Women in Power, solar cell pricing down, solar+bird+fire=bad: pvMB 6/28/19

Profiles in power: Seven women entrepreneurs of solar energy: “The experiences of these seven women suggest that in order to close the gender gap in the clean energy sector, the three most important factors are access to funding, ability to network and form partnerships, and the existence of wider gender-specific goals or targets and pro-women social policies that can optimise performance and success. Of course, it is also important to adapt these factors to the specific context of each country or organisation to create optimal environments and opportunities for women in the clean energy transition.” Source – IEA

Common completes two community installations – Common, the energy and development company, not the early-200’s Chicago rapper, has announced the completion of two community solar projects, located in Johnstown, NY. The two projects will generate roughly 684 kW, good for 6 million kilowatt hours each year, enough to power approximately 690 homes. Source: Common Energy

LONGi is hiring – two Bay Area, California positions:

Bird starts fire at California solar plant – In a wild story, the LA Times shares how a bird flying into a pair of wires at a solar farm led to a monstrous blaze. “One wing touches each of the conductors, and they turn into a light bulb,” said Zach Nichols, a Cal Fire battalion chief. “Happens all the time.” What a quote. The fire, unfortunately, did lead to an estimated $8-9 million in damages, though there were no casualties. Source: LA Times

PG&E still paying – Yet again, PG&E has delivered on its payments for the 550 MW Topaz Solar Farm. “Consistent with the terms of its power purchase agreement with Pacific Gas and Electric Company, Topaz Solar Farms today received full contract payment for its May 2019 energy deliveries to PG&E. While monitoring PG&E’s financial situation, Topaz continues to perform its obligations under the parties’ power purchase agreement.” Source: Topaz Solar Farms LLC

For a little while (months) we’ve had flat solar module pricing, then last week we saw slight price rumblings and now this week we see cell prices fall 1.7% to 2.5%. PV Info Link suggested those rumblings are supply side generated as there are a lot of new monoPERC facilities coming online.

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