Sunrise brief: PV and energy storage expected to be 62% of U.S. capacity additions 2022-23
Also on the rise: Enphase starts shipping IQ8 inverter. Michigan gets two new solar projects bringing 50 MW to the state. Meyer Burger to bring solar module manufacturing and jobs to Arizona. A bill aims to re-establish Washington’s former highly effective solar incentive program. Watch the solar array deploy on NASA’s James Webb telescope.
A year in PV: Technology trends in 2021
The PV industry in 2021 has largely been defined by disruption: Price increases from raw materials to final shipping have led to shortages in PV module supply and project delays the world over. Despite these upsets, innovation has continued at pace, and the year has seen plenty of technological twists and turns that are sure to spell good news for solar in the long run. Read on for a look back at some of the biggest developments.
Meyer Burger brings 400 MW high-performance solar module manufacturing to Arizona
A diversified and talented workforce, proximity to customers, and strong partnerships on the ground in Arizona prompted Meyer Burger to establish a production site in Goodyear, Arizona.
Toshiba claims 8.4% efficiency for transparent cuprous oxide solar cell
The record efficiency was achieved by engineering the cell with reduced copper(II) oxide (CuO) and copper (Cu) impurities in the thin-film deposition. It showed an open-circuit voltage of 1.13 V, a short-circuit current of 10.63 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.696.
Canadian BIPV maker releases 350 W shingle-mimicking modules
The panels match the look of composite shingles and come in four different shades.
Folded steel solar module frame nets DOE prize
Origami Solar’s steel frame is designed to reduce costs and carbon footprint, and address supply chain barriers.
Solar-powered EV car charging manufacturer receives $2.5 million in tax credits
California-based Infinity Energy plans to build $11 million facility for manufacturing solar-powered electric car charging stations
Saudi Arabian module manufacturer to enter US market
The company currently has a manufacturing capacity of 110 MW, which is planned for expansion to 1 GW by 2023.
Canadian manufacturer launches 800 W tandem-module solar PV
The solar panel is manufactured by Mitrex, producer of building integrated photovoltaics.
U.S. decarbonization goals hinge on scaling up heterojunction cell tech
HJT technology could fill an innovation gap in the residential and commercial rooftop PV market, and boost U.S. solar leadership through domestic manufacturing of cells and modules.
