By Justin Gerdes, Greentech Media
Widespread deployment of EVs, heat pumps, and other electric technologies could increase U.S. electricity consumption by nearly 40 percent by mid-century, according to a new government report. The report, the second in the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s Electrification Futures Study series, analyzes the demand-side impacts of a transition to electricity in transportation, residential and commercial buildings, and industry through 2050.
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ENERGY STORAGE NEWS
- 9 out of 10 doctors recommend residential solar+storage, PV Magazine
GTM Research projects that residential batteries and other energy storage systems will be coupled with solar in 9 of 10 storage deployments by 2023. Additionally, the firm projects that residential solar power costs will fall below $2/W by this date. - Declining Battery Storage Costs Raise Questions About the Role of Natural Gas, Clean Energy Group. There are more than 1,000 peakers currently in operation across the U.S. Most of these are powered by natural gas, and many of them are located in communities already burdened by poor air quality and public health issues. Because peak events often don’t last very long, typically no more than a few hours, batteries are well-suited to step in as a peak demand resource (they’re already being widely deployed to manage customer peak demand).
- SMUD offers battery storage incentive for residential customers, American Public Power Association
NEW OPPD VIDEO
Shovels turn to start construction of Sholes facility
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Indiana cost consumers $140M by nixing efficiency program, AEC says, Utility Dive
A new report from the Applied Economics Clinic (AEC) estimates Indiana’s 2014 decision to do away with its energy efficiency requirements cost consumers more than $140 million, slashed electricity savings and reduced job growth in the state.
ALSO OF POTENTIAL INTEREST
- Hot weather strains the grid. Here’s how we could fix that, Grist
- Beat the heat’s effects on your electric bill, The Wire, OPPD Blog
- Solar Is at the Forefront of Corporate Advertising, Solar Energy Industries Association
Think solar isn’t popular? Just turn on your TV! Solar energy has taken over media campaigns in the past decade as many companies are looking to build a more sustainable brand. The rise in popularity of solar power and renewables has driven these organizations to make clean energy the centerpiece in multi-million dollar advertising campaigns. - Detroit Lions installing solar panels at Ford Field and team’s training facility, LionsWire, USA Today
- Solar energy is for seniors, too! — Byers Solar gives the benefits of going solar for seniors, The Union of Grass Valley
- A solar ring and retractable roof will soon hang above a premier Miami concert venue, Miami Herald
- Iowa’s lone nuclear plant to close in 2020 under revised PPA, American Public Power Association
Project: This residential project involved building a solar pergola consisting of fifteen LG solar panels with integrated Enphase IQ6+ microinverters (LG-330E1C-A5). The 4.35-kilowatt system is grid tied and serves to both generate electricity for the residence and provide shade for the south-facing deck.
The Billion Dollar Green Challenge initiative advocates for the efficacy of green revolving funds (GRFs), and works to increase the number and size of self-managed green revolving funds at nonprofit institutions across the United States.
For environmentalists and EV promoters, there is a new challenge. There is currently $1.28 million for EV charging stations in Nebraska, which represents 10% of the Nebraska VW Settlement. With public pressure, that amount could even be increased to 15%, or $1.92 million.