New alloy could pave the way for new CPV designs
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new semiconductor alloy that can capture near-infrared light in the leading edge of the visible light spectrum. This could be a major step forward in the development of concentrating photovoltaic (CPV) technology.
BNEF: Coal to fade as cost of renewables falls even faster
The latest long-term forecast from analysts Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) predicts solar energy costs to drop a further 66% by 2040, and onshore wind by 47%. Given these predictions, BNEF expect that renewables will undercut the majority of fossil based generation by 2030, even in India and China.
AEE, NECEC applaud Rhode Island grid modernization initiative
The two organizations are pushing for the role of utilities to be more of an impartial integrator and market enabler for third-party solutions, as the state plans the integration of more renewables.
OPIC under investigation for loans to Chilean solar projects
An internal U.S. government watchdog is looking at the loans which kick-started large-scale solar in Chile, after at least three of five solar projects have made moves to restructure these loans.
Solar, wind meet more than 10% of U.S. electric demand in March
This is the first time that U.S. wind and solar have met more than 10% of demand in a single month; however individual states led by California and Iowa have reached much higher penetrations.
Powin to supply a 6.5 MW battery for SDG&E
The energy storage provider has inked a deal to provide a 6.5 MW / 26 MWh battery in Escondido, after installing a smaller system for SCE earlier this year.
Sunnova follows Tesla, Sunrun into Hawaiian solar+storage market
The company’s partnership with Sunetric will allow customers to lease solar+storage systems as a package, which will allow them to participate in the island state’s “self-supply” program.
More solar and hydro brings California gas use to five-year low
As renewable energy breaks new output records in California, both the need for and availability of gas in California have declined.
Soltec to launch nextgen SF7 tracker at Intersolar Europe
Soltec plans to launch its next-generation solar tracker, the SF7, at Intersolar Europe. The company claims that the single-axis tracker enables up to five percent greater yield than its competitors.
Trump budget guts solar research at NREL and Berkeley (14 essential documents embedded)
The president’s federal budget for Fiscal Year 2018 includes the expected cuts to renewable energy within the DOE’s walls, but the cuts to prominent national labs – including the elimination of energy-storage research funding at both – could have unforeseen long-term effects on the industry.
