Abandoned coal mines can host over 10% of global solar capacity
A survey of mines closed since 2020 and those planned to close by 2030 present an opportunity for installing nearly 300 GW solar on already-developed lands, finds a report from Global Energy Monitor.
Connector failure accounts for loss of 58% of revenue in commercial solar portfolios
A report from HelioVolta finds connector issues in four out of five solar projects in the United States and details what can be done from procurement to field inspections to minimize risk.
Despite low gas prices, solar, wind remain cheapest sources of power in U.S.
Renewables remain cost-competitive in the United States despite rising natural gas competitiveness, according to Lazard’s 2025 “Levelized Cost of Energy+” report, which estimates combined cycle gas at $0.048/kWh to $0.107/kWh, solar at $0.038/kWh to $0.212/kWh, and nuclear at $0.141/kWh to $0.220/kWh.
Tracking the top states for community solar
The Institute for Local Self-Reliance releases its quarterly community solar tracker, which updates capacity in states with formal programs that allow non-utility ownership.
Flexible transmission allocation would allow Western solar projects to proceed
Enabling renewable projects in the Pacific Northwest to obtain flexible transmission rights could help states reduce electricity costs and meet renewables targets, suggests a report. The approach could also have utility in most of the West.
U.S. solar manufacturing booms in Q1 while uncertainty looms
The increased manufacturing capacity supports the growing solar generating capacity, with solar and storage accounting for 82% of all new generating capacity added to the grid. However, the House bill coupled with rising tariffs threaten the trajectory.
House bill puts nearly 500 GW of solar and storage projects at risk
Meeting the proposed operational deadline coupled with permitting delays and supply chain challenges means developers would have to rush to start and finish projects in 3.5 years. Cleanview quantifies the enormous amount of clean energy capacity at risk.
Iowa researchers explore how solar panel height, design affects crop yields
Iowa State University is using a $1.8 million grant to study whether higher solar arrays create better growing conditions for horticultural crops and beekeeping production.
Leading threat to farmland is real estate development, not solar, agricultural analysts say
Arkansas could double its total energy generation with solar and still only require a very small fraction of the land to do so, according to analysis by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
U.S. scientists build antimony sulfide solar cell with 7.69% efficiency
Researchers at University of Toledo produced antimony sulfide (Sb2S3) thin film solar cells with 7.69% power conversion efficiency after determining optimal hydrothermal deposition, post annealing, and light soaking conditions. Stability tests showed more than 95% of initial efficiency after ten months.
