Solar tariff moratorium creates upside, but supply challenges still loom
Wood Mackenzie boosted its utility-scale solar deployment forecast following the executive branch two-year pause on antidumping tariffs, but the uncertainty caused a latent effect on the industry. Plus, other uncertainties persist.
Sunrise brief: Groundbreaking ruling in California simplifies grid connection process for distributed solar and storage
Also on the rise: Single axis trackers on a commercial rooftop increase generation 37%. Tesla Powerwall owners called to take part in the emergency load reduction program pilot. And more.
Longi’s heterojunction solar cell hits 26.5%
Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin has confirmed that Longi’s new heterojunction solar cell has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 26.5% – an improvement of 1.1%.
Republican senators send letter of concern to Biden on solar tariff moratorium
Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, and colleagues questioned the emergency declaration, which they said increases dependence on China and rewards unfair trade practices.
Sunrise brief: Environmental group calls on PG&E to design grid around distributed rooftop solar
Also on the rise: $27 million in land lease payments for two solar facilities on public land. Strategy announced for preventing the importation of goods mined or produced using forced labor from the Chinese region of Xinjiang. And more.
Biden halts solar tariffs for two years. What’s next?
Paul Wormser and Christian Roselund of Clean Energy Associates joined pv magazine to discuss the moratorium on solar tariffs and other executive actions taken by the White House.
White House takes executive action to spur US solar manufacturing
Concurrent with the two-year halt of solar tariffs on major Southeast Asian panels suppliers, the Biden Administration invoked the Defense Production Act and is using the full power of federal procurement capabilities to boost US-made solar.
Analyst predicts extent of rise in this year’s solar capital costs
Wood Mackenzie this week made a slew of predictions for the industry in 2022 and noted the effects the US’ recently announced anti-circumvention investigation is already having on utility scale plans.
Trina launches grid-scale storage solution
Trina Storage’s new 2.1 MWh DC All-New Elementa solution is a modular LFP battery cabinet with a plug-in concept to connect multiple units. The company is ramping up battery manufacturing capacity to strengthen vertical integration, given supply chain risks throughout the world.
First Solar Q1 earnings drop, while bookings remain strong
The US solar manufacturer booked nearly 12 GW in less than 60 days since the prior earnings call, bringing year-to-date bookings to 16.7 GW.
