U.S. Geological Survey and Berkeley Labs release updated solar project database
All solar projects greater than 1 MW have been location-verified by image and latitude and longitude and put into an easier-to-move-around map.
Maxeon solar cells cleared of forced labor allegations after review
The analyst behind the “Over Exposed” report, examining the likelihood of forced labor in the supply chain of the solar module manufacturer, has revised their stance on Maxeon Solar. Detailed documentation and ongoing dialogue with the company prompted the re-evaluation.
Solar-plus-storage outperforms diesel in military survivability analysis
The NREL evaluation of solar plus Antora Energy storage system meets the U.S. Military’s exacting standards, revealing that these systems significantly outperform emergency diesel generators in survivability probabilities.
NREL anticipates rising utility-scale costs, decreasing residential costs
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has updated its annual cost modeling tool in light of the Inflation Reduction Act, revealing increased labor costs for utility-scale solar projects and predominantly lower hardware costs due to new manufacturing tax credits.
Sunlight Financial files bankruptcy, acquired by industry consortium
Sunlight Financial, whose stock price has plummeted amid accumulating more than $500 million in underwater loans, has been acquired by a consortium led by Greenbacker Capital Management, Sunstone Credit, IGS Ventures.
Group interconnection studies: Beneficial but not a panacea
IREC’s latest analysis compares group studies with serial solar interconnection studies, concluding that while group studies can help manage queue challenges, they don’t significantly expedite necessary grid upgrades.
Three unions organize for utility-scale solar projects
The IBEW, the LIUNA, and the IUOE have established guidelines to allocate tasks for utility-scale solar facilities, streamlining the process for developers to solicit construction bids.
Suniva announces IRA-driven manufacturing, undermining the value of solar tariffs
Six years after petitioning the U.S. government for tariffs to make its products more competitive, U.S.-based Suniva has revealed plans to commence 1 GW of cell manufacturing by spring 2024, followed by an additional 2.5 GW expansion.
3Sun to offer Oklahoma-built modules by 2025, perovskites possible by 2027
3Sun, once limited to Enel projects, has plans for up to 9 GW of global module manufacturing capacity split between the Old and New World locations – with the potential of perovskite modules being available in 2027.
Partially developed 12 MWac brownfield solar site up for auction in New York
The 111.5 acre former iron ore mine has undergone zoning and interconnection work by New York’s NYSERDA team to minimize risks associated with developing projects on sites that the state deems ideal for hosting solar power projects.
