Solytic launches solar monitoring platform comparison tool
The Germany-based PV monitoring software startup has released this in-depth industry comparison just three months after announcing its intent to expand its user base tenfold by 2023.
Two new funds will put $110 million towards climate-change-mitigating tech
In addition to Prime Coalition’s announcement of a new $50 million fund and Pale Blue Dot launching its first-ever fund, tech incubator Greentown Labs will be expanding to Houston.
Data shows solar asset underperformance and bias towards optimistic pricing
Solar assets are underperforming far more frequently than official energy estimates would suggest, according to the industry experts who contributed to KwH Analytics’ 2020 solar risk assessment report.
Vivint Solar joins EnergyHub in expanding PV and storage demand response programs
Can programs like EnergyHub and National Grid’s battery-powered DR turn utilities into residential solar fans?
Advanced macro grid initiative announced, with funding support from Bill Gates-backed group
Bill Gates and Breakthrough Energy see enhanced transmission as facilitating electrification and grid reliability. Increasing transmission development at the “seams” between regions could save consumers more than $47 billion and return more than $2.50 on every dollar invested.
Sustaining the future of indoor vertical farming with microgrids
Schneider Electric’s Don Wingate discusses how microgrids can help the indoor vertical farming movement realize its full potential.
Earth’s magnetic field affecting PV panel performance
Researchers in Kenya say the geomagnetic field could reduce solar panel conversion efficiency 0.21% between the equator and a 50-degree latitude. Their analysis showed the complex magnetic field can determine increases in module fill factor and falls in maximum power.
PetersenDean, a regional solar installer and roofer, seeks chapter 11 bankruptcy protection
PetersenDean came to solar from the roofing world and has long been a top-ten U.S. solar installer with a multi-state regional practice.
Solar hosting capacity maps must be accurate to be useful
Solar hosting capacity maps, now required in seven states, show where solar can be added on a distribution circuit without incurring any grid expense—but only if those maps are accurate. California’s experience, says a policy paper, shows that best practice guidelines for validating maps are needed to aid state regulators.
Morning Brief: FERC denies MOPR review, Tesla’s longest-range Model S now goes 402 miles
Also in the brief: Community solar for Covid recovery, flaring wasted $750 million of natural gas, and coal’s descent.
