Private investments in clean energy and manufacturing top $270 billion
While the U.S. has the financial capacity, technology and human capital, the question is whether government policy will allow for the clean energy infrastructure to be built out fast enough to achieve clean energy dominance.
Sheffield Hallam University updates info on alleged forced labor in solar industry
The British university reports that the share of polysilicon manufactured in China’s Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and used in solar module production has dropped from 45% in 2020 to 35% in 2022. The research alsom found that polysilicon produced in interior China increased from 30% in 2020 to 50% in 2022, with the share of international markets dropping, somewhat surprisingly, from 25% to 11%.
Sunrise brief: NASA awards Blue Origin $35 million to build solar cells from moon dust
Also on the rise: Stiff competition is predicted for USDA $9.7 billion focused on renewables, and solar-plus-battery projects take shape in the Northeast.
Heliene plans to manufacture 1 GW solar modules, 1.5 GW solar cells in the U.S.
Canadian-based Heliene plans a new factory in Minnesota that will begin producing modules in 2024 and cells in 2025.
Enphase lowers revenue guidance as U.S. residential solar stagnates
The microinverter provider is slipping in share price as revenues dip. It announced a $1 billion stock buyback program.
First Solar announces fifth U.S. manufacturing facility
The $1.1 billion factory is expected to add 3.5 GW of annual production capacity.
Sunrise brief: RETC rates solar panel brands in performance, reliability and quality
Also on the rise: California utility announces launch of distributed energy management system. Replacing coal plant with largest energy storage project in Indiana. And more.
Top solar panel brands in performance, reliability, and quality
Solar modules are evaluated in the Renewable Energy Test Center annual PV Module Index.
Sunrise brief: Utility-scale solar and storage is on a roll across the U.S.
Also on the rise: The potential of pumped storage hydropower in Alaska. NY State provides additional $29 million for EV infrastructure and rebates. And more.
Vietnamese solar modules for U.S. projects
Thornova announced that it has 1.5 GW of solar modules available for the U.S. market. The company also plans to open a U.S. manufacturing site in 2024 where it will produce both solar cells and modules that it says will qualify for domestic content adders.
