Tesla EVs show profit while solar business hits new lows in revenue and deployment
It was a series of firsts, including a profitable full year and Megapack turning a profit that factored into CEO Elon Musk explaining that he has “never been more optimistic or excited about the future of Tesla.” Austin is confirmed as the site of the next Gigafactory.
Morning Brief: Trina launches 600 W solar module, Jinko hits 24.7% efficiency for n-type mono, Tesla tweaks PV price again
Also in the brief: Trump finalizes rollback of bedrock environmental law, how justice and climate change are inseparable
Traditional O&M teams are not equipped to recover distressed PV assets after severe weather events
In the U.S., this year alone, there have been ten weather/climate disaster events with losses exceeding $1 billion each, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Morning Brief: newer solar equipment ages gracefully, Solar FlexRack provides trackers for 14 MW of projects
Also in the brief: nearly 1 MW of solar has been installed on the roof of a 300,000-square-foot Kroger bakery facility, a big-rig driver installing solar on his truck, camouflage for solar panels and more.
There’s more to solar systems than module capacity
While solar modules are often defined first and foremost by their capacity, higher module capacity doesn’t necessarily translate to a more efficient system, or even a longer-term yield. Understanding this and reflecting this idea onto customers can be key to delivering the right technology.
Canadian Solar joins the 500 W-plus panel club
The Chinese-Canadian company has unveiled a range of high-power modules which are set to go into mass production by early next year. The series includes a commercial and industrial rooftop-dedicated product offering a reported 405 W.
Morning Brief: Navajo Transitional Energy proposes 200 MW of Solar, Florida adds 150 MW
Also in the brief: battery energy storage is getting cheaper, but how much deployment is too much? GCube Insurance is issuing a renewed warning to renewable energy asset owners about cyberattacks, REC Group’s flagship REC Alpha solar panel has won the Intersolar Award 2020 for photovoltaics, and more.
Ikea invests more in solar by the day
The Swedish furniture giant has announced it will be turning one of its Australian superstores into its first 100% renewably-powered solar + storage retail project. Australia is also home to the company’s first expansion of its retail solar offering, Solstråle.
What’s going on in the world of thermal energy storage?
Can this technology be commercialized? A partnership between Siemens Energy and EnergyNest to develop thermal storage solutions together is the latest development in an industry with lots of potential, but little practical application thus far.
Duke creates REC program for individual retail customers in North Carolina
Under the company’s new Renewable Advantage program, customers can choose to subscribe to 250-kWh blocks of electricity from renewable energy resources, for a monthly charge. Part of the revenue generated by this program will support NC GreenPower’s Solar+ Schools program.
