06-13-2016, 12:05 AM
New solar installations are expected to nearly double this year as the industry works through a huge project pipeline that developers created when they thought a federal tax break was on the verge of being slashed. GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association, a trade group, are projecting about 14,500 MW of new solar capacity this year, up from a record 7,286 MW the industry installed in 2015 when solar outpaced new capacity additions from natural gas. The projected total could have been even higher had some projects not been delayed once Congress extended the investment tax credit.
SNL: Report: Solar installations up 27% in 1st quarter, seen almost doubling in '16
In the first quarter of 2016, 1,665 megawatts of solar PV were installed in the United States with the solar industry adding more new capacity during this period than coal, natural gas and nuclear combined. According to GTM Research and the Solar Energy Industries Association’s (SEIA) U.S. Solar Market Insight, Q2 2016, the 1,665 megawatts accounted for 64 percent of all new electric generating capacity brought on-line in the first quarter of the year.
Solar Made Up 64% of New Electric Generating Capacity in the US in Q1 2016 | Greentech Media
Every year, the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century — mercifully abbreviated as REN21 — puts out a massive Global Status Report on renewable energy. It is an energy nerd's dream, packed with the latest data on clean energy around the world. When such reports are released, we here at Vox are legally obligated to do a charts post, lest we be fined by the Explainer Authorities. So let's get to it. One of the more interesting themes this year is just how clearly China is pushing the developing world into the lead on renewables. Let's tell the story in graphs.
China is driving global renewable energy growth, in 6 graphs - Vox
A utility may, for example, prefer the firm electricity supply from a coal or nuclear plant over intermittent renewable power as it seeks to maintain a reliable supply of energy. In the Pacific Northwest, wind generation has been curtailed during peak output to avoid the overload of transmission, a case where existing infrastructure cannot handle more renewable power. To address these challenges, the IEA report outlines a series of policy initiatives to continue support for renewable projects while allowing governments to cut back funding. The formula involves a basket of low- or no-cost policy tools that, when taken together, create an environment where ongoing support for renewables is ensured, as is bankability.