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.
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.
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.
Utility-scale solar + storage project announced for the Island of Hawaii
A 30 MW solar PV project on the Island of Hawaii will provide enough power for approximately 15,000 households.
Policy leads the way: Impactful action at the state level in 2021
While federal policy action (or inaction) grabs all the headlines, let’s look back at some of the most impactful state and local developments from 2021.
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.
130 MW Alabama solar project secures financing
The Black Bear Solar project will be among the largest in the state once it is completed, and it will deliver electricity to a wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama.
New York Governor unveils strategy to achieve a minimum of 10 GW of distributed solar by 2030
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a plan that is expected to generate enough clean electricity per year to power nearly 700,000 additional New York homes, including those in disadvantaged communities.
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.
