Interactive mapping tool for siting renewable energy projects
Argonne National Laboratory released an online geospatial mapping tool to aid siting decisions and identify areas that are suitable for solar, wind and other clean energy infrastructure projects.
Researchers develop solar-powered waste-to-fuel system
The University of Cambridge developed a device that converts plastics and greenhouse gases to usable fuels and products.
Sun-tracking vs. fixed vehicle-integrated PV
European researchers have evaluated the electricity generation, levelized cost of electricity (LCOE), and payback period of vehicle-integrated PV in EVs.
Space-to-Earth solar power to undergo testing
On January 3, Caltech launched a PV array into orbit to test its ability to transmit electricity back to Earth.
Leading solar inverter trends of 2022
It was a good year for the inverter market. Strong demand was only stifled by supply chain limits, but new inverters are less innovative and show a slower evolution in improvements. Nevertheless, more versatile options are emerging in response to the energy crisis.
Lowering grid costs with voltage support from PV inverters at night
Researchers have proposed the use of solar inverters in utility-scale solar assets to replace expensive voltage compensators, in order to provide voltage support at night. They said reactive power from PV inverters could be significantly cheaper and suggested the introduction of incentives to convince PV plant owners.
Solar electric camper boat
The POL Lux from Sweden is a catamaran boat design with dual electric motors and a solar canopy that can covert into a private sleeping area.
Solar Inventions achieves patent for silver-saving Configurable Current Cells
The technology is estimated to save $2 million to $5 million per GW in solar projects and boosts rated power output. The company has patents in the U.S., China, and Israel for its cell configuration.
“Dragon scale” solar panels chosen for new space station housing units
Space station developer Gravitics selected mPower for its interconnected mesh of silicon-based solar panels.
American-Made Solar Prize round 6 semifinalists announced
The semifinalists will each receive $50,000 in cash, plus two teams were awarded a $25,000 bonus cash prize for their participation in the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) contest, which seeks solutions that enable underserved communities to overcome systemic barriers to solar deployment.
