Enphase launches microgrid-forming microinverter line
The IQ8 solar microinverters are capable of forming a microgrid during a power outage using only sunlight, providing backup power without a battery. The systems also allow any size Enphase battery to be paired with a solar system.
Plastic for solar panels?
Three companies are swapping out aluminum and glass in favor of plastic to save weight and add flexibility. We look at the pros and cons.
Sunrise brief: Hawaii’s approach to smart inverters offers a model to follow
Also on the rise: Facebook signs a PPA for 160 MW in Virginia, and the solar sector provided jobs to 231,000 in the U.S. in 2020.
Facebook signs PPA for 160 MW of solar in Virginia
Chester Solar will be built near Richmond by co-developers D.E. Shaw and Torch Clean Energy.
Startup Sunday: Crowdfunding for solar cell power boosting tech
Also starting up: Heliogen is building a test CSP, and EV maker Aptera rolls out the third alpha of its solar equipped vehicle.
Solar employed 231,000 in the U.S. in 2020
The Covid-19 pandemic and higher productivity rates cut U.S. solar jobs by about 6.7% in 2020.
States choosing smart inverter settings could follow Hawaii’s lead
States don’t need to reinvent the wheel when evaluating smart inverter requirements, said a Sunrun policy director, noting that delays in setting requirements could lead to “wasted infrastructure.”
Sunrise brief: Consumers can drive decarbonization faster than utilities, study says
Also on the rise: Ohio officials approve more utility-scale solar, SCE will add 2,150 MWh of energy storage, and large format modules are headed for standardization in a move driven by a Chinese trade group.
NextEra Partners buys stake in 2,520 MW renewables portfolio
The deal includes more than 800 MW of solar and solar+storage in four states.
Ohio siting board approves 264 MW of new solar
Clearview Solar I and Ross County Solar are the state’s latest utility-scale project approvals with more expected.
