Record-breaking rates of solar connected to the power grid in 2024
A new report by the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and BloombergNEF unpacks the market and policy trends facing the U.S. solar industry.
Water-based recycling of perovskite solar cells
An international team has developed a new technique to recycle perovskite solar cells (PSC) made on glass substrates using a water-based solution. Tests showed that the recycled cells were as efficient and stable as the original devices.
Sunrise brief: Sunnova cuts about 15% of workforce
Also on the rise: Enhanced geothermal projects could scale greatly as costs decline. Invenergy CEO and spouse give $100 million to advance the energy transition. And more.
U.S. startup unveils ‘world’s largest’ transparent organic PV window
Next Energy said its laminated transparent power-generating windows were produced with its pilot production line.
Enhanced geothermal projects could scale greatly as costs decline
A team of researchers and industry participants predict a significant near-term energy contribution from enhanced geothermal projects, saying in a journal article that the technology could provide “stable baseload and potentially dispatchable electricity.”
Who’s footing the bill for new transmission?
While the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Order 1920 could provide a step forward, many regions continue to struggle with implementing effective cost-sharing frameworks.
Go with the flow (batteries)
There is a gap in the market for long-duration energy storage (LDES), according to US-based manufacturer ESS Inc. – one which can’t be plugged with lithium-ion chemistry. Hugh McDermott, of ESS Inc. tells pv magazine how he thinks iron flow batteries fit into the energy system of the future, as the company pursues global expansion.
Higher voltage faces greater resistance
Utility-scale solar is set to crank up the voltage, preparing to shift from 1.5 kV to 2 kV on the DC side. It is a move that could redefine PV system design and slash costs, but it won’t happen globally due to vastly different regulations as voltages rise, reports Tristan Rayner.
Sunrise brief: Global utility-scale solar additions hit 182 GW in 2024
Also on the rise: Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech, job moves and more.
Canadian startup secures patent for solar module cooling tech
Enertopia has developed a solar module cooling system that uses a moisture collection layer to transfer heat while capturing water for irrigation in arid regions. The design channels heat from the panel to a liquid transfer system, improving efficiency and water use.
