In case you missed it: Six big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
Trump executive order places 25% tariff on aluminum and steel
Aluminum is used in solar panel frames and racking and steel is used in solar ground mounts and trackers.
Tesla begins production at Shanghai Megapack Factory amid intensifying price war
Tesla’s first overseas energy storage plant starts operating as global competition from Chinese firms and pricing pressures mount.
Sunrise brief: Judge rules White House violated court order to unfreeze federal funding
Also on the rise: Freyr Battery abandons plans for Georgia battery factory. Colorado permitting red tape adds thousands to rooftop solar cost, finds study.
Freyr Battery abandons plans for Georgia battery factory
Freyr was motivated to build the factory based on the strength of the U.S. renewable energy and electric vehicle industries, coupled with the tax incentives associated with the Inflation Reduction Act. It would have been a $2.6 billion investment, creating 720 jobs.
U.S.-made First Solar modules available through new partnership
Distributor Guided Path Solar offers First Solar modules made in Ohio facilities. The modules contain 100% domestic content and are expected to qualify for the Inflation Reduction Act’s domestic content bonus.
China adds export restrictions for minerals used in thin-film solar
Restriction on cadmium telluride exports is expected to increase costs for U.S.-based thin-film solar manufacturer First Solar.
Sunrise brief: Energy groups head to Washington in lobbying blitz
Also on the rise: Wyoming legislation attacks net metering, small-scale solar. Enphase full-year revenues down 42%. And more.
Battery materials startup’s technology to boost battery performance
The newly formed company, Elevated Materials, brings ultra-thin lithium films to the battery market.
Enphase full-year revenues down 42%
Enphase annual revenues declined amid an overall downturn in the residential solar market. The company improved its margins and significantly expanded U.S. manufacturing.
