U.S. defense research agency achieves optical power beaming record
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency said a project team testing new optical wireless energy receiver technology was able to transfer 800 W of power to a receiver 8.6 km away in a 30 second transmission. It claims is a distance and power record amongst optical power beaming demonstration results.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 66 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 17 new results reported in the new version.
Nuclear has highest investment risk, while solar shows lowest
Nuclear power plants exceed construction budgets by an average of 102.5%, costing $1.56 billion more than planned, according to a study by Boston University’s Institute for Global Sustainability.
Keeping electricity both reliable and affordable while meeting load demand
A new report from ICF suggests that the U.S. can meet its growing electricity demands with an all-of-the-above energy approach while boosting generation using existing infrastructure.
How to assess bifacial PV system performance on sloped terrains
Scientists have developed a precursor formulation for different PV simulation tools that can help calculate the expected performance of solar farms deployed on hilly slopes. Validation tests against an experimental setup showed an error of less than 3%.
RFP alert: Grant for research on the equitable economic outcomes of the IRA
The Washington Center for Equitable Growth seeks proposals for academic research on how the Inflation Reduction Act’s policy design, coordination and implementation affects equitable economic outcomes of the clean energy transition.
Quantum-based energy management method for PV-powered buildings
Scientists from Cornell University combined quantum computing with model predictive control to manage the energy of two PV-equipped university buildings. Compared to deterministic approaches, the quantum strategy achieved a 6.8% improvement in energy efficiency and an annual reduction of 41.2% in carbon emissions.
April storms cut Eastern U.S. irradiance as northwest surges
In another weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that strong jet stream and Eastern storms split solar conditions across the U.S. in April, with the east experiencing a downturn in solar irradiance while the northwest saw irradiance gains.
Solar grazing supports healthier soil, food for sheep, study finds
Solar sheep grazing helps to create a beneficial dual-use environment, found American Solar Grazing Association in a two-year study conducted at 31 different solar sites.
Saving money is the biggest driver of residential solar adoption
A recent study by Ohio State researchers finds that cost savings and other practical benefits are the key motivators for people to adopt rooftop or community solar.
