Presented By Conti Solar. Conti Solar, a national EPC, O&M, and energy storage company. Our attention to detail, flawless execution and collaborative culture has enabled us to successfully develop and install over 500 MW of solar projects since our early initiatives in 2008. We leverage established partnerships with solar developers, IPPs, utilities, off-takers, suppliers and landowners to streamline project development, design, construction and operations; drive down project costs and create value across all project stakeholders. Majority-owned by Ares EIF with a minority position retained by the Conti Group, Conti Solar is well positioned with a diversified network of industry experts and the financial resources to be a trusted, long-term partner. Learn more at www.contisolar.com.
The Future Of Corporate Solar. On the day that Walmart announces another 23MW with SunPower, I am also thinking about the continued focus on serving corporate load from afar. Last week Google announced the work they are doing to match load with generation. Facebook is securing energy through special utility rate schedules. DG will always be the most interested and visible way solar is integrated but the density and offset will never be 100%. Expect more to come on entities that match load and generation in innovative ways.
Making Solar A Debate Topic. On Sunday night during the Florida gubernatorial debate, Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum made solar a focal point about jobs and climate change. This comes n the moves that Tallahassee Electric built a solar farm with Florida developer, Origis Energy, the same time that Trump was announcing the departure from the Paris climate accords. This is a smart move politically given where consumers stand in their support of the issue and a good pivot from climate change to the popular issue appealing to both sides with jobs and consumer choice.
Venture Nonsense. The often forward thinking venture accelerator, Y Combinator, has posted its request for startups in the seldom considered carbon removal technologies. I respect the initiative but why not focus on an established market and show the returns that one could make in the solar industry for example. Why not highlight and plan to invest in renewable startups to pick up the void that the SunShot initiative leaves after their shift to hardware?
Brazil Solar Turn Around. 3 years ago investing in Brazil was a non-starter. That has now changed which is the gentle reminder that some markets are one election or impeachment away from investment grade.
ISO Storage Preview. Like ISO-NE, PJM and the NJ BPU are looking at energy storage programs that will start the market. ISOs will be looking to integrate energy storage across their markets and solar developers will look to see how to take advantage of it. The key question for regulators is what problem do they want to solve and for developers the question is do they have the right money. All these questions will be asked during SolarWakeup Live! on November 6th.
- SolarWakeup: Walmart, SunPower Sign Landmark Deal In Illinois
- Think Progress: Florida gubernatorial debate dominated by algae crisis as climate takes center-stage
- Y Combinator: Carbon Removal Technologies
- CNBC: Enel begins construction on 475-megawatt Brazilian solar park
- Renewable Energy World: ISO-New England Offers Preview of Pending Energy Storage Market Changes
- PV-Tech: Australia pilots using renewables to produce hydrogen for energy storage
Opinion
Have a great day!
Yann