Breaking News: Key Events in the Solar Industry in April 2024[Roundup]

The US solar industry is budding with electrifying news this month. 

So, we are back with the solar US news to keep you abreast with the latest developments in the United States solar industry this April. Let’s dive in!

CPUC proposed a new electricity billing structure with a $24.15 monthly Fee

April 1, 2024 : CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) proposed a new billing structure for electricity bills in the state that includes a fixed monthly fee of $24. This bill has also reduced the electricity rates by $0.05 to $0.07 per kilowatt-hour. The purpose of this proposal is to maintain infrastructure including transformers and power lines, make electricity bills impartial, and support clean energy goals. ~ source

Walmart teams up with Pivot Energy in 19 projects

April 1, 2024 : Walmart, the retail giant is partnering with Pivot Energy for 19 solar projects across the United States. Out of 19 projects, 15 are designated as community solar programs. This partnership spans across Colorado, Illinois, Delaware, Maryland, and California. These 72 megawatt projects will power more than 7000 households, saving $6 million on annual electricity bills ~ source

CSU-Dominguez Hills gets eco-friendly benches with solar charging from Bluebolt Outdoor

April 2, 2024 : California State University, Dominguez Hills recently installed solar-powered benches on campus provided by Bluebolt Outdoor. These benches offer sockets to charge devices and space to rest. It can store enough power and last almost 5 days. This indicates even educational institutions are embracing sustainable practices. ~ Source

DOE announces $4 billion tax credits for 100 projects in the country

April 2, 2024 : The United States Department of Energy (DOE) recently announced $4 billion in tax credits for more than 100 projects across 35 states. This tax credit will be dedicated to developing and expanding domestic manufacturing facilities for renewable energy technologies. The goal is to make the country less reliant on other countries for clean energy components. ~ Source

AIO started America’s first solar junction box manufacturing lines

April 3, 2024 : Amphenol Industrial Operations (AIO) has started America’s first solar junction box manufacturing lines in Arizona. This factory becomes operational in January 2024 and produces around 3000 junction boxes each day. This move will help them capture a substantial portion of the United States solar market. AIO has plans to manufacture connectors and cable assemblies for solar modules by the end of 2024. ~ Source

NREL’s new tool helps estimate the costs of pumped hydro storage facilities

April 4, 2024 : NREL (The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory) has launched a new tool to estimate the cost of pumped hydro storage facilities in the US. This tool estimates the cost of building new closed-loop pumped hydro storage (PSH) plants in the country and provides a more realistic cost of projects. This cost enables operators to customize their projects by choosing features and considering real-world costs like labor and location. ~ Source

LG Energy Solution starts building a huge Arizona battery plant

April 4, 2024 : LG has begun construction on a massive battery factory in Arizona. LG is investing $5.5 billion in this project. It has a capacity of 53 gigawatts per year with products like Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries for energy storage systems (ESS) (17 GWh) and cylindrical batteries for electric vehicles (36 GWh). This project will support the rising demand for EVs (electric vehicles) in the country. The construction of two factories is expected to be completed by 2026. ~Source

The federal government announced $19 million to install solar panels over irrigation canals

April 5, 2024 : The Biden-Harris, a United States representative announced a project funding of $19 million to install solar panels over irrigation canals in California, Oregon, and Utah. $15 million out of this fund will be directed towards California’s Delta-Mendota Canal floating solar project. The purpose of this project is to advance clean energy goals and reduce water evaporation. ~ Source

Duke Energy launched the PowerPair program to encourage solar installation along with battery system

April 5, 2024 : Duke Energy has recently launched a program called ‘PowerPair’ specifically for North Carolina residents serviced by Duke Energy Process and Duke Energy Carolinas. The key purpose of this program is to encourage solar panel installation with battery storage systems. Residents can receive up to $9000 incentive for installing solar plus battery systems, making the cost affordable. ~ Source

The federal government’s new program can save low-income households $31 per month

April 8, 2024 : The federal government’s new program allows low-income households to save $31 on their electricity bills every month. Residents don’t need to install solar panels to avail of this benefit, they can subscribe to solar farms and get credits on their monthly electricity bill. This program has made solar energy accessible to households who cannot afford it. ~ Source

Virginia Solar Farm wins state environmental award thanks to innovative trackers

April 9, 2024 : Recently, a Virginia solar project utilizing Nevados trackers earned a state environmental award. Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recognized a 170-MWDC solar project Bartonsville Energy Facility for its commitment to environmental conservation. These trackers reduced the amount of steel needed (approximately $5 million) for construction and disruptive land grading. ~ Source

Virginia expands access to community solar programs

April 10, 2024 : Virginia recently enacted a law to expand access to community solar programs. Now more Virginians can take advantage of solar energy. This community program has made solar technology available to people who cannot afford solar panels, renters, and owners of unsuitable roofs. This is another positive step to reach 30% renewable energy by 2030. ~ Source

Navitas Resourcing Group to expand services in the United States

April 11, 2024 : Navitas Resourcing Group, a big name in renewable energy recruitment is planning to expand its contact recruitment services across the US. This move has highlighted this company’s dedication to sustainable energy solutions. This will also create more job opportunities in this sector. ~ Source

