Beaming radio frequency solar power from space
Researchers at the California Institute of Technology successfully beamed solar power from space to Earth in July. The experimental microwave-beaming satellite was tested for eight months, uncovering existing strengths and weaknesses that will guide future developments of space solar power.
Georgia utility “adamantly opposed” to community solar
Georgia Power is “adamantly opposed” to a bill that would establish a market for community solar. The state ranks high in the nation in utility-scale solar deployment but is near the bottom in rooftop and distributed solar.
U.S. community solar installations expected to more than double by 2028
The cumulative total of community solar installations is expected to reach 14 GW in the United States by 2028, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie.
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).
BloombergNEF says global solar installations could hit 574 GW this year
BloombergNEF says in a new report that developers deployed 444 GW of new PV capacity throughout the world in 2023. It says new installations could reach 574 GW this year, 627 GW in 2025, and 880 GW in 2030.
Rooftop solar has technical potential to meet 45% of U.S. electricity demand
Today, it only represents about 1.5% of the electricity used. A report from Environment America shows how installed rooftop solar increased 1000% in the past decade, and how it has a long runway of growth ahead.
Utility-scale solar had a record year in 2023. It’s set to double in 2024
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects nearly 63 GW of utility-scale electric capacity additions, most of which are solar and batteries.
Merida Aerospace developing perovskite PV cells for space
Merida Aerospace, a U.S. aerospace company, is developing perovskite solar cells for low-Earth-orbit satellites. It says perovskite solar cells could be a more cost-effective and efficient option than traditional cells.
The top ten solar panel brands serving the U.S. market
A report from informational site SolarReviews ranks the top solar panel manufacturers based on weighted metrics including value, quality, U.S. investment, and more.
Hawaii legislation seeks to undo “massive momentum killer” for rooftop solar
After passing a new solar-battery export program that has sparked the ire of rooftop solar advocates, legislators have submitted a bill that would increase payment for battery-tied exported solar production.
