A look at the great transformer shortage affecting U.S. utilities
An NREL team finds that lead times for transformers has grown fourfold in three years, with orders sometimes taking two years. Additionally price increases of four to nine times have been reported in the past 3 years.
Sunrise brief: First Solar plans to double manufacturing capacity by 2026
Also on the rise: Solar at “twice the natural capacity factor of the sun”. The importance of community solar in all-of-the-above renewable energy strategy. And more.
The importance of community solar in all-of-the-above renewable energy strategy
Recent studies show the many benefits of community solar, and to keep it on an upward trajectory, the Coalition for Community Solar Access encourages growth in third-party programs.
Sunrise brief: Massachusetts lawmakers urged to adopt “million solar roofs” equivalent
Also on the rise: DOE announces $366 million for energy projects in rural and remote communities. Anza expands back-end visibility for solar module procurement. And more.
U.S. researchers develop perovskite solar mini-module with 19.21% efficiency
The scientists built the panel with perovskite solar cells treated with trifluoromethane sulfonate to combat iodide defects. The mini module reportedly achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded for its size to date, with the result being confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Sunrise brief: RE+ Northeast 2024 shines in Boston
Also on the rise: Large-format solar modules and legacy assumptions. Update on Puerto Rico solar market. And more.
NREL paper details nationwide heat-pump feasibility
The report looks at how installation costs and energy savings prices change in relation to climate, heating source and type of home and suggests that policymakers further reduce the costs of installing heat pumps so that more U.S. households can benefit from them.
Sunrise brief: The fossil fuel retirement boom
Also on the rise: Secondary market for solar modules presents low-cost buying opportunities. A look at long-term solar degradation. And more.
NREL says long-term degradation of 8 GW of U.S. solar ‘matches expectations’
The short-term impact of extreme weather, such as flooding, high winds, hail, wildfire and lightning, was minimal in most PV systems studied.
Sunrise brief: U.S. government identifies 22 million acres for solar in western states
Also on the rise: Bloomberg signs 15-year PPA for Texas solar. ‘Flexibility is key’ as energy sector moves to net-zero future. And more.
