Grazing sheep increase carbon sequestration up to 80%, while also benefiting fixation of soil nutrients under solar panels
Researchers from Temple University have found that managed sheep grazing on an acre of recovering agricultural soil with native plants installed may sequester one ton of carbon per year, which may accumulate for 12 to 15 years before reaching saturation
Recycled silicon used in 19.7% efficient PERC solar cells
Led by German research institute Fraunhofer ISE, the consortium has built the solar cells with 100% crystalline silicon recycled from end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The silicon is recycled through a technique conceived by German specialist Reiling GmbH & Co. KG and the Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP.
Robot dog for PV plant monitoring
A robot dog developed by Boston Dynamics monitors a solar park by walking between the panel rows following a programmed route. It uses its built-in thermal vision system to generate thermographic reports on the status of the different PV plant components.
RFP Alert: DTE Energy seeks 500MW of renewables
The Michigan utility submitted a request for proposals for 500MW of solar or wind energy to support its voluntary MIGreenPower program.
Sunrise brief: Biden extends Trump solar tariffs, with a twist
Also on the rise: Nova Scotia government protects solar owners by stopping proposed net-metering fee. Maxeon 40-year warranty is cool, but you can’t get it in US. Solar-powered EV Airstream parks itself by remote control. Two large-scale solar and battery storage projects coordinate time-based delivery.
Florida legislators attempt to appease solar advocates with amendment to controversial net metering bill
The amendment would allow existing net metering customers to keep their current rates for 20 years, but would slash future rates and add in base facilities charges, electric grid access fees, monthly minimum bills, or other fixed charges.
Have you taken the EnergySage solar installer survey?
NABCEP has partnered with EnergySage to launch one of the most comprehensive business surveys for solar installation professionals in the United States. They’d like to hear from you.
Solar-powered camper from Airstream is a two-wheeled electric car
The camper can be driven and parked without the use of a car, is integrated with solar, and optimized for the electric vehicle revolution.
Biden administration extends Section 201 tariffs on imported CSPV panels and cells
Today’s proclamation upholds the exclusion for bifacial panels and increases the annual tariff rate quota to 5GW for cells.
Nova Scotia government moves to stop net-metering fixed charge
In a welcome ruling, the Nova Scotia government announced that it will protect solar homeowners and small businesses in the solar industry by stopping the fixed monthly charge proposed by Nova Scotia Power.
