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.
TrueCapture boosts solar plant performance in field tests
Nextracker’s smart tracker yield-optimization and control software helped Arevon realize a more than 2% increase in production at its 38 MW Beacon 5 solar project in Kern County, California.
One-third of global PV manufacturing capacity is at medium or high risk of bankruptcy, IEA says
A new report from the International Energy Agency stresses the importance of geographically diversifying the global PV supply chain. This would prevent supply chain vulnerability to bankruptcies and underinvestment.
Sunrise brief: Energy output is over 100 times the input needed to manufacture solar panels
Also on the rise: The 2022 Solar Risk Assessment focuses on inverter failures and rosy risk projections. Major Southeast utilities will reach only 9% solar by 2030, according to an environmental group. And more.
Powering EV charging stations with agrivoltaics
Oregon researchers find that placing agrivoltaic installations along highways to power EV charging stations can reduce both carbon emissions and range anxiety.
Thin film solar may have carbon intensity advantage over silicon
Thin-film cadmium telluride panels may have a $0.02 to $0.04 per watt carbon cost advantage over traditional polysilicon, said the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in an analysis of embodied carbon, embodied energy, and energy payback.
GE partners with Department of Energy on solar, energy storage, grid integration research
General Electric is partnering with national laboratories and universities on two projects; one to design behind-the-meter energy storage and another to enhance utility visibility of behind the meter solar generation.
