U.S. solar modules 107% more expensive without global supply chains
Researchers suggest that from 2008 to 2020, the globalization of solar module manufacturing has saved $67 Billion for U.S., German, and Chinese solar installers, even as it was heavily dominated by China’s investments.
Three open requests for information from the U.S. Solar Energy Technologies Office
The Department of Energy (DOE) solar technology arm is requesting information on solar performance data, solar technologies for net-zero buildings, and energy resilience in rural and remote areas.
Wood Mackenzie acquired by Veritas Capital
With the acquisition of analyst firm, Wood Mackenzie, Veritas expands the datasets it can provide to upstream producers and data asset managers on the global transition to clean energy.
All 13 states in PJM grid region call for PJM to make faster progress on interconnection
With more than 250 GW of renewables and storage capacity waiting in the PJM interconnection queue, states served by PJM unanimously called for the grid operator to speed up its processing of interconnection requests and its transition to a “cluster study” process.
Annual added PV capacity will more than quadruple to 650 GW in 2030, says IEA
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published its “World Energy Outlook 2022” report. It expects the energy crisis triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to accelerate the global energy transition.
Sunrise brief: Canada launches Electricity Transition Hub to assist utilities
Also on the rise: First Solar announces $270 Million investment in R&D innovation center. Nearly 4% of U.S. homes have solar panels installed. And more.
Canada launches Electricity Transition Hub to assist utilities
The Canadian Government is providing CAD1.5 million over three years to establish the Electricity Transition Hub – a knowledge sharing platform for its diverse utility sector. The hub was launched today at the Electricity Transformation Canada event in Toronto.
Algae could boost solar panel efficiency by 4%
A Swedish team has inaugurated a pilot facility to mass produce algae material that can potentially boost silicon solar module efficiency by 4% and thin film by 36%. The algae are added to the encapsulant in silicon-based modules or to the anti-reflective coating on the glass of thin film modules. The team estimates the resulting modules would be 3.9% cheaper.
Nearly 4% of U.S. homes have solar panels installed
In 2020, 3.7% of U.S. homes generated electricity from small-scale solar arrays, as did 1.6% of commercial buildings, reports the Energy Information Administration.
First Solar announces $270 Million investment in R&D innovation center
Despite a less than stellar earnings report, First Solar continues to expand with new manufacturing planned along with dedicated R&D facility to increase learning and reduce downtime on commercial production lines.
