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Fluke introduces I-V curve tracer for utility-scale solar industry

By adding the PVA-1500 Series I-V curve tracer to its portfolio, Fluke now offers tools for solar professionals servicing everything from the distributed generation to the utility-scale.

Slowing distributed energy growth continues into 2024

Ohm Analytics reported that the 2.3 GW of distributed generation, which includes rooftop solar, deployed in Q4 2023 marked the end of a long period of growth. Roth MKM warns that if a turnaround does not occur soon, residential solar could decline by 20% to 30% in 2024.

Sunrise brief: Can anything topple lithium-ion?

Also on the rise: Tesla’s power play, New York announces clean hydrogen funds, solar wafer market oversupply, and more.

Nextracker to use local steel in 480 MW Queensland project

In the Australian leg of its global strategy, US-based tracker supplier Nextracker will use locally produced steel for a major project.

Scientists identify new ‘promising’ absorber material for thin-film solar cells

Researchers in the United States have identified zintl-phosphide (BaCd2P2) as a new potential high efficiency absorber material for thin-film PV applications among 40,000 promising inorganic materials. The selected compound has a potential energy bandgap of 1.45 eV and a carrier lifetime of up to 30 ns.

Tesla’s new power play

The first installations featuring the Tesla Powerwall 3 are currently being completed in the United States, with the company promoting a fully integrated solar-plus-storage and electric vehicle (EV) residential system, with big backup power capacity. While the first Powerwall created a new market segment, the latest iteration enters a marketplace in oversupply.

New modular design for offshore floating photovoltaic platforms

A team of scientists from China and the United States studied ways to optimize floating photovoltaics for offshore use. It found that the robustness of the systems was influenced by the size and number of platforms, as well as the types of connections between platforms.

Oregon makes it easier to connect distributed solar and storage

Oregon has enabled more solar on each distribution circuit by setting smart inverter requirements, and has made it easier for export-limiting distributed storage projects to receive interconnection approval.

New York announces $16 million fund for clean hydrogen research and demonstration

The office of Governor Hochul released funds administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

Sunrise brief: Solar can help with marijuana’s green problem

Also on the rise: Maryland community solar install to take just nine weeks. Debunking solar myth about land use. And more.