Apple planning to sell excess solar energy

Apple is now planning to sell excess solar energy produced at its solar farms in Cupertino and Nevada. The tech giant has created a new subsidiary called Apple Energy LLC, and has also approached the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to seek approvals on its plans to sell power across US.

According to the filing found by 9to5Mac, Apple can be allowed to sell energy at market rates as it's not primarily a mainstream electricity company and thus cannot affect the market price.

Apple may get 2-3 years’ breather on sourcing norm

The government is expected to allow Apple to open its own retail outlets in the country without any sourcing requirement for two-to-three years as it tries to work out an arrangement under which the company will agree to local purchases once it gets a stronger toehold in the country.

Surplus energy is usually sold to power firms. However, Apple reportedly might sell power directly to end users or businesses.
"We're constantly finding ways to be more energy efficient and working toward our goal of covering 100% of the electricity use of our global facilities — data centers, corporate offices, and more than 475 Apple Retail Stores — with 100% renewable energy. As of January 2016, we're at 93 percent worldwide. And in 23 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and Australia, we're at 100%," said Apple in its latest environmental responsibility report .

Apple is already looking at ways to charge electric cars. It is reportedly in talks with charging station companies and hiring engineers with expertise in the area, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, in India, the government is expected to allow Apple to open its own retail outlets in the country without any sourcing requirement for two-to-three years, as it tries to work out an arrangement under which the company will agree to local purchases once it gets a stronger foothold in the country.