Manufacturing

The battery, which uses an electrolyte to convert chemical energy into electricity for storage and deployment, will begin testing in 2022 at Duke Energy’s Emerging Technology and Innovation Center in Mount Holly, North Carolina.

Three companies are swapping out aluminum and glass in favor of plastic to save weight and add flexibility. We look at the pros and cons.

Also on the rise: Ohio officials approve more utility-scale solar, SCE will add 2,150 MWh of energy storage, and large format modules are headed for standardization in a move driven by a Chinese trade group.

The China Photovoltaic Industry Association is expected to release a standard for 210mm modules before the end of October.

Also on the rise: Polysilicon prices are likely to stay high as a ‘crazy year’ extends into ’22, Hawaiian Electric is seeking energy and capacity, and the latest landfill-hosted solar array enters service.

StoreDot is opening the facility with the hope that the additional research and development capacity will allow the company to commercialize its battery products by 2024.

Polysilicon prices could top $41/kg through 2021 and stabilize in the second quarter as springtime temperatures ease power demand constraints across China.

More than $200 million in equipment will be sold as Tesla plans to ramp up and expand operations at a Buffalo manufacturing facility.

Also on the rise: SEG Solar expands its module production in Cambodia, Kentucky’s solar pipeline looks impressive, and Summit Ridge starts work on a community solar portfolio.

The California-based company said its expects that production in Cambodia will result in savings of 1 to 2 cents per watt at the system level.