Author Archives for Chris Crowell

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Articles by Chris Crowell

News utility communication standard
New standard emerging for grid operators to communicate with DER...

A collaborative team published a new Application Note to help grid operators communicate with distributed energy resources (DER) and enhance...

January 14, 2019
eBOS Sol-Ark solar inverter
Grid Neutral: How this DC transformerless inverter brings affordable off-grid...

The latest advancements in solar + storage systems have been a departure from the history in this category — mainly, doomsday preppers...

January 14, 2019
News solar sunshot funding
Mercom: Solar sector sets record for project acquisitions in 2018...

Mercom Capital Group’s annual report on funding and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity for the solar sector in 2018 shows a 24 ...

January 10, 2019
Products Calyxo thin film
Calyxo increases its thin-film module output by 20 percent (what’s...

TS Solar Calyxo GmbH has again significantly increased the efficiency of its thin-film solar modules. The European market leader from Bitter...

January 10, 2019
PV Modules REC Solar N-Peak
REC Group just doubled its solar panel warranties, improved power...

REC Group, the largest European brand for solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, announced new product and power warranties on its REC TwinPeak and...

January 10, 2019
News SolarEdge EV charger inverter
SolarEdge EV-charging inverter now works with Google Assistant

SolarEdge says its EV-charging solar inverter — already the first of its kind out there — now works with Google Assistant to mak...

January 9, 2019
News RPCS Array tracker Nebraska
RPCS turns to TerraSmart ground screws on challenging Nebraska solar...

RPCS partnered with GenPro Energy Solutions and the City of Atkinson to build a 209-kW solar array in Nebraska on a particularly challenging...

January 9, 2019
News solar wind
Report: Replacing Colorado’s coal plants with solar, wind would save...

A new report commissioned by Community Energy Inc. finds that replacing Colorado’s aging coal plants with a mix of wind and solar back...

January 9, 2019
eBOS TE Connectivity
New junction box from TE Connectivity attaches to edge of...

TE Connectivity‘s new SOLARLOK PV Edge decentralized junction box that can be attached to glass-to-glass photovoltaic panels without d...

January 9, 2019
News The solar industry is urging South Carolina’s Legislature to pass a broad new bill that would reform the state’s energy market, creating jobs, expanding solar deployment and lowering some of the highest home energy bills in the U.S. “We developed this bill because the energy market in South Carolina needs to be modernized," said Abigail Ross Hopper, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). “This legislation will lead to lower electric bills for consumers and many new jobs. South Carolinians deserve the economic benefits that an expanded clean energy portfolio will provide the state. We urge the Legislature to pass this bill in the upcom-ing session.” If approved, this legislation (Senate Bill 332 - sponsored by Senator Tom Davis, R-Beaufort) would: • Require the Public Service Commission to initiate a new proceeding to review and approve rates and terms provided to large-scale solar facilities, streamlining the process and ensuring contract terms are reasonable for such projects • Allow large energy consumers, such as industrial manufacturers, to contract directly with a renewa-ble energy supplier to more easily realize savings from solar • Remove arbitrary caps on home solar projects • Establish a “Consumer Bill of Rights” to protect energy consumers from discriminatory charges, en-suring that energy rates are fair and transparent • Establish a neighborhood community solar program designed to expand solar access to low-income customers “South Carolinians have made it clear that they want more solar energy freedom,” said Matt Moore, Chair-man of the Palmetto Conservative Solar Coalition. “As we look towards our state’s energy future, this legisla-tion enables more independently funded, affordable, clean energy solutions, like rooftop solar, and will protect the thousands of jobs that come with it.” "More competition in the energy sector drives down energy costs, reduces bills for ratepayers, and creates jobs and investments in South Carolina,” said Steffanie Dohn, Director of Government Relations for the SC So-lar Business Alliance. “By passing this legislation, lawmakers can help ratepayers, create jobs and continue to grow our economy - a win-win-win." Solar energy use has soared in the state over the past two years as solar generation has become more com-petitive with traditional resources. South Carolina now has more than 616 megawatts of solar capacity, mak-ing it the 18th biggest solar state. The state added 1,000 solar jobs in 2016, and the industry now employs nearly 2,900 workers. However, solar installations and jobs have slowed in 2018. This bill will make solar more accessible to homes and businesses, spurring its growth.
SEIA promotes bill to revamp South Carolina’s outdated energy market...

The solar industry has had its sights set on South Carolina since the ball dropped. There was this broad coalition urging action within the ...

January 8, 2019
Projects duke energy florida hamilton power plant
Duke Energy Florida brings massive Hamilton Solar Power Plant online

The new 74.9-megawatt (MW) Hamilton Solar Power Plant in Jasper, Fla., is now operation, according to Duke Energy. The plant’s carbon-...

January 8, 2019
News auric-energy
Auric Solar rebrands as Auric Energy, acquires Solaroo Energy

Auric Energy is making some moves. First came word that the Utah-based solar installer was rebranding as Auric Energy, previously known...

January 8, 2019
PV Modules SolaTrim
PV Protection: Four reasons you should already be installing protective...

Installing a protective barrier or skirt with a rooftop solar system should no longer be considered an add-on or upgrade but rather an integ...

January 8, 2019
News Sunpin logo
City of Greenville, Illinois, partners with Sunpin Solar on its...

The City of Greenville, Ill., and signed ab option and lease agreement with the California-based solar developer Sunpin Solar for a potentia...

January 7, 2019