Fold-out NASA satellite solar array undergoes successful test deployment
The NASA/NOAA satellite, part of the GOES-R series, operated as-expected in its terrestrial test, making it one step closer to launch.
Machine learning method to identify residential PV adopters, reduce soft costs
Researchers have defined a new machine learning-based methodology that reportedly reduces customer acquisition costs by about 15% or $0.07/Watt. It is based on an adapted version of the XGBoost algorithm and considers factors such as summer bills, household income, and homeowner’s age, among others.
Solar testing group warns of degradation risk for TOPCon
The Renewable Energy Test Center (RETC) raised the issue of ultraviolet-induced degradation of the trending technology in its PV Module Index 2022.
Big PV plants may have positive climate impact in deserts, say researchers
Chinese researchers have discovered that solar plants might reduce evaporation and wind speeds in the Gobi Desert, while also increasing soil relative humidity, according to a series of simulations with different emission scenarios.
Solar for dryland soil health
Biocrusts are microbe-rich deposits in soil that are crucial to ecosystem sustainability in arid environments. Researchers are restoring biocrusts with the help of shade from solar.
Researchers look beyond silicon to potentially double solar cell efficiency
A team at Colorado State University proposes making thin-film solar cells from naturally abundant molybdenum disulfide.
Funding opportunity of $6.5 million announced for innovative solar projects
The Department of Energy and Solar Energy Technologies Office is seeking more novel ideas rather than those based on established technologies, with the intent of the funding being to deploy solar technologies that will support the transition to a decarbonized electricity system by 2035 and energy sector by 2050.
National laboratory software models lithium-ion battery supply chain
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory tool surveys how changes in costs, battery adoption scenarios, and international actions affect long-term trends in the battery supply chain.
Sunrise brief: California tops the virtual power plant market
Also on the rise: Giving women support to engineer the renewable energy future. Developer begins construction on 800 MW Illinois project with U.S. made components. And more.
Oregon research highlights zinc metal battery improvements
An Oregon State University research group has developed a zinc metal anode electrolyte that raises the efficiency of zinc battery cells to nearly 100%, a breakthrough as companies scramble to find non-lithium-ion alternatives to supplement a growing U.S. energy storage market.
