Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy in Europe projected to spike by 50 TWh in 2024, surpassing other generation sources.

Europe set for 50 TWh solar power boom in 2024

Despite a record-breaking 60 gigawatts direct current (GWDC) of solar PV capacity expansion in 2023, solar power generation in Europe saw a modest increase of about 20%. This year, however, will be another story.

Rystad Energy forecasts solar photovoltaic (PV) energy will spike by about 50 terawatt-hours (TWh) in 2024 – growing for the first time more than any other generation source – due to major capacity installations across the region, with Germany leading the way. Wind power generation is also expected to increase in 2024. However, the growth rate will not match the last one seen in 2023, when wind energy output increased by 50 TWh thanks to additional capacity installations and a windier year, particularly in the last quarter.

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Source: OilPrice

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Rep. Schiff introduced the Renewable Roadsides Act, which aims to start the process of transforming landscapes alongside federal highways.

Rep. Schiff introduces renewable roadsides act to harness solar energy along federal highways

Today, Representative Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) introduced the Renewable Roadsides Act, which aims to start the process of transforming landscapes alongside federal highways to house increased solar energy infrastructure. The bill would direct the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to study the feasibility of developing solar energy generation and storage facilities, as well as electrical transmission and distribution infrastructure, on land adjacent to federal highways.

“The future will be powered by clean, green, renewable energy – and my Renewable Roadsides Act will leverage the untapped potential of land along our nation’s highways to generate it,” said Rep. Schiff. “It’s time to rethink how we view the spaces around us and how they can be repurposed towards meeting our renewable energy goals. This legislation would give us the opportunity to generate clean energy, mitigate the risk of blackouts, and improve local energy reliability without the land use and conservation concerns typically associated with large-scale energy projects.”

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Source: Schiff.house.gov

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Researchers at Oregon State University tracked sheep grazing at an Agrivoltaic solar farm. It can be the ideal setup for sheep producers.

Solar farms are suitable for raising sheep, according to one Oregon university

Solar farms can be the ideal set up for sheep producers.

Researchers at Oregon State University tracked sheep grazing at an Agrivoltaic solar farm. They measured the animal’s growth, grazing habits, and water consumption with two flocks, one grazing near the solar panels and the other in an open pasture.

Both flocks grew at the same rates.
The reason is that the shade provides less heat stress to available plants.

These types of solar farms are more difficult to tailor to cattle, but there is an increasing interest among Wyoming sheep producers.

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Source: RFD TV

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Feed-in Tariff program has 155 projects with a combined capacity of 105.2MW in service as of Dec. 2023, according to the program dashboard.

Los Angeles public-private partnership aims to advance industrial solar

Dive Brief:

  • A 1.5-megawatt solar array atop an industrial building in the Panorama City neighborhood of Los Angeles is the latest renewable energy project to take advantage of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Feed-in Tariff program.
  • FiT has 155 projects with a combined capacity of 105.2 megawatts in service as of December 2023, according to the program dashboard. Another 114 projects representing 72 MW are planned or under development, leaving 57.7 MW in capacity for eligible applicants.
  • Applicants must agree to sell power back to LADWP for at least 10 years, according to the program website — one of several barriers to participation that Arielle Lopez, policy and programs associate for sustainability at the Los Angeles Business Council, identified in an interview with Facilities Dive.

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Source: Utility Dive

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Bifacial solar cells technology soaks up shaded sunlight and artificial light from lamps to produce its own trickle of renewable power.

Startup develops breakthrough solar cells that can make energy indoors

Have you heard the buzz about a new kind of solar panel that works inside the home?

California-based clean energy startup Ambient Photonics has been hard at work since 2019 engineering affordable solar cells that can tap into indoor light. Their latest invention helps devices charge themselves, with no outlet (or battery) required, according to Euronews.

Officially called bifacial solar cells, this technology soaks up shaded sunlight and artificial light from lamps and bulbs to produce its own trickle of renewable power. The technology builds on low-cost solar solutions that emerged in the 1990s, making sustainable energy possible in any indoor environment with light.

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Source: The Cool Down

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California must add nearly 60 GW of new renewable energy and energy storage resources by 2035 to slash power sector greenhouse gas emissions.

California plans to add nearly 60 GW of renewables, storage by 2035

California must add nearly 60 GW of new renewable energy and energy storage resources by 2035 to slash power sector greenhouse gas emissions under a sweeping plan approved Feb. 15 by state energy regulators.

“This is a critical component of California’s climate change strategy,” California Public Utilities Commission President Alice Reynolds said ahead of a 3-0 decision to approve the “preferred system plan and portfolio,” which is designed to reduce emissions in the power sector to 25 million metric tons by 2035.

More than 40 individual integrated resource plans filed by investor-owned utilities, community choice aggregators and other load-serving entities helped to shape the statewide preferred plan. Under the portfolio, the use of natural gas-fired power plants connected to the California ISO transmission system “would decrease by roughly 70% by 2035” compared with 2024, Reynolds said.

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Source: S&P Global

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Developers and power plant owners plan to add 62.8 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity in 2024.

Solar and battery storage to make up 81% of new US electric-generating capacity in 2024

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Developers and power plant owners plan to add 62.8 gigawatts (GW) of new utility-scale electric-generating capacity in 2024, according to our latest Preliminary Monthly Electric Generator Inventory. This addition would be 55% more added capacity than the 40.4 GW added in 2023 (the most since 2003) and points to a continued rise in industry activity. We expect solar to account for the largest share of new capacity in 2024, at 58%, followed by battery storage, at 23%.

Solar. We expect a record addition of utility-scale solar in 2024 if the scheduled 36.4 GW are added to the grid. This growth would almost double last year’s 18.4 GW increase, which was itself a record for annual utility-scale solar installation in the United States. As the effects of supply chain challenges and trade restrictions ease, solar continues to outpace capacity additions from other generating resources.

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Source: EIA.gov

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Fremont achieved a SolSmart designation for their solar energy leadership and is the first to achieve the new Platinum level.

Fremont is the first city in the nation to receive coveted designation

Fremont is the first city in the nation to receive a Platinum Designation for advancing solar energy. The distinction is a result of the national SolSmart program, recognizing exceptional achievements in advancing solar energy use at the local level.

Fremont is one of over 500 cities, towns, and regional organizations that have achieved SolSmart designation for their solar energy leadership but is the first to achieve the new Platinum level.

“Fremont’s achievement of the SolSmart Platinum designation marks a significant milestone in our commitment to a sustainable and clean energy future,” said Fremont Mayor Lily Mei. “By actively promoting the adoption of renewable energy and streamlining