Research

An international group of researchers has calculated the potential for floating solar across the world. The results show a generation potential of 9,434 TWh per year across 114,555 global reservoirs, with 30% of their area covered. The United States leads with 1,911 TWh per year of potential, followed by China at 1,107 TWh per year and Brazil at 865 TWh per year.

Rather than using solar or wind to power electrolysis, researchers are testing the competitiveness of photoelectrochemical cells for producing emissions-free hydrogen fuels.

Also on the rise: Minimizing EV impact on the grid. Made-in-the-USA solar panels could cut emissions by 30%. And more.

pv magazine USA connected with the founders of Transect and Paces AI, both of which provide tools to enable automated permitting, due diligence and siting solutions for the community solar and distributed generation project development market, as well as utility and grid stakeholders.

Also on the rise: Silfab Solar raises $125 million for U.S. cell and module manufacturing. Tariff investigation, equipment detainments lead to 16% drop in new solar capacity in 2022. And more.

Also on the rise: Solar tower of power goes vertical. Important code requirements and recent developments for PV systems. And more.

Cornell researchers found that solar modules mounted 13 feet high with soybeans planted underneath positively affect the microclimate of the farm and surface temperature of solar modules.

A report requested by California’s legislature discusses both expected cost savings from expanding the state’s grid operator into a regional transmission organization, and a potential loss of state policy control.

Aurora Solar offers guidelines to make the most of a solar installation by avoiding losses.

Also on the rise: Silicon Ranch expands First Solar module supply plan to 6.2 GW. Sono Motors scraps development of Sion solar cars. And more.