NREL launches international consortium to advance high-tech mirrors used in concentrating solar plants
Goal is to reduce cost of heliostats by 50% and accelerate U.S. manufacturing
Software for sub-particle modeling of lithium-ion
A recent collaboration between the University of Ulm and NREL led to the creation of a computer model that could help faster optimize Li-ion batteries.
In underserved communities, solar referrals work best
Research from national labs shows word-of-mouth referrals led to among the highest adoption rates in low-income communities.
Sunrise brief: Building solar to last saves billions
Also on the rise: Community solar donated to low-income families, Maine ski area hosts community solar, UL fire safety certification means microgrid platform can be offered to utilities, SolarAPP+ pilots energy storage and building-integrated PV permitting
Building solar as long-term resilient infrastructure could save billions
Reliability engineers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory call for improved quality, standards, and testing.
Sunrise brief: Global energy storage market set to hit 1 TWh by 2030, BNEF says
Also on the rise: Rooftop solar fires are a real and growing risk, A-SMACC says it could refile anti-dumping tariff petitions, and five New England colleges now are powered by solar under a novel PPA arrangement.
Costs for all types of PV systems continue to fall, NREL benchmark report says
In a change from previous years’ reports, however, balance of systems costs have increased or remained flat across sectors in 2021.
NREL to evaluate AI energy management system for solar microgrid
A mountain home community in Colorado will connect to the cloud based “foresee” platform, which will autonomously control an internet-of-things comprised of solar PV, heating, EV charging, water heating, AC, and more.
Community Choice Aggregation provides leverage for better electricity prices, access to solar
Seven states have passed community choice aggregation laws, connecting consumers to alternative energy suppliers through their local governments.
OpenSolar updates 3D design and sales software
The company worked with PVEL and NREL to test and validate its free design product.
