Pandemic-related uncertainty in the US solar industry — and the case for an ITC extension
Renewable energy industry officials are hopeful that a post-pandemic comeback is possible in 2021 but, “Supply chain issues haven’t played out yet,” said George Strobel of Monarch Capital.
Q Cells takes top share of the US distributed solar module market
The company claimed 25.2% of the residential solar module market, while controlling 13.3% of the commercial and industrial market, according to WoodMac’s Q1 2020 U.S. PV Leaderboard. The achievement marks the first time Q Cells has topped both markets, as well as the first time any company has held a residential market share of 25% or greater.
Trina’s new solar module confirmed at 515.8 W output, roadmap set for 600 W
Trina Solar has been manufacturing its 500 W modules for a month now and plans to increase module output to more than 600 W in the future.
First Solar signs PV-plus-storage PPAs with community choice aggregators
The First Solar-developed Rabbitbrush project will provide electricity for these two community choice aggregators for 15 years.
SunPower pauses its solar cell and module factories, reduces salaries and workweek
The solar efficiency leader remains on track to complete its planned split into two independently focused pure-play solar companies by the end of the second quarter.
Canadian Solar calls Solaria’s ‘shingled’ cell patent claim ‘meritless and unfounded’
The patent infringement claim concerns a process for separating photovoltaic strips from silicon solar cells for use in more-efficient tiled or “shingled” solar panels.
On the road to high-value recycling, storage is ahead of solar
Solar lags, at least in part, because the major components of panels — glass and silicon — while highly recyclable, are not as valuable as the lithium, cobalt and nickel in batteries.
Ubiquitous Energy’s clear solar windows harvest UV and IR light — an update
Can an organic solar cell material finally be commercialized? Last year, Ubiquitous Energy claimed a world record for efficiency of a transparent solar cell with a 9.8% efficiency. Can a solar window harvest enough power to be practical?
It’s a good idea to charge an EV with solar when we’re socially distanced
Is there any good reason for putting solar on a Tesla Cybertruck? or is it just virtue signaling? On the other hand, how far are you driving tomorrow? Do you have range anxiety or just general anxiety?
Swiss solar tiles for new and historic buildings – in photos
The product costs around $28 to $30 per square-foot although prices will vary depending on project complexity. Swiss manufacturer Freesuns says its tiles can be used on historic buildings and can cover 100% of rooftops.
