T’was a few nights before
Christmas, when all through the office
Everyone took PTO and counted their losses;
So I sit in my cube and begin typing with care,
In hopes that we can reflect, so pull up a chair;
This year in solar has been quite the scene
So sit back and listen and I’ll give you the tea[1];
We started the year, hearts full of thrill
Would 2019 be the year of good will?
Solar + Storage was the emerging technology
The questions came fast: is it safe, is it too costly?
Some projects with batteries finally penciled and closed
While FERC
Order 841 kept us all on our toes;
But aggressive
state policy thrust NY and MA into the lead,
With storage galore, what more could they need?
Trump’s solar tariffs caused quite a clatter,
They’ve been a wild ride, what’s the truth of the matter?
In 2018 came a module import tax
Then bifacials were exempt – people wanted them to the max;
The market was tight until that exemption went away
Wow – another dip on the solar coaster, I must say![2]
Many of us supported longer investment tax credits,
Then to our dismay, we watched it get beheaded,
Thankfully, we know you safe
harbored real quick,
You knew in a moment this must be the trick.
Now let’s look at Holocene- go ahead and pop the champagne,
Some new hires this year! and I’ll tell you by name:
“Now, Hunter! now, Tyler! now Steve and Kristine!
They work on, engineering! on, contracts!
on, finance and accounting!
They’re at the top of my list! The top of them all!
Now work away! work away! work away all!”
Update your address book for when you’re sending mail,
Because in 2019, we moved to Lake Boone Trail.
But I flew by Virginia, so let’s go back
Big solar is coming, it’s quite on track
Northam signed an Executive Order with care
For wind and solar in the state – but that’s neither here nor there
Because it isn’t just Virginia, you’ll soon enough see
All over, renewable energy goals are wrapped ‘neath the tree
RE100, Green
New Deal, Time
Person of the Year,
Sustainability is trending, so lend us an ear;
From the cars to the fields to the top of the roof;
It’s almost 2020 – which renewable will you choose?
This year—how it twinkled! But at times it was scary,
Reading the news, of House
Bill 6 I was wary.
Some things were great so to those I’ll default,
Like how many PPAs came out of the vault.
Green power is replacing coal, ashes and soot;
Renewables have reached price parity – it’s really a hoot!
Microgrids are showing to be the next big trend,
Independent and efficient, the benefits don’t end.
Contracts are shorter and hedges are in the market
We’re all finding new ways to hit our renewable targets;
What next year brings, nobody can know,
We expect the unexpected and we go with the flow;
If the forecasts are right then records we’re breaking,
Double solar capacity in five years, experts
are thinking.
Solar policy this year has been fun, and sometimes over my head,
But now you’re caught up so there’s no need to dread.
So I’ll leave you all here, and say with delight—
“Happy Holidays from
Holocene, may your solar be bright!”
[1] Tea (n): scoop, gossip