Arizona

The 15 MW Raptor Ridge solar array features 35,500 bifacial modules housed on Solar FlexRack single-axis trackers.

Nextracker will now have a manufacturing line dedicated to producing steel tracker components for use in utility-scale solar power plants at Atkore’ Phoenix, Arizona facility, which has been expanded and reconfigured with new capacity dedicated to Nextracker products.

The Gilbert, Arizona facility will be able to process up to 10,000 metric tons of manufacturing scrap and end-of-life batteries per year.

Also on the rise: Common Energy raises $16.5 million to expand community solar access nationwide. Scientists, industry players reveal plans for new LETID testing standard. OMCO Solar shores up manufacturing with $5 million investment. First Resilient Service Station microgrid project completed in Massachusetts. olar Alliance to design and build 500 kW solar project in Kentucky. Emissions-free battery recycling facility will use electricity rather than smelting.

The investment will allow OMCO to manufacture its Origin Tracker Torque Tubes at OMCO’s Indiana and Arizona locations.

Also on the rise: Yotta Energy secures $16.5 million in funding, lands Air Force base microgrid deal. California solar bill would extend access, savings to renters and low-income families. Standard Solar and Acadia Energy partner on solar project that repurposes industrial land. Utility scale solar inverters need improved commissioning and upkeep. Fire crews in Chandler, Arizona sent robots into a building at the Salt River Project where a 10 MW battery was smoldering.

Fire crews in Chandler, Arizona sent robots into a building at the Salt River Project where a 10 MW battery was smoldering.

Up to 50% of the energy absorbed by a solar cell is lost as heat. Scientists are now developing a third generation of “hot carrier” solar cells that take advantage of this heat, potentially breaking the Shockley-Queisser limit of silicon-based PV.

Also on the rise: Solar on pace to save the world. Solar investments are scaling up, but inefficient O&M is weighing them down. Kevin Hostetler named CEO of Array Technologies. AgriSolar tour makes first stop at Biosphere 2. Boviet Solar R&D initiatives include 600W modules, N-Topcon, and HJT cells. With acquisition of Green IT, Radian Generation adds cybersecurity to its asset management toolbox. County-wide community solar campaign launches in New York. Gloomy IPCC report notes that capital flowing to fossil fuels still greater than that directed toward combating climate change.

The AgriSolar Clearinghouse embarked on its national tour of agrivoltaics at Arizona’s Biosphere 2. Agrivolatics is the practice of co-locating food production and solar photovoltaics.