Solar power purchase agreement prices in Q2 2023 in North America have dropped for the first time since Q1 2020 thanks to the increase in incorporating benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act and a stabilised solar supply chain.
Despite projections that solar PV and wind generation capacity will more than double by 2035, the Texas transmission grid will need to be upgraded to avoid increased asset curtailment across the state.
Tom Kenning looks at the rise of solar power in Texas, a US state better known for its role in the oil and gas industry, where a beneficial tax regime and an abundance of project land work in favour of building out solar power generation.
A subsidiary of US utility American Electric Power (AEP) has issued a request for proposals for off-take from new and existing solar and wind facilities in the PJM Interconnection area and new solar facilities located in the ERCOT area.
PV plant developer National Grid Renewables has commenced operations at its Noble solar-plus-storage project in Denton County, Texas. The Noble project consists of a 275MW solar PV farm and 125MWh energy storage system.
Renewable bitcoin mining operator Aspen Creek Digital Corporation (ACDC) has commenced operations at a Texas data centre co-located with a behind-the-meter solar project.
Hit by soaring electricity prices and widespread power outages during a severe cold weather event earlier this year, Texas homeowners have been ramping up rooftop solar and battery storage installs to protect against future blackouts and increase their energy independence.