Watch: Huge solar wing unfurled prior to satellite launch
The 36-foot, five-panel solar wing will provide energy for the EarthCARE satellite mission.
Comparing performance of transparent solar windows to traditional windows
The results of the study by Wells Fargo Foundation and NREL initiative showed that PV-coated windows can appreciably lower the solar heat gain coefficient.
Sunrise brief: Manchin blocks climate bill, Biden said he will take executive action
Also on the rise: BLM approves 500 MW Oberon Solar Project on 2,700 acres in California desert. SOLV Energy, SEI partner to empower women in solar. And more.
Study confirms rule of thumb that PV inverters should run without faults for around 15 years
A new study by Bern University of Applied Sciences shows that the performance of most PV inverters and power optimizers remains optimal for up to 15 years. The inverters considered came mainly from the manufacturers Fronius, Sputnik, and SMA and most of the power optimizers examined came from Solaredge.
DOE invests $56 million in solar manufacturing and recycling
The initiatives will support recycling processes, manufacturing perovskite PV cells, boosting thin-film cadmium telluride module manufacturing, and creating easier and more effective pathways to commercialization.
Sunrise brief: Panasonic plans $4 billion US electric vehicle battery factory
Also on the rise: No resting on laurels, New York seeks to improve upon successful solar programs. Shipping costs remain key challenge for solar sector. And more.
Novel method to turn existing solar parks into agrivoltaic facilities
An international research team has developed a new methodology to increase levels of pollination at ground-mounted solar plants. It involves the development of new vegetated land cover below and around solar parks.
Sunrise brief: Americans beginning to correlate extreme weather with a climate crises, but purse strings are still tight
Also on the rise: Solar panels power the James Webb telescope. Tennessee Valley Authority seeks 5 GW of carbon-free energy. And more.
Role of UV in solar cell degradation
US scientists have tested a range of modern cell designs under strong ultraviolet light and have found that many of them, including p-type PERC and n-type heterojunction cells, are more susceptible to degradation than older back surface field designs. They noted that the rear side of bifacial cells may be particularly vulnerable.
A single solar panel can offset the carbon emissions of 10 trees
Using broad average values of 48.5 pounds of carbon sequestration per year for a mature tree, versus 0.85 pounds of emissions offset per kilowatt-hour of solar electricity, it’s clear that some tree clearing is acceptable from an emissions standpoint.
