United States

Connecticut would join five other states in enabling distributed storage, solar and other non-wires alternatives to compete with traditional distribution system capacity upgrades, under a program being finalized by Connecticut regulators.

According to the National Solar Jobs Census 2020, employment in the solar industry looked favorable in 2021 compared to fossil fuel industries, but solar employers have some work to do on increasing diversity.

Also on the rise: Industrial process for ‘mobile’ solar module recycling. California governor sets goal of 3 million climate-ready homes, 6 million heat pumps by 2030. And more.

A team at the University of Michigan developed a peel-off patterning technique to create stable semitransparent solar cells to be integrated with windows.

The new targets for climate-resilient housing were announced as part of a letter to the California Air Resources Board, which focuses on the implementation and acceleration of California’s climate goals.

A series of mid-2000s solar panels manufactured by Sanyo and sold via Panasonic had consistent front side lamination issues. While the settlement concluded that module buyers would receive prorated refunds, the lawfirm received over $1.7 million.

The multi-year agreement would see deliveries from 2024 to 2026 for US and international utility-scale solar projects.

Also on the rise: Georgia Power expands plans to 9 GW of renewable energy by 2035. The problematic side of renewable energy credits. And more.

US startup New Use Energy Solutions has launched a new line of portable PV systems built with a module technology relying on Sunpower’s solar cells. The modules are assembled in the system via a custom vinyl tarp.

The Georgia Public Service Commission approved Georgia Power’s Integrated Resource Plan, which calls for 2 GW of natural gas and 2.3 MW of renewable energy. Plus, the REC program Georgia Power participates in may negatively impact renewables buildout.