This is your SolarWakeup for January 17th, 2019

109GW. 2018 is going to surpass the 100GW mark and boost its size to 109GW according to BNEF. While the headline shows reduced investments, the headline’s negative connotation actually is a positive. More solar and lower costs means a better deal for more consumers. There is still a lot of extraneous cost in the system that can be reduced by eliminating senseless tariffs and faster installs through instant permitting initiatives. 

$60Billion. A new report is estimating the growth of the Li-On market to reach $60billion in 2024. A combination of drastic cost reductions, BNEF already sees costs under $200/kWh, and increased demand by renewable generators and EVs should make this estimate reality. Look for pricing of energy storage to follow a cost curve in line with the market growth but in the opposite direction. 

Cuomo Trying Catchup. Governor Cuomo in New York is trying his best to make renewable energy and climate change mitigation a reality in the State he leads. While the headlines are there, the execution is still lacking and implementation has been slow. This may be due to the diverse energy markets in New York, ranging from Watertown to Manhattan, or the incumbent regulatory/utility environment that halts changes to the status quo. 

Carbon Dividends. All living former Federal Reserve Chairs, 30 Noble winning economists and others in this class of DC economy circles have come out in support of a carbon dividend policy as a policy to replace other, less effective, carbon regulations. Trent Lott is lobbying on the effort. 

Watching SC. Hoping for better outcomes in 2019!

Opinion

 

Have a great day!

Yann