This is your SolarWakeup for May 9th, 2018

SEIA’S CT Thoughts. “While we are in favor of legislation that genuinely advances solar energy, we have concerns about this bill. We support stronger renewable portfolio standards, yet it is not clear to what extent the bill would open significant large-scale or community solar markets. And importantly, any approach that doesn’t also protect customer choice and provide for reasonable compensation for the value of customer-generated electricity is not acceptable.” – SEIA Press Release

I Called This. When Tom Werner wants to retire, I’m ready to step in. SunPower is leaving utility scale and focusing on distributed generation. It’s been clear to me and I believe this to be the correct move for SunPower given the market share and value proposition that the company has through its dealer network. Also with Tom Starrs leaving the SEPA board to focus on his SEIA position, this aligns the values with corporate goals. I wonder if my next strategic assumption becomes true as well.

Ratebased Utility Solar. Tampa Electric customers are seeing an increase to their bills because of a solar farm. This is part of the rate base due to the utility investing its shareholder capital for the project, a 600MW plant. Think of the developers that would come in and bid this deal, imagine TECO signing up 10, 60MW, projects. If the company signed a PPA, it wouldn’t require rate base and therefore likely not increase the bills to consumers. But then TECO shareholders wouldn’t get double digit returns either.

There’s A Better Way. I spoke with the CEO of Connexus Energy last week, he describes the better way of adding value to consumers. Maybe we need to change all IOUs to member owned cooperatives.

Everyone Wants EVs. AAA says that 1 in 5 Americans is looking to buy an EV as their next car. Tesla shorts will begin shaking in their space boots once again.

Opinion

Have a great day!

Yann