Nexamp secured a considerable investment of $520 million

April 11, 2024 : Nexamp, a community solar provider has secured a whopping investment of $520 million. This rise in capital will fuel their expansion plans in the country. This company has dedicated a $2 billion investment to Illinois specifically. ~  Source

A new report highlights the price drop of solar cells for the past 3 weeks

April 12, 2024 : A new report by PV Magazine has revealed that the solar cells price has been dropping for the past three weeks. For instance, the cost of Mono PERC M10 cells dropped to $0.0455 per watt. This is a decrease of 1.09% from the prior week. For homeowners and businesses who are looking to install solar panels, it is the right time to make the purchase. ~ Source

Solar microgrid coming to Northern California tribal land

April 15, 2024 : North California has taken a big step toward achieving energy independence. The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians in Corning, California is building a solar microgrid. This solar project is funded by a California Energy Commission grant. This solar microgrid will add 5 megawatts of solar and 15 megawatts of hours of extended energy storage. ~ Source

PCL to build 48 megawatts solar project in Southern Ohio

April 16, 2024 : PCL, a construction company will be building a large-scale solar project named ‘Great Bend Solar in Meigs County, Southern Ohio. This solar project will have a capacity of 48 megawatts and developed by Doral Renewables. Great Bend Solar will be PCL’s 16th PV solar project in the United States. Construction is expected to start in the summer of 2024. ~ Source

Swift Solar joins SEMA to boost solar panel manufacturing in the US

April 17, 2024 : Known for its work in Perovskite solar technology, Swift Solar has joined SEMA (Solar Energy Manufacturing for America) to strengthen the solar manufacturing sector in the country. Swift Solar will work jointly with SEMA and other manufacturers to support policies that increase the production of solar technology and reduce reliance on foreign manufacturing. ~ Source

New York expedites approval for renewable energy projects with the new law

April 18, 2024 : New York included the RAPID (Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment) Act in its 2024-2025 fiscal year. The key purpose of this act is to streamline and speed up the permitting process for large-scale renewable energy projects and electric transmission facilities. ~ Source

Watertown, Massachusetts that mandated solar on new buildings marks a win

April 18, 2024 : Watertown’s solar ordinance that mandated solar power on new buildings in 2018 marks a win. This ordinance requires 50% roof coverage with solar panels for new and renovated buildings, and 90% parking garages. This Massachusetts city’s Climate and Energy Plan outlines a roadmap with 61 actions to reach 100% renewable electricity by 2050. ~ Source

Fronius conducted firefighter solar safety training in Indiana

April 19, 2024 : Fronius, United States provided access to their rooftop solar panels and inverter lab for training. This technical training on solar systems includes rapid shutdown protocols, energy storage systems, safety features for PV systems, and electrical vehicle chargers. This training expressed Fronius’s commitment to the safety of the community. ~ Source

PECO’s award-winning energy efficiency programs are a huge success, delivering up to $500 million in savings to customers

April 22, 2024 : PECO (Philadelphia Electric Company) energy efficiency programs have become a great resource for people to save money on energy bills. PECO offers incentives and rebates for several energy-saving updates. PECO’s programs are widely recognized and have won the ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year: Sustained Excellence Award for seven years in a row from the U.S. Department of Energy and the  U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. ~ Source

Hecate Energy to build a 150-MW solar project in Virginia

April 23, 2024 : Hecate Energy, a developer of solar, wind, and energy storage projects got approval for a 150-megawatt solar project in Cumberland County, Virginia. This project is estimated to begin by 2028, it will bring economic benefits including the creation of 150 job opportunities. This solar project is expected to power more than 37500 households in Virginia every year. ~ Source

EPC Energy completes an 80 MWh solar-plus-storage project

April 24, 2024 : EPC Energy has completed 80 megawatt-per-hour solar plus BESS. This project includes real-time monitoring, predictive analysis, a cloud-based centralized monitoring system, and granular cell-level data. This system can dispatch more than 300 units with battery ratios and modular power conversion units with varied capabilities. ~ Source

The United States is to modernize 100,000 miles of its transmission within a 5-year timeframe

April 25, 2024 : The Biden administration announced a plan to upgrade 100000 miles of transmission lines in the US within 5 years timeline. This initiative aims to increase national grid capacity to deliver clean energy and enhance reliability. The capacity of existing lines will increase with this cost-effective approach as there will be no requirement to build a new one. This initiative is a major step toward an efficient and robust electric grid in the country. ~ Source

Minnesota filed a lawsuit against GoodLeap, Mosaic, Sunlight Financial, and Dividend Solar Finance

April 26, 2024 : Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against four solar lending companies GoodLeap, Mosaic, Sunlight Financial, and Dividend Solar Finance for carrying on deceitful business practices. The lawsuit alleges that these four companies hid fees within financial agreements, resulting in misleading costs of solar panel installations for homes. ~ Source

Defense company plans to cut down 46% emissions by 2030

April 29, 2024 : Defense contractor RTX, formerly Raytheon is aiming to reduce environmental impact. Recently, they have signed a deal to switch to 100% renewable energy resources by 2030 for all their facilities in Texas. Compared to 2019, it will cut emissions by 46%. ~ Source