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.
Washington looks to re-establish rooftop solar incentive program
A bill aims to re-establish the state’s former highly effective solar incentive program, which ran from 2017 to late 2018 and led to the installation of nearly 7,500 residential energy systems, 380 commercial energy systems, and more than 100 MW of solar capacity.
All I want for Christmas is a solar-powered greenhouse
Heliene is developing the solar integrated greenhouse market via multiple angles – integrating standard panels into structures while also developing “quantum dot” panels that shift the photon wavelength away from crop damaging UV, and into the orange and red wavelengths that plants crave.
Alliant looks to bring 165 MW of solar to Wisconsin across three projects
All three installations are part of the utility’s plan to add 1,089 MW of solar in the state by the end of 2023.
Doral acquires Georgia solar project from Avangrid
The 150 MW Brenneman Solar Project is being developed in Macon County, Georgia and brings Doral Renewables’ development pipeline to more than 5 GW.
People on the Move: Borrego, American Energy Partners, EnerVenue, and more
Job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities, and energy transition finance.
AES acquires Community Energy Solar
The acquisition adds 10 GW of solar projects to AES’ existing pipeline, as well as the addition of Community Energy’s development workforce.
To access low-cost renewables, a Colorado co-op plans to exit Tri-State utility
United Power plans to work with other power suppliers over the next two years to secure alternative power supply on the open market.
Engie completes 2.3 GW renewable portfolio
Owned jointly with Hannon Armstrong, the portfolio is comprised of 13 renewable projects, including 1.8 GW of onshore wind and 0.5 GW of utility-scale solar.
Lockheed Martin to provide flow battery for 103 MW Alberta solar + storage project
The Saddlebrook Solar + Storage Project will be a 102.5 MW installation, paired with 6.5 MW/52 MWh of Lockheed Martin’s GridStar Flow battery technology, and will be the largest flow battery energy storage facility in Alberta.
