DOE calls for faster interconnection of distributed solar and storage at lower cost
Solar and storage systems smaller than 50 kW would receive an interconnection agreement instantly when requesting one, under 2030 targets in a draft Department of Energy roadmap.
Startup offers AI-based software solution to predict component failure in utility-scale inverters
Infinrel says its Energy Kardio Graph solution can sample small electrical perturbations on the input and output of the inverter at MHz scale and enable insight into the actual operation of the inverter on its switching cycle basis.
Solar cell makers can learn from giant clams, claim Yale researchers
Yale University scientists are seeking industry collaborators to explore stretchy material for panels and growing algae on modules, as well as other efficiency-boosting possibilities inspired by giant clam behavior.
Sunrise brief: Maxeon solar modules detained at border
Also on the rise: U.S. clean energy installations grow 91% year-over-year in Q2. Flexible interconnection at far lower cost and nearly twice the speed. And more.
Flexible interconnection at far lower cost and nearly twice the speed
Substantial cost and time savings are possible with flexible “connect and manage” interconnection of utility-scale solar and solar-plus-storage projects, two studies have found.
Assessing viability of agrivoltaics in corn fields
Researchers from Purdue University have studied the impact of traditional photovoltaic systems and agrivoltaics deployed in corn croplands. They conclude agrivoltaics could offer a viable strategy to ease the current tradeoff between energy production, greenhouse gas emissions, food production and farm profitability.
U.S. DOE announces $125 million to fund two Energy Innovation Hubs
The U.S. Department of Energy will provide $125 million in funding for two Energy Innovation Hub teams to accelerate energy storage technologies. The research focus will be energy storage for both transport and stationary storage applications.
Deep learning tech detects snow coverage on PV systems, calculates energy loss
Conceived by researchers in Canada, the novel method combines image processing and deep learning techniques to locate the areas of the solar panels covered with snow. It reportedly performed better than three other popular image processing-based segmentation methods.
Sunrise brief: Accelerating electrification through rate design
Also on the rise: California hits new milestone with EV chargers. Survey finds consumers overwhelmingly support renewables over fossil fuels. And more.
Grid Strategies and The Brattle Group propose “urgent” interconnection fixes
The interconnection reforms proposed include a fast-track process for some projects, a “connect and manage” option, grid-enhancing technologies, advanced conductors, automating interconnection studies and speeding transmission construction.
