March 2015

Situation goes from bad to worse as net metering cap stalls private projects in National Grid territory

March 31, 2015

Update: The number of solar projects on hold has doubled in the last 24 hours. As of 4:00PM on April 1st, there are now 22.7 MW of solar projects on hold. This is not a joke. 

Solar valued at 20-25 cents per kWh in Connecticut

March 27, 2015

An analysis released today by the Acadia Center, puts the value of solar electricity in Connecticut at 20-25 cents/kWh. This valuation does not include an estimated 9.6 cents/kWh of benefits resulting from avoided pollution, such as carbon, SOx and NOx emissions.  Media coverage here.

Solar industry’s survival threatened by net meter caps

March 27, 2015

Over half of the 12,000 jobs in the Massachusetts solar industry are at risk due to net metering caps set by the Massachusetts legislature. Solar installers are being forced to put their projects in National Grid's territory on hold. 

Global energy sector carbon emission growth stalls for the first time in 40 years

March 24, 2015

Finally!  Some good news for the climate and further evidence that the energy revolution underway in many parts of the world is having a postive impact: global carbon dioxide emissions did not rise in 2014 despite economic growth. 

Let’s Talk About Solar Power and Equity

March 23, 2015

We need to have “the talk” about solar power and equity, because ignoring uncomfortable questions will invite misinformation and bad decisions. We need an informed dialogue about how local solar power can impact low-income communities and communities of color in the U.S. We need to talk about “all the good things, and the bad things, that may be.”

Solar development expected to slow in Massachusetts as net metering caps reached

March 19, 2015

Last week, the net metering cap for public projects was hit in National Grid territory (see box highlighted in red below).  This according to the latest report from the Massachusetts System of Assurance of Net Metering Eligibility.  Development activity for municipal projects is expected to come to a halt unless the legislature raises the caps once again.

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