California startup launches DC-powered solar water heater
Apparent Inc. has unveiled a new water heater that can reportedly offset 100% of a home’s water heating cost. The system uses low-voltage DC electricity generated by conventional solar panels and a cloud based, machine learning platform that manages energy in real-time.
Sunrun VPP enrollment jumps 400% as battery storage attachment hits 70%
As storage attachment rates hit 70% for new customers, Sunrun’s fleet of networked residential batteries expands rapidly, now featuring over 106,000 homes participating in VPP grid services.
Quino Energy closes $10 million to scale organic flow batteries
Flow battery startup Quino Energy has closed a $10 million Series A funding round, with an option for an additional $6 million in equity, led by Atri Energy Transition.
Off-grid dual-axis solar tracker charges workplace EVs for under $0.10 per kWh
The Apollo system from Solaflect Energy uses a suspension-bridge-style racking design to cut weight while maximizing strength. With California’s high electricity prices and solar-friendly climate, the company sees the state’s commercial market as the ideal launchpad for its offgrid, dual-axis EV-charging tracker.
Off-grid solar suitcases delivered to more than 10,000 health clinics in sub-Saharan Africa
Solar-integrated suitcases bring critical backup power and lighting to health clinics for women giving birth. The kits were provided by Berkeley, California-based We Care Solar.
Macro problems for microgrids in California
Devastating wildfires in Southern California last January exposed severe grid resilience issues. Damage to the electrical infrastructure caused far-reaching power outages. Furthermore, PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS)—deactivating power to prevent utility-sparked fires—resulted in economic losses and risks for people with medical needs. Microgrids are a potential solution, but they face significant utility company opposition.
Rondo Energy’s 100 MWh heat battery powered by 20 MW of onsite solar
Heat batteries for storing industrial heat can also be powered by low-cost grid electricity generated at sunny and windy hours, the company said.
New tech can tell if your EV will make it home
Researchers in California have created a new diagnostic metric that can reportedly predict if a battery can successfully power a specific task. The proposed model could be used in electric vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, and grid storage applications.
California proposes order of 6 GW by 2032 to get ahead of expiring tax credits
A California Public Utilities Commission Judge called for a “premature” order of additional electric capacity in the state to take advantage of lucrative renewable energy federal tax credits while they still exist.
Newsom vetoes another bill to curb California’s rising energy demand
Gov. Newsom said the virtual power plant bill would not have improved electric grid reliability planning because it did “not align with the California Public Utility Commission’s Resource Adequacy framework.”
