all segments.

Basis Climate has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by completing a $600,000 transfer of investment tax credits. These credits, from WeWould Solar, a subsidiary of Stadlen Family Holdings, were sold to Creditable Capital. This transaction is notable for being the smallest solar tax credit transfer to date, involving WeWould Solar’s 1.2-MW solar project near Gainesville, Florida. This achievement highlights Basis Climate’s ability to efficiently execute tax credit transfers, even for smaller deal sizes. Traditionally, tax credit monetization involved larger investments, often exceeding $10 million, making this transaction a significant step forward. Joseph Stadlen, Legacy Steward of Stadlen Family Holdings, expressed his satisfaction: “We are excited about providing clean energy solutions to our real estate portfolio. The Basis Climate team expertly navigated the transaction process, including the IRS pre-filing registration portal. Their simplified diligence, standardized documentation, and transparent, customer-oriented approach were key to the deal's success.” This transfer was made possible by a provision in the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which allows clean energy tax credits to be transferred once to other federal tax-paying entities. This provision aims to streamline the financing process for developers. Erik Underwood, CEO of Basis Climate, emphasized the broader implications: “We started our business because we firmly believe that clean energy tax credits of all sizes need to find ways to transact efficiently in the transfer market. The Inflation Reduction Act will not provide its true impact unless the entire market has access to the universe of project finance solutions.” This transaction is a significant step toward making clean energy financing more accessible and showcases the evolving landscape of solar project funding.

SOM and Energy Vault Holdings Unveil Ambitious Energy Storage Skyscrapers Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), designers of the Burj Khalifa, have partnered with Energy Vault Holdings to propose skyscrapers that function as enormous gravity-based energy storage systems. These structures could reach 1,000 meters (3,280 feet), making them the tallest buildings in the world. Innovative Energy Storage The skyscrapers would use excess energy to lift a massive weight to the top, storing energy. When needed, the weight descends, generating electricity. This design, named EVu, could support multi-GWh energy storage and power adjacent buildings, achieving a carbon payback within 3-4 years. Alternative Water-Based System An alternative system, EVc, would use water instead of weights. Water is pumped to the top during excess energy periods and released to drive turbines and generate power, similar to pumped-storage hydroelectric stations. Challenges and Potential While practical challenges such as weight support and efficiency exist, the collaboration, which includes Burj Khalifa co-creator Bill Baker, brings significant expertise to the project. Future Prospects In the early design stages, these skyscrapers could revolutionize energy storage and urban sustainability if they come to fruition.

Climavision, a leader in numerical weather prediction (NWP), has launched its Horizon AI suite, tailored for the renewable energy industry. This advanced suite integrates machine learning and AI to deliver highly accurate weather forecasts, enhanced by Climavision's acquisition of Intersphere. Key Features of Horizon AI Horizon AI Global: Mid-range forecasts for large-scale weather events up to 15 days ahead. Horizon AI HIRES: Detailed short-range models predicting severe weather up to five days out. Horizon AI Point: Point-based, mid-range forecasts integrating over 100 NWP models and sensor data. Horizon AI Subseasonal to Seasonal (S2S): Long-range forecasts with high accuracy, updating daily. Tailored for Renewable Energy The Horizon AI suite offers customizable solutions for the renewables sector, down to individual wind or solar farms, with forecasts extending up to two years. Chris Goode, CEO of Climavision, stated, "Combining these solutions under one comprehensive offering is a major development for the industry and our clients." Ben Toms, PhD, VP of AI for Weather, added, "Our expertise delivers insights most relevant to each client, providing an edge for making decisions." Conclusion Climavision's Horizon AI suite represents a leap forward in weather prediction for renewable energy, offering precise, customizable forecasts to optimize operations. Stay tuned for more updates as Climavision continues to innovate in weather prediction technology.

Fronius, a renowned leader in solar energy solutions, has introduced its highly anticipated GEN24 string inverter to the North American market. Originating from Europe with several accolades, the GEN24 has been meticulously tailored to meet the unique requirements of homeowners and installers across the United States. Richard Baldinger, Director of Sales and Marketing at Fronius USA, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “We are excited to kickstart the Fronius GEN24 Roadshow on June 20, aimed at educating solar installers across the USA about the new Fronius GEN24 inverter.” Engineered to optimize energy production even in shaded environments, the GEN24 features the innovative Dynamic Peak Manager, eliminating the necessity for DC optimizers and thereby reducing system costs and complexity. Its SuperFlex design ensures adaptability to diverse mounting conditions and locations, offering flexibility in system planning and delivering peak performance on intricate roofs. Martin Hackl, Global Director of Sales and Marketing at Fronius International, emphasized the inverter's efficiency and reliability, stating, “With the Fronius GEN24, our customers benefit from impressive efficiency and reliability... This is photovoltaic technology that caters to everyone's needs; straightforward, efficient, and future-proof.” Equipped with Active Cooling Technology, the GEN24 ensures longevity and peak performance even under high-temperature conditions. Additionally, it boasts an integrated basic backup power supply function and will soon support backup power capabilities for homes during grid outages. Furthermore, the GEN24 is compatible with Fronius UP.storage software upgrade, enabling it to function as a hybrid inverter without requiring hardware replacement. Its user-friendly design simplifies installation and connection, while seamless integration into Fronius' digital solutions streamlines planning, monitoring, and service processes. Fronius will initiate the GEN24 Roadshow on June 20 to educate installers and distributors about this groundbreaking product, heralding a new era of advanced solar technology in the residential sector.

