NREL releases online tool to estimate pumped hydro storage costs
The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has released a cost-estimation tool for new closed-loop pumped storage hydropower (PSH) plants in the United States. The tool allows operators to select from a range of system characteristics and account for factors such as local geology, labor rates and inflation.
Sunrise brief: DOE funds heated sand energy storage project pilot
Also on the rise: Developing hydrogen fuel from iron-rich rocks. Off-grid solar bench with wireless charging and Wi-Fi, And more.
DOE funds heated sand energy storage project pilot
A modeled commercial-scale project storing energy in heated sand could produce 135 MW of power for five days. The U.S. Department of Energy is funding a pilot project intended to demonstrate commercial viability.
Sunrise brief: How to boost U.S. solar rooftop installations
Also on the rise: Bloom Energy teams up with Shell to look at large-scale hydrogen projects. A look at the great transformer shortage affecting U.S. utilities. And more.
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.
