With the energy generating business in upheaval, utility-scale solar energy projects have done well since 2009, culminating in a record year for installation in 2013.
Mark Jaffe details the findings of a report by SNL Energy that provides statistics on the largest year ever for the installation of utility-scale solar projects around the country.
“Utility-scale solar set a record with 2.3 gigawatts installed 2013, with bulk of the construction in California, Arizona and Nevada…”
The 2013 totals represent a 35 percent improvement on 2012, the previous record year for installation. The record numbers continue a narrative of steady growth for the industry: “Utility-scale solar has been the fastest growing electricity generation source since 2009 – up 23 percent…”
The SNL data echoes recent reports indicating that the boom might be coming to a close: “The U.S. has 35,700 MW of utility-scale solar capacity in development, with 17,675 MW scheduled to come online by the end of 2016…”
FULL STORY: A record year for utility-scale solar power in the U.S.
Solar Power Beats DOE Cost Targets Three Years Early
With a set of 2020 affordability targets met three years early, the DOE can turn its attention to reliability, resilience, and storage.
Tri-Cities Emerging as a Solar Demonstration Hub for the Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for gloomy, rainy days. One, that's not true for the whole region, and two, it isn't stopping utilities from building utility-scale solar power.
California Leads in Solar Rooftops
A combination of state and local incentives and building code mandates has helped California far outpace other states in residential rooftop solar permits.
What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.
‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.
The VW Bus is Back — Now as an Electric Minivan
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz reimagines its iconic Bus as a fully electric minivan, blending retro design with modern technology, a 231-mile range, and practical versatility to offer a stylish yet functional EV for the future.
Healing Through Parks: Altadena’s Path to Recovery After the Eaton Fire
In the wake of the Eaton Fire, Altadena is uniting to restore Loma Alta Park, creating a renewed space for recreation, community gathering, and resilience.
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Electric Vehicles for All? Study Finds Disparities in Access and Incentives
A new UCLA study finds that while California has made progress in electric vehicle adoption, disadvantaged communities remain underserved in EV incentives, ownership, and charging access, requiring targeted policy changes to advance equity.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research