California

GTM Research reports that utilities in 15 states are incorporating energy storage into their long-term plans, as energy storage deployment reached a relatively even keel during Q3 2017.

The most recent contracts, which still need to be approved by California regulators, are part of a state-mandated goal of adding 580 MW of storage by 2020.

A group of researchers led by the University of California San Diego (UCSD) has utilized a novel technique to delve deep into hybrid perovskite materials without damaging. The team was able to observe ion migrations within material, which reduced its efficiency as a solar cell material.

The consultancy’s 2017 study finds that the global cost of utility-scale solar has reached an unsubsidized LCOE of under $50 per megawatt-hour, making new solar cost-competitive with running existing coal or nuclear plants.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have made progress with cathodes made from ‘disordered’ materials, a technology which could greatly increase the storage capacity of lithium batteries.

Recurrent Energy, a wholly owned subsidiary of heavyweight module manufacturer Canadian Solar has signed power purchase agreement for a 100 MW PV project to be located in Kings County, Central California.

Scientists at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have published research revealing unusual atomic motions in perovskite materials exposed to light. The discovery, says Stanford, could prove crucial to further increasing the efficiency potential for perovskite solar cells.

Fluence is the name of the collaboration between the German technology firm and global power company AES Corporation. New company will roll out Advancion and Siestorage energy platforms globally.

California regulators are proposing to move C&I customers onto pending time-of-use rates starting on August 1 – despite a lack of clarity as to the details of those rates.

The annual U.S. Conference of Mayors has endorsed a 100% renewable energy target for 2035, electrification of transport and other measures, following 31 cities setting or already meeting 100% renewable energy goals.