Researchers probe light-induced degradation that impacts silicon solar cells
Light-induced degradation (LID) shaves the efficiency of silicon solar cells by about 2%, which adds up to a significant drop in power output over the lifespan of the technology deployed in the field.
Sunrise brief: Customer-sourced power makes it into a utility’s resource plan
Also on the rise: SolRiver Capital buys an Oregon solar development portfolio, Swell Energy expands its distributed power plant model, and a shift in focus is coming to a DOE loan program.
Alencon awarded patent for bi-directional storage optimizer
The patent pertains to its Bi-Directional Optimizer for Storage Systems, which was part of a 2020 study with Duke Energy about retrofitting standalone solar plants with storage.
EIA global forecast sees a resurgence of coal for electric power
Solar and wind will grow, but coal will again be cost competitive, reversing what EIA said was a trend observed over recent decades.
Distributed energy wins a spot in PGE’s resource plan
The Oregon utility said that as much as 25% of peak demand power in 2030 could come from customer-owned solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles.
A shift in focus is coming for a DOE loan program
The proposed fy 2022 budget begins a process of ensuring that federal funding no longer directly subsidizes fossil fuels.
Air Products plans $4.5b investment in blue hydrogen facility
The Louisiana project is expected to create 170 permanent jobs and represents Air Products’ largest-ever investment in the U.S.
Swell Energy targets California county for its latest distributed power plant venture
Swell will use its Distributed Power Plant model to establish up to 45 MWh of behind-the-meter solar powered energy storage for Redwood Coast Energy Authority.
SolRiver Capital acquires solar projects in Oregon
The utility-scale and community solar projects, developed by Sulus Solar, are expected to have a combined 38 MW of capacity.
Sunrise brief: Koch JV expands its move into battery energy storage
Also on the rise: SEG Solar expands its module production in Cambodia, Kentucky’s solar pipeline looks impressive, and Summit Ridge starts work on a community solar portfolio.
