Solar

The Arizona Republic reports on Arizona’s recent decline in rooftop solar installations over the past year, attributed to a combination of regulatory hurdles and financial barriers. United’s Michael Barrio spoke to Arizona’s potential as a leader in solar energy adoption, emphasizing the need for stable policies that support the solar industry’s growth across the state.

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Senate Bill (SB) 1374, which was designed to accelerate local solar adoption. SB 1374 would have expanded solar benefits by reversing a prior CPUC decision that prevents schools and apartment buildings from being able to use the solar energy they generate on their properties. This misguided veto will result in unnecessary energy costs for schools and apartment buildings.

Amid rising energy demands, the New York Times reports that America’s biggest oil-producing state, Texas, has turned to solar power and battery storage to see it through extreme weather over the years. The article quotes Texas Advanced Energy Business Alliance’s (United’s state affiliate) Matthew Boms who speaks to Texas’ renewable energy potential.

Utah News Dispatch reports on the growing interest in virtual power plants (VPPs) and quotes Advanced Energy United’s Brian Turner, who emphasizes VPPs’ potential as a cost-effective and flexible solution to rising electricity demand.