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.
Alliant Energy completes 200 MW solar project in Wisconsin
The project is part of a multi-phase buildout of 12 solar projects totaling over 1 GW.
Long-duration energy storage poised to outcompete lithium-ion batteries
While most long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies are still early-stage and costly compared to lithium-ion batteries, some have already or are set to achieve lower costs for longer durations, finds BloombergNEF.
Solar wafer prices continue to soften, complex international trade situation sparks concerns
In a weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Gulf heat dome and polar set stream shape solar outcomes in May
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that a strong polar jet stream and a record-breaking heat dome in May resulted in a stark contrast in irradiance patterns across North America. The western and central USA, along with Mexico, experienced higher than normal irradiance, while the Gulf and East Coast regions faced lower irradiance.
TCL Zhonghuan reveals plans to acquire majority stake in Maxeon
Chinese wafer manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan says it wants to invest around $197.5 million to increase its stake in Maxeon from 22.39% to at least 50.1%. A Maxeon spokesperson told pv magazine that the plan would place the company in a solid financial position.
Are false pretenses driving solar cell tariff case?
Global manufacturer Canadian Solar challenges prevailing support for tariffs among solar manufacturers, questions the accuracy of capacity estimations, and adverse financial effects.
CPUC vote expected to keep California community solar from reaching its full potential
Coalition for Community Solar Access says the 3-1 vote ignored the will of the California Legislature and the broad coalition of ratepayer, equity, environmental, labor, agricultural, and business groups who have demanded a functional community solar program for more than a decade.
Sunrise brief: Sharp unveils new TOPCon solar modules.
Also on the rise: Producing hydrogen fuel from solar power and agricultural waste. Research shows that solar is good for your health. And more.
FTC Solar introduces automated hail stow for solar tackers
After collaborating with VDE Americas on studying the impact of hail events on solar installations, FTC developed a hail stow strategy that positions solar modules to minimize the impact from direct hail and wind.
