Technology and R&D

Of the 56 cities surveyed in all eight editions of the Shining Cities report, 15 recorded a tenfold increase in their solar capacity between 2014 and 2022, yet there is still much untapped potential.

While Neil’s concerns are warranted, there are reasons to be hopeful that we will be able to responsibly and profitably manage solar panel recycling as the volumes scale.

Also on the rise: Pivot Energy closes financing on 90MW solar portfolio. iSun posts 115% revenue growth in full year 2021 financial results. Energy Dome wins BNEF Pioneers 2022 competition for long-duration energy storage with CO2 batteries. Burns & McDonnell completes 65MW Texas solar project. New Hampshire utilities announce electric vehicle demand charge holiday.

Energy Dome’s emission-free energy storage method uses carbon dioxide in a closed loop charge/discharge cycle that can store and dispatch renewable energy onto the grid over periods from four to 24 hours.

Also on the rise: Duke Energy Florida launches utility-owned “community” solar program. Batteries help solar connect, pricing still strong. Three year commercial solar project payback period expected through roof mount cost reductions. “It’s time for ISO-New England to get out of the way” of renewables, said Senator Markey. MIT and Stanford researchers are employing artificial intelligence to test perovskites in pursuit of a commercially viable PV cell manufacturing process. NREL’s eight storage projections through 2050. New Hampshire ranks 40th in solar installations in the country due in part to minimalistic or nonexistent renewable energy policies.

MIT and Stanford researchers are employing artificial intelligence to test perovskites in pursuit of a commercially viable PV cell manufacturing process.

NREL’s final report on the future of storage, drawing from a series of six in-depth studies, presents “key learnings” from across those studies.

The device is based on a standard, two-electrode electrochemical cell containing conductive polymers, a carbon-graphene hybrid, and a non-flammable liquid electrolyte. The battery cells were tested to perform for 12,000 cycles at 100% depth of discharge.

Also on the rise: EDPR and Meta sign PPA for 156MW of solar from Cattlemen Solar Park in central Texas. Castillo Engineering selected to provide electrical design for New York community solar portfolio. NYSERDA launches energy advisory website for low-to moderate income households. Bluetti launches 350W foldable solar module. Green hydrogen electrolyzer provider closes $45 million Series B. Gallaudet University to install 2.5MW microgrid.

As solar has grown, the fossil fuel industry has begun to attack it by funding misinformation campaigns online and among Facebook groups.