Massachusetts is transitioning to a new distributed solar incentive program but in the meantime there are 124 smaller-scale solar projects, comprising 51.2 megawatts worth $78 million, on hold, according to new analysis from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). Combined the projects could provide enough energy to power 5,400 homes in the state. But, to allow them to move forward the state would have to raise its current net metering caps.

Last week saw SolarWorld Americas begin hiring in response to the controversial International Trade Commission (ITC) ruling on imported solar panels. The ruling could increase tariffs on imported silicon solar panels and parts. But new technologies could threaten silicon PV, like perovskite crystals, which promise lower-cost, more efficient PV panels. 

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The US electric grid is seeing a lot of changes as more renewable energy comes online across all levels from utility-scale renewable energy to rooftop solar. The changes will require the US electric grid to become more flexible and incorporate energy storage and more. Now, a new bill introduced by Sens. Al Franken (D-MN) and Martin Heinrich (D-NM) would help achieve that while creating new jobs.

Perovskite crystals are the big buzzword in solar power these days. Now, new research from a group of European universities finds that to maximize the amount of light that the crystals can convert into electricity, they’ll have to operate at incredibly fast speeds—femtoseconds, quadrillionths of a second. If they can, they could even surpass an efficiency rate of converting 30 percent of the sun’s light into electricity. 

As part of a larger effort to support environmental causes, including clean energy, wildlife and habitat conservation, the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation (LDF) has granted $20 million to more than 100 organizations across the globe. Of that it gave nearly $3.6 million to its climate program supporting renewable energy organizations across the world, including two specifically aimed at increasing solar power in the US and abroad. 

Last week the International Trade Commission (ITC) ruled in favor of a trade petition that threatens the US solar industry and thousands of jobs. Meanwhile mixed news came out of New York, where the state announced its transition plan from net-metering to a new rooftop solar compensation plan without some acrimony. But also, as part of climate week in New York, the international Green Bank Network will help finance renewable energy projects around the world. 

This morning (Sept. 22) the International Trade Commission (ITC) voted unanimously in a trade case that has roiled the US solar industry over the last five months or so. The case, which was brought by Suniva after it filed for bankruptcy, and joined by SolarWorld, seeks to impose tariffs on imported crystalline silicon solar panels and materials—essentially doubling the cost of solar. The 4-0 vote today means that the ruling will go to President Trump (R) who will decide whether or not to impose tariffs on imported photovoltaic panels. 

A new report out from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows a blueprint of the how the US can reduce its greenhouse gasses with wind, solar, energy efficiency and clean vehicles while reaping benefits worth seven times the cost of the transition. Among other things the report shows how the country can cut energy consumption by 50 percent, while increasing the amount of energy coming from renewable energy to 80 percent. 

An international coalition of Green Banks announced they will collectively support more than $29 billion in clean energy projects across the world. With the latest round of investments, the banks said they are expected to exceed their goal of supporting $40 billion in renewable and clean energy projects around the world by 2019. Not bad for an entity launched in December 2015 at the Paris climate accords.