Research

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories used machine learning to analyze maintenance reports, performance data, and weather records from more than 800 solar farms located across the country.

Several of the projects also aim for lower costs for PV module materials or PV racking, as well as for lower defect rates on module assembly lines.

Also on the rise: Illinois’ solar residential market fell off the roof in Q2, Arizona approves incentives for residential energy storage, and green roofs can improve panel efficiency.

The improvements are believed to stem from lower temperatures on the green roof.

A new study from Stanford University and Cornell University shows that blue hydrogen can produce more greenhouse emissions than heat produced by coal and gas. The modeling classifies blue hydrogen emissions as carbon dioxide and unburned fugitive methane, as well as lifecycle emissions linked to the mining, transport, storage, and use of methane.

A map produced by researchers at the University of Albany offers a state-by-state analysis of energy needs and usable land for deployment.

V2G tech could offer low-cost energy storage at a huge scale, but many barriers must be overcome.

Developers say the design approach can prevent soil deterioration and still offer the same yield as south-oriented PV plants.

Researchers developed a smart solar window tech based on a photovoltachromic device that is able to achieve a high pristine transmittance and to be self-adaptable to control indoor brightness and temperature.

Also on the rise: Getting to net-zero carbon by 2050 will be a steep climb, report says; Walmart signs on as anchor for community solar; and BlueWave aims to develop floatovoltaic projects.