National Lab Explores Resource Planning of Western Utilities
In a recent report, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory summarizes the Integrated Resource Plans of major Western U.S. utilities to assess their assumptions about future changes within the electricity markets they serve.
SEIA Leadership Urges Industry to Unite in Face of Challenges
CHICAGO, IL -- Speaking at the opening session of Solar Power International 2013 -- the largest solar trade show in America -- Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association delivered the following remarks:Good afternoon everyone. Welcome to Chicago. Welcome to SPI 2013. And welcome to the Big Leagues.
Study Finds Effects of Power Plant Cycling to be Negligible
A new study from the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) finds that operating costs associated with additional power plant cycling caused by the integration of renewables to the grid are negligible when compared to fuel costs offset by displacing fossil fuels with renewable energy.
America’s Solar Industry Looks to Play Key Role in Grid Modernization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Reacting to a new report issued today by the Department of Energy (DOE) and the White House Council of Economic Advisors, the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) says its members are well-positioned to assist efforts to modernize the U.S. electric grid and to make it more resilient in the future when pounded by severe weather.SEIA President and CEO Rhone Resch released the following statement after the report’s release:
Hawaii Solar Integration Study Shows Grid Reliability at High Penetration Rates
In its recent report on solar integration within the Hawaiian grid, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory finds that distributed and utility scale solar can be reliably accommodated by electrical grids on Maui and Oahu at penetration rates of 20%.
Concentrating Solar Power with Storage Provides High Grid Value
A recent NREL report finds that concentrating solar power systems (CSP) with thermal energy storage (TES) provide value to the grid that is $30/MWh to $51/MWh higher than conventional base load generation. The analysis focused on grid performance in California under a 33% renewable scenario.
NERC: 2012 Long-Term Reliability Assessment
This assessment was prepared by North American Electric Reliability Corporation in its capacity as the Electric Reliability Organization1 and provides an independent view of the 10‐year reliability outlook for the North American BPS,2 while identifying trends, emerging issues, and potential risks.
Potential Impact of Solar PV on Electricity Markets in Texas
This report prepared by the Brattle Group and sponsored by SEIA demonstrates that adding solar PV could have significantly reduced energy prices for electric customers in Texas during the summer of 2011.