10 GW distributed solar by 2030 target approved formally for New York; Raptor Maps raises $22 million; Ubiquitous Energy demonstrates transparent solar coating technology for large scale use; Virginia solar bill, now a law.
New York approves 10 GW distributed solar framework: The State Public Service Commission in the state of New York, US has approved a new framework aiming for a minimum of 10 GW distributed solar by 2030, as proposed under NY-Sun program (see 10 GW Distributed Solar By 2030 For New York). It includes an investment of $1.5 billion in ratepayer-funded incentives to extend the program with an objective to achieve cost reduction for projects in this space. Of the total target, 1.6 GW will be dedicated to disadvantaged communities and low-to-moderate income New Yorkers, 450 MW in the Con Edison electric service area increasing the installed capacity in the area to 1 GW, and 560 MW will be advanced through the Long Island Power Authority.
$22 million funding for Raptor Maps: Solar lifecycle management software provider Raptor Maps has closed $22 million in Series B funding, led by Canadian private investment firm MacKinnon, Bennett & Co (MKB). Other investors include Microsoft Climate Innovation Fund, Blue Bear Capital, DNV, Buoyant Ventures, Congruent Ventures, Data Point Capital and ENGIE New Ventures. The software it develops helps cover the entire lifecycle of a utility scale and commercial & industrial (C&I) plant, right from financing and development through operations. It enables the customers standardize and analyze data, collaborate, optimize PV assets, reduce risks and ensure profitability, it explains. One feature of its platform, which it claims to be an industry first, is that users can scan in module serial numbers to streamline warranty claims and verify supply chains. Raptor Maps said it will use the funding to hire more people and invest in product, software and data science.
1st large scale demonstration for Ubiquitous technology: US solar energy startup Ubiquitous Energy has demonstrated 1.5 meter wide glass coated uniformly with its UE Power transparent solar materials. Management said this 'critical milestone' paves the way to scale up its technology as it comes up with high volume manufacturing to produce 1.5 x 3.0 meter floor-to-ceiling, transparent solar windows. It will become operational in 2024. Its UE Power transparent solar glass coating technology uses vacuum physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology with organic semiconductor materials. For the said large scale demonstration, UE Power organic semiconductor materials were deposited in a full-size PVD prototype coater which showed a 'near-perfect' uniformity within 1% to 2% tolerance over 1.5 meter wide glass for coatings that are tens of nanometers thick, according to the company.
Virginia law in favor of solar: The Governor of Virginia Glenn Youngkin has signed Virginia SB 686 bill into a law allowing property tax exemption for residential and mixed-use solar energy systems of up to 25 kW capacity terming such installations a 'separate class of property'. The provisions of the law will come into effect from January 1, 2023. Welcoming the move, the US Solar Energy Industries Association's (SEIA) Southeast Regional Director, Will Giese said, "This new law empowers millions of Virginians to choose the energy that works for them, while increasing the value of their homes and creating certainty to attract new businesses and jobs."
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