The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) has approved an ambitious expansion plan by the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), a subsidiary of PNM Resources. The plan includes adding 410 megawatts (MW) of new solar and battery storage capacity, set to be operational by the summer of 2026. This expansion is a significant step towards meeting New Mexico's increasing energy demands and promoting renewable energy sources. PNM’s new capacity will include 100 MW of solar power and 310 MW of battery storage, with a 60 MW battery storage facility owned by PNM. This expansion is crucial for addressing the record-high system peak demands experienced during the summers of 2022 and 2023, demonstrating PNM’s commitment to providing reliable and sustainable energy to its customers. "PNM’s system needs are growing, and we are pleased the Commission approved our application to meet these growing needs with additional clean energy resources," said Pat Vincent-Collawn, Chairman and CEO of PNM Resources. "We are continuing to fulfill our pledge to reach carbon-free energy in New Mexico while ensuring we can reliably meet our customers’ growing energy demands." The application for this project was filed in October 2023, following a request for proposals issued in late 2022 to identify new resources for 2026. With this new addition, along with other approved renewable and battery storage projects, PNM aims to achieve a 75% carbon-free resource capacity by 2026. This approval marks a significant milestone in PNM’s journey towards a cleaner energy future. It underscores the company's dedication to reducing carbon emissions and enhancing the reliability of New Mexico’s energy supply, aligning with broader goals of sustainability and energy independence.

The Vermont Public Utility Commission has released its biennial update to the state’s net-metering program, introducing minor adjustments that will affect compensation rates for new systems applying for permits from August 1, 2024. While existing net-metering systems will benefit from a 7.33% increase in compensation due to rising statewide electric rates, new systems will see a small net decrease of less than three-fourths of a cent per kWh. Recalibrating Compensation Rates Every two years, the commission reassesses the value of the bill credit that net-metering customers receive for energy produced. This recalibration, known as the “statewide blended residential rate,” has risen by $0.01257 per kWh since 2022. Concurrently, the commission evaluates the incentives and overall compensation for new net-metering systems to align with Vermont’s policy objectives, considering installation costs, deployment pace, and impacts on all ratepayers. This year’s assessment led to a 2-cent decrease in compensation for new systems, but due to the increase in retail electric rates, the net effect is a reduction of only three-fourths of a cent. Sustaining Solar and Renewable Energy Growth Vermont’s net-metering program, established in 1999, is a key initiative for promoting solar and other renewable energy sources. It allows customers with net-metering systems, like solar panels and small wind turbines, to offset their electric bills through financial incentives based on electricity generation. The biennial review ensures the program continues to benefit all Vermonters, including non-participants, by providing updated financial incentives. Data from the latest review shows robust participation, with 2,351 new net-metering systems adding approximately 25 MW of renewable energy capacity in 2023 alone. Balancing Costs and Renewable Energy Goals Despite the success, net-metering remains Vermont’s costliest renewable energy program, with installation rates surpassing other less expensive projects. For instance, 2023 saw 28 MW of net-metered projects compared to just 4.4 MW of standard-offer projects and 5 MW of utility-sourced solar power at lower prices. To moderate new net-metering development, the Commission decided to reduce compensation for new systems by 2 cents per kWh. This adjustment aims to balance the pace of deployment with cost-efficiency, ensuring fair rates for all Vermonters. Future Outlook “Vermont’s efforts to address climate change will require a significant transition to electric vehicles and heat pumps powered by carbon-free electric generation,” said Commission Chair Ed McNamara. “Even with the $0.00743 per kWh reduction in net-metering compensation for new systems, Vermonters continue to pay significantly more for net-metering compared to equivalent new renewable generation sources. Going forward, Vermont should be prioritizing least-cost renewable generation to meet our climate and renewable requirements.” These adjustments, set to take effect on August 1, 2024, reflect Vermont’s commitment to maintaining a balanced and sustainable approach to renewable energy deployment, ensuring the net-metering program continues to provide value to all residents while supporting the state’s broader environmental goals