Distributed energy resources

Guest essay

We need distributed solar and energy storage, not utility monopolies

Xcel wants to build 800 MW of distributed energy in Minnesota, but makes it hard for its customers to own their own solar and batteries. That’s bad for ratepayers, and for the climate.

By John Farrell . 24 October 2024
Distributed energy resources

Hurricane Helene underscores need for more solar-battery microgrids

Distributed solar and batteries are helping North Carolina communities that were cut off from grid power by flooding. Should utilities build them into resilience plans?

By Jeff St. John . 18 October 2024
Solar

California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoes school solar bill

SB 1374 would have let public schools follow the more lucrative rooftop solar rules for single-family homes. Without it, schools can’t afford solar, advocates say.

By Jeff St. John . 30 September 2024
Distributed energy resources

Houston’s post-Beryl outages highlight benefits of distributed energy

More solar, batteries, and gas microgrids could have helped Houston during last week’s outages. But state leaders and utilities haven’t made them a priority.

By Jeff St. John . 18 July 2024
Virtual power plants

California budget cuts could decimate key virtual-power-plant programs

Governor Gavin Newsom plans to slash funding for batteries and utility customers to help with grid emergencies — but money for fossil fuel generators keeps flowing.

By Jeff St. John . 5 June 2024
Solar

El auge de la energía solar en Puerto Rico está en riesgo, advierten sus defensores

La energía solar ha sido un salvavidas para el territorio estadounidense durante apagones. Ahora una entidad gubernamental quiere deshacer la ley que protege un programa solar clave.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Solar

Puerto Rico’s rooftop solar boom is at risk, advocates warn

Rooftop solar has been a lifeline for the U.S. territory during blackouts. Now a government entity wants to undo a law protecting a key solar program.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Distributed energy resources

California’s new rules allow solar and batteries to help out the grid

Utilities tend to treat solar and batteries as threats to their power grids. California’s policy will now tap their flexible power to benefit the grid instead.

By Jeff St. John . 2 April 2024
Virtual power plants

Four ways virtual power plants can help the US grid keep up with demand

States are starting to experiment with VPPs to boost clean energy capacity on America's overtaxed grid. Experts broke it down at SXSW in Austin.

By Maria Gallucci . 13 March 2024