​This Week in Solar News - Oct 21, 2016

There have been several big changes in the solar power industry over the past week. Let Renogy keep you updated with our Top 3 news stories this week!

1. In a politically charged season there are several hot topics up for debate. One of the most relevant being whether or not a Clean Energy Economy can create or lose jobs. Renewable Energy World highlights some arguments for both sides of the argument.

The solar energy industry has already grown 12 times faster than other job industries. Transitions from fossil fuels to clean energy actually creates jobs instead of losing them. Some areas of work can include manufacturing, installation, engineering, and many more.

On the other hand, it can be very risky for companies to invest in a new technology. Critics of government involvement in clean energy spending argue that fracking has created many jobs in the oil and gas industries and clean energy regulations can stifle the fossil fuel economy that was so recently created.

2. A $2 Million federal grant will help Minnesota move toward its goal of generating 10% of its electricity from solar by the year 2030. Xcel Energy opened the largest solar facility in the Midwest this week in Minnesota and this can only serve to increase its solar activity. This Department of Energy grant was very exclusive and only one state received it. We are excited to see Minnesota reach their goal!

3. Utilities companies are still at war with the solar energy world. There has been a recent increase in attacks on a law called the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) which requires utilities to purchase renewable energy generation when they are equal to, or cheaper than, the cost of building a new power plant.

Many utility companies in states such as Montana and North Carolina are actively attempting to suspend this law for “emergency” cases. These attempts have been unsuccessful thus far, however, in Montana specifically, these attempts have put at least 135 MW of solar projects in limbo as more voting on the suspension occurs. These votes have halted both jobs and tax revenue. Activists are currently attempting to petition to reinstate these projects.