8 GW of solar-plus-storage at resilience hubs in California could save lives
Solar and storage at almost 20,000 community sites across California could help protect its population during power outages, especially during heat and smoke events, a study found.
Six states offer grants to help local governments automate solar permitting
Solar trade groups in Washington, Colorado and Minnesota advocated for grant programs to speed permitting for rooftop solar, using software such as SolarAPP+. Three other states also offer grants, with two requiring automated permitting.
NREL guide for anyone seeking more solar and storage in utility resource plans
A guide to utility resource plans aims to help state regulators and others engage effectively with utilities in reviewing the plans, which have often been challenged for limiting solar and storage in projections of new generating capacity needed.
Assessing solar asset operational risks
A report from kWh Analytics shares new data on mitigating solar asset operational losses.
Weather-related damage to solar assets exceed modeling expectations by 300%
The report from kWh Analytics, with input from several industry leaders, identified 14 risks to be aware of in the solar industry, including risks related to extreme weather, such as hail, and operational risks.
Five Puerto Rico reservoirs could host 596 MW of floating solar
Potential sites for solar in Puerto Rico include reservoirs, brownfields, closed landfills, fossil generating plants after closure, and transmission rights of way, determined analysis by the National Renewable Energy Lab.
NREL-led consortium releases PV reliability forecasting tools
The Durable Module Materials consortium (DuraMAT) announced in its latest annual report the availability of new PV forecasting tools, and new research results towards the goal of more reliable PV modules.
No ceiling on U.S. glass opportunity
With PV module capacity ramping up, glass suppliers have been investing in new solar glass production capacity. As in India and China, new facilities are popping up in North America, with unique twists to ensure competitiveness, such as using recycled material.
Reflective ground covers boost solar energy production
Researchers in Canada are testing the use of reflective surfaces to boost electricity production in bifacial solar panels.
Sodium battery startup wins People’s Choice Award at Industry Growth Forum
Adena Power is developing an energy storage solution using sodium batteries and domestically-sourced raw materials.
