Solar panel recycling in the US — a looming issue that could harm industry growth and reputation
The solar industry cannot claim to be a clean energy source if it leaves a trail of hazardous waste.
New process to recover PET and EVA from recycled solar panels
Researchers in China are proposing a new technique to recover polyethylene glycol terephthalate (PET) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) in solar panels at the end of their lifecycle. The two materials represent around 15% of the total material in a wasted solar cell, with a share of 10% for EVA and 5% for PET, respectively.
pv magazine video: How quality can lower solar risk and insurance rates
This year’s pv magazine Quality Roundtable USA looked at extreme weather, and how resiliency can be built through modern O&M. Representatives from DuPont, Stäubli, Nextracker and RETC took to the virtual stage to discuss weather-related damages, and how to harness quality materials and workmanship to industry’s advantage, particularly when it comes to insurers. Ariel Re and NovaSource, meanwhile, looked at issues like risk management insurance solutions and asset stabilization. Case studies and presentations on the field performance of PV modules, and extreme hail and fire, were also included.
Monday Brief: Knoxville utility to go 20% solar by 2023, Sunrun and SoCal Edison agree to virtual power plant
Also in the brief: Hawaiian Electric Company proposes 20 MW of new projects, EDP Renewables has secured 86% of the company’s targeted capacity additions for 2019-2022 and more.
Another big steel producer turns to solar power
Nucor Corporation has signed the industry’s largest virtual PPA with EDF Renewables North America for 250 MW of new solar energy, set to be constructed in Texas.
Morning Brief: Community solar as energy reparations, LIPA could replace more than half of its aging peaker plants with energy storage
Also in the brief: Germany had a strong solar September, solar siting in Maryland generates friction, threatening climate goals.
Energy and climate trends over the course of the Trump presidency
Big systems with long-lived assets, like the worldwide energy sector, are hard to redirect. How have CO2 emissions and energy use changed over the last 3 years and 9 months? Catherine Wolfram of the Haas School of Business takes a look.
Henk Rogers and the blueprint for a 100% renewable Hawaii
Henk Rogers, of Tetris Fame, talks shop about saving the planet, the future of energy storage in Hawaii and how a life-changing experience dictates how he tackles each day. Tam Hunt interviews the entrepreneur.
It’s cheaper to build new solar than it is to operate coal plants
New analysis released by Lazard compares the levelized cost of energy for various generation technologies on a $/MWh basis and shows that renewables, specifically utility-scale solar and wind, are the economic frontrunners.
New York Power Authority, environmental groups explore ways to replace gas peakers with cleaner technology
In a report this May, the PEAK Coalition said that New York City’s gas peaker plants are “perhaps the most egregious energy-related example of what environmental injustice means today.”
