Arizona

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.

Also on the rise: Arizona requires transparent modeling for utility resource plans. Distributed solar installed in 2021 nearly matches capacity of all new gas plants. A solar project would multiply a North Dakota town’s budget, but a 1995 ordinance prevents it. SunPower launches whole-home backup solution. Construction begins for Meta (Facebook) $90 million solar project.

Institute for Local Self Reliance annual update highlights influence of renewable energy in the US energy portfolio.

Transparent utility modeling in two other states has enabled advocates to show that adding more solar than utilities had proposed in their resource plans would yield benefits. The Arizona Technology Council and sustainability advocate Ceres brought the idea to Arizona regulators.

Also on the rise: LG building battery manufacturing plant in Arizona. Wood Mackenzie report says energy storage set new records. Palmetto expands to Utah. Hundreds of sheep will help maintain installation in Alberta. Hyundai Sonata hybrid is equipped with a solar roof

LG Energy Solution’s investment comes on the back of growing demand of cylindrical-type batteries for electric vehicles in the North American market.

Also on the rise: New York town plans floating-solar demonstration project. SB energy procures 1.5GW of First Solar modules. Solar Jobs Census seeks participants. Verizon Communications issues fourth green bond. Solarizing houses of worship in communities of color nationwide. Arizona Senate controls the fate of Phoenix anti-solar rate.