The Module Future. Just when module prices started to stabilize, there is another word from the Chinese that may continue to manufacturer at higher levels. The official word is that the local market needs to cut costs and get competitive, in other words, it could mean to sell the modules for a lower price. I don’t know what this means for the US market but you’ve got to stay on your toes in this market for sure.
Moving Forward State By State. What is it about Massachusetts that shows a prominent future in so many ways for solar that stops the simplest of net metering cap increases from not being able to go through? The same logic goes with Connecticut because both CT and MA have similar politics and great potential for solar. MA has already created thousands of solar jobs and one of the most robust development communities but the NEM cap has been fought for several years with limited success. I hope that this year it will be different and the MA politics go in our favor. That being said, there must be a truth to solar having trouble with legislators from both sides of the aisle that have been in office for too long.
Offshore Wind. The concept of offshore wind is intriguing to me and for solar. Th reason is capital and the value that large capital investment flows means to renewable energy fund investors. The billions it costs to generate big energy in offshore wind will mean big funds that own that infrastructure.
Painful Future For IOUs. It can’t be overstated what the liability docket regarding the California fires in PG&E area could be to the future of PG&E. The issue could result in PG&E being caused to have to pay billions in repairs and other liabilities. What it means for PG&E is they need a regulatory bailout in the form of a favorable decision. On the other hand, this may result in a different future for IOUs, what should they look like?
- SolarWakeup: Chinese Module Companies Boost Production Despite Reduced Domestic Capacity
- SolarWakeup: Time Running Out On Massachusetts Solar Legislation, So Act Now
- GreenBiz: What it will take for the U.S. offshore wind energy market to set sail
- Utility Dive: Los Angeles considers $3B pumped storage project at Hoover Dam
- Think Progress: California wildfire survivors fear officials will shift utilities’ financial liability to them
- Scientific America: How Coastal Communities Are Already Retreating from Rising Seas
- Bloomberg: China Solar Industry Told to Stay Calm, Cut Costs and Get Better
- Electrek: Watch a Tesla Solar Roof being dismantled in first responder training video
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann