In case you missed it: Five big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
U.S. increases and extends clean energy import tariffs on China
The U.S. Trade Representative decided that it will expand tariffs on solar components, batteries, semiconductors, steel, and EVs from China.
Demand for large capacity battery storage cells goes strong as prices continue to slide
The analysis from Taipei-based intelligence provider TrendForce finds that the average price for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) energy storage system cells continued to slide in August, reaching CNY 0.35/Wh ($0.049/Wh). Meanwhile, demand for large capacity cells continued to grow at a steady pace.
Using surplus PV power for seasonal underground thermal storage
Scientists have proposed a new system that uses surplus PV energy in the spring and the autumn to charge up underground thermal energy storage for later use in the summer and winter. They have simulated it on a school facility in Seoul, with a few optional configurations for thermal storage. Power savings were up to 39%.
Chinese solar module prices fall despite price hikes in upstream segment
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Milwaukee Tools wrench designed for solar construction
At RE+ 2024, Nevados demonstrated use of Milwaukee Tools’ Controlled Torque Impact Wrenches in tightening bolts on the Trace solar tracker, the first to be certified for installation with Torque-Sense.
Sunrise brief: 2.8 GWh collocated battery storage project lands U.S. government approval
Also on the rise: Jackery, Geneverse present new residential energy storage system. Silfab launches 640 W utility-scale solar panels. And more.
Silfab launches 640 W utility-scale solar panels
The Canada-based manufacturer said its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.29% per C and an efficiency of up to 22.92%. They come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 89.3% of the initial yield.
2.8 GWh collocated battery storage project lands U.S. government approval
The U.S. Department of Interior has given the green light to Nevada’s largest solar+storage development, the Libra Solar Project. It has also opened a comment period for the Bonanza Solar Project, which features a 195 MW/780 MWh battery storage system.
Tigo Energy files patent infringement lawsuit against Chinese company
A unit of US-based Tigo Energy has filed a patent violation lawsuit against Zhejiang Benyi New Energy in the Shanghai Intellectual Property Court, alleging infringement of its rapid shutdown technology.
