PV

Southern Power Buys Solar Facility in California from First Solar

Southern Power acquired the 150-MW Solar Gen 2 solar facility in California from First Solar. The Solar Gen 2 facility is being built and will be operated and maintained by First Solar. Construction of the project began in 2013. Completion of the project is expected to occur later in the fourth quarter 2014. Southern Power will initially own 100 percent of the project, with First Solar agreeing to acquire a minority interest subject to certain terms and upon fulfillment of certain conditions.

Duke Energy Commits $500 Million to North Carolina Solar Power Expansion

Duke Energy committed $500 million to a major expansion of solar power in North Carolina. The company will acquire and construct three solar facilities - totaling 128 MW of capacity - including the largest solar PV facility east of the Mississippi River. Duke Energy also signed PPAs with five new solar projects in the state, representing 150 MW of capacity. Together, the eight projects will have a capacity of 278 MW.

The Fortnightly 40 Best Energy Companies

The industry’s transformation has begun. Should the F40 transform too?

(September 2014) Our annual ranking of shareholder performance tracks the long-term returns of leading utilities. But can it predict success in a transformed energy market?

Rooftop Parity

Solar for Everyone, including Utilities

An independent system operator for the distribution network could open more opportunities for distributed energy resources, including rooftop solar.

Results-Based Regulation

A more dynamic approach to grid modernization.

The utility’s role is changing, and regulation must change along with it – to spur innovation and respond to evolving customer needs. Modernizing the industry will require a dynamic approach.

Reinventing the Grid

How to find a future that works.

The traditional central-station grid is evolving toward a more distributed architecture, accommodating a variety of resources spread out across the network. An open and thoughtful planning approach will allow an orderly transition to an integrated system – while fostering innovation among a wider range of industry players.

The Innovator's Dilemma

Assessing the risks and rewards of distributed energy strategies.

To embrace change or fight it? The choice to either act or wait and see is fraught with complexity.

EDF Renewable Energy Closes MIPSA on Lancaster Solar Project and Commences Construction

EDF Renewable Energy closed on the membership interest purchase and sale agreement (MIPSA) and started construction on the 5.86-MW Lancaster Solar Project. EDF Renewable Energy and Urban Green Technologies (UGT) signed the MIPSA in October 2013. The power generated will be delivered to the Town of Billerica, Massachusetts under a long-term PPA. EDF Renewable Energy will develop, own and operate the solar project with commercial operation expected in spring, 2014. EDF Renewable Energy has also executed an EPC contract with M+W U.S.

Smart Transition

Embracing a competitive and digital future for utilities.

A recent Accenture survey shows utility executives believe smart grid capabilities will transform the industry and bring competitive opportunities.

RES Canada to Build Two 10- MW Solar Plants in Ontario

Renewable Energy Systems Canada (RES Canada) will construct two 10-MW solar PV facilities for Canadian Solar Solutions (Canadian Solar). The Mighty Solar and Taylor Kidd projects qualify for the province's FIT (feed-in-tariff) program and are scheduled for completion in 2014. The electricity from Mighty Solar and Taylor Kidd will be sold under the 20-year feed-in-tariff contract with the Ontario Power Authority.