Gulf heat dome and polar set stream shape solar outcomes in May
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that a strong polar jet stream and a record-breaking heat dome in May resulted in a stark contrast in irradiance patterns across North America. The western and central USA, along with Mexico, experienced higher than normal irradiance, while the Gulf and East Coast regions faced lower irradiance.
When is the next Aurora due and what’s the impact on solar generation?
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, explains that the solar cycle does tend to increase the earth’s average annual extra-terrestrial irradiance, but only by a very small amount. It also explains that, while the annual cycle of extra-terrestrial irradiance causes a steady, predictable and significant 3.5% change through the seasonal cycle, the peak of the 11-year cycle of solar activity causes a smaller, more sporadic and unpredictable set of fluctuations.
Sunrise brief: California elected officials call for repeal of “utility tax”
Also on the rise: Duke Energy pilots incentive program for home solar and storage. The expanding commercial solar PPA landscape. And more.
Mixed start to spring for solar in North America
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that the solar regions of California, Nevada, Arizona and western Texas saw lower than normal irradiance in March, while high irradiance levels were recorded from the midwest to the Carolinas and across most of Mexico.
Sunrise brief: Walmart makes big commitments to solar energy
Also on the rise: Maxeon claims 24.9% efficiency for IBC solar panel. Potential effect of the 2024 solar eclipse on solar energy production. And more.
Potential effect of the 2024 solar eclipse on solar energy production
To compensate for potential loss of solar energy flowing to the grid, grid operators will have to be ready to rely on other sources to ensure grid stability, as was done during the 2017 and 2023 eclipse episodes.
Weather records tumble across U.S. as Atlantic pressure keeps eastern skies clear
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that persistent high pressure in the upper atmosphere led to irradiance as high as 30% above normal, and new records for solar generation and temperature in North America in mid-February.
Sunrise brief: North Carolina appeals court weighs critical rooftop solar decision
Also on the rise: Publicly traded solar installer Sunworks files for bankruptcy. New York Power Authority seeks proposals for 5.2 MW solar project. And more.
Stormy January impacts irradiance across North America
In its weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that North America saw irradiance below average, primarily due to the stormy conditions that prevailed during the second half of January.
Sunrise brief: Utility opposition stymies Fair Access to Community Solar Act in Washington
Also on the rise: Array Technologies announces dual-row solar tracker upgrade. Solar EV developer Aptera crowdfunds $33 million. And more.
