ITRPV: PERC, n-type mono and copper wire interconnection to gain ground (with charts)
VDMA’s guide to technology trends in the PV industry expects rapid change in the cell and module space.
Solar provides 2% of electricity in the Western United States (with charts)
The latest figures by the U.S. Department of Energy show the wide disparity in renewable energy deployment between the eastern and western grids.
Tesla gigafactory to combine Silevo, Panasonic HIT solar technologies
Panasonic will operate the Buffalo “gigafactory”, and sell modules to Tesla/SolarCity.
Venture capital funding in batteries and smart grids declines sharply in Q3: Mercom report
Latest Mercom Capital report finds that just $102 million in VC funding for smart grid, battery storage and efficiency sectors was raised in Q3, down from $433 million in Q2. Project funds for residential and commercial storage soars, however.
DOE invests $21 million to speed solar adoption
The money will go to 17 projects designed to reduce soft costs and maximize solar’s benefits for states.
North Carolina struggles with the purpose of PURPA
Critics accuse Duke Energy of putting unnecessary interconnection barriers to undermine the five-decade old law that has spurred solar growth in the state.
Solar Roadways: Yeah, Still Not A Thing
Despite omnipresent hype over the past two years, the Solar Roadways team tried to unveil its first pilot project in Idaho with disastrous results.
California launches plan to align grid transformation efforts
Through the Distributed Energy Resources Action Plan, regulators will attempt to mold several disparate dockets and initiatives to meet long-term goals.
Panasonic to take over PV cell, module production at SolarCity gigafactory in Buffalo
The two firms have signed a non-binding letter of intent to collaborate on the production of solar modules and cells at Tesla’s Buffalo facility, and to source Panasonic cells. The deal rests on completion of Tesla’s SolarCity acquisition.
New York makes $10 million available for clean tech incubators
This adds to the $14 million the state has supplied to incubators since 2009, assisting 146 companies.
