April 2017

As I might’ve mentioned before, I genuinely enjoy going to solar sector trade shows: Where else do you get to meet so many industry insiders, learn about new and upcoming technology, collect a few cool knickknacks, and, of course, get to network while (responsibly) sipping on one or two complimentary drinks? What I definitely haven’t [...]

The financial picture for distributed solar projects is in the midst of a substantial evolution. Deals are getting more complex. Transactions have started to involve more players, new issues have arisen, and the total revenue available from a project has decreased due to falling power off-take prices. The following are three considerations you should take [...]

The U.S. solar industry has entered an increasingly mature phase, where falling equipment costs and rising consumer demand open new markets and attract a stable base of investors with a firm understanding of the large and medium solar asset classes. But this rising demand and funding interest are creating a new challenge for utility-scale and [...]

On June 8, 2015, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to commit to converting its electric power supply to 100% renewable energy, with a deadline set for 2045. This goal challenges the state to tap its plentiful, natural, clean sources of power, while its utilities must build grids, interconnection infrastructure, and business models [...]

The surprising outcome of the 2016 U.S. federal elections left many in the solar energy industry unprepared for potential changes in federal law and policy. The resultant policy uncertainty has caused some concern about what the future may hold for solar energy in the U.S., a market that has been enjoying strong year-over-year growth for [...]

Clearly, the global energy landscape is changing at an exponential rate. In the U.S. alone, the solar energy market had a momentous year in 2016, nearly doubling the country’s previous installation record set in 2015. Despite expected changes in the U.S. federal government’s focus on renewable energy, it is predicted that solar power will remain [...]

Brookfield To Take Over SunEdison’s TerraForm Yieldcos It appears TerraForm Global and TerraForm Power, yieldcos of bankrupt renewables firm SunEdison, will finally be able to come out from underneath the shadow of their troubled parent company. Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to fully acquire TerraForm Global, as well as acquire a controlling stake and [...]

Grupo Clavijo And MFV Solar Announce PV Tracker Merger The Spanish companies Grupo Clavijo and MFV Solar, with the support of the Q-Growth Fund, have reached a merger agreement to form NCLAVE. The combined entity will aim to become a world leader in the design, manufacture and installation of structures and trackers for the solar [...]

Major Solar Settlement In Arizona Proving yet again that compromise does, in fact, work, Arizona’s largest electric utility and solar advocacy groups have reached a major settlement agreement that lays to rest several contentious issues. As with all compromises, each party didn’t get exactly what it wanted, but the future of rooftop solar in Arizona [...]

Solar Savings Will Help Foodbank Feed More Hungry Families The Hawaii Foodbank and REC Solar have celebrated the installation of a new solar array at the nonprofit’s Oahu warehouse. REC Solar says the 296.7 kW solar system is estimated to save the Hawaii Foodbank about 463,742 kWh of energy in the first year – equivalent [...]