In case you missed it: Five big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
Powering restaurants with rooftop PV, reversible fuel cells
Researchers have simulated the operation of bifacial PV and proton exchange membrane reversible fuel cells across restaurants in five different U.S. states. Taking into account varying rates of bifacial PV’s rearside gains, they found that LCOE was as low as $0.029 per kWh.
The Hydrogen Stream: US researchers explore trapped geologic hydrogen
U.S. researchers have started studying hydrogen formation in the Midcontinent Rift in the United States, while Dutch scientists have discovered that hydrogen emissions from industrial complexes are higher than previously estimated.
General Motors launches residential storage system
The US-based automotive manufacturing company said its new storage system offers the option of integrating with PV systems. It can be scaled to reach a capacity of up to 35.4 kWh, which the company said would enable approximately 20 hours of storage.
S_Base simplifies commercial solar rooftops
Aerocompact introduced its updated ballasted rooftop racking product, which supports up to 120 solar modules on two pallets while reducing part counts and streamlining the installation processes.
Sunrise brief: California farmers developing 20 GW solar-plus-storage plan
Also on the rise: Solar developer reduces tariff risk by engaging with supply chain platform. Optimal sites for solar projects are becoming harder to find. And more.
Grid defection is profitable in some solar-rich U.S. locations
Researchers from Canada’s Western University assessed eighteen case studies across thirteen US states and found in areas an economic case for disconnecting from the electricity grid in some areas with high solar irradiation and high electricity rates. They say economic grid defection and utility death spirals are becoming salient issues in the U.S.
Optimal sites for solar projects are becoming harder to find
A survey conducted by Paces said average acreage and feeder capacity are shrinking in Illinois and New York.
Solar corporate funding down 23% so far this year
Total corporate funding in the solar industry reached $22.3 billion over the first nine months of 2024, representing a 23% year-on-year decrease. Mercom Capital Group says that while global uncertainties are affecting investor confidence, an increase in debt financing and resilience in newly-announced large-scale project funding remain bright spots for the sector.
Solar developer reduces tariff risk by engaging with supply chain platform
For NewSun Energy, the Anza platform serves as part of its procurement arm, helping the developer mitigate module supply risk and secure fixed pricing and terms despite pending tariffs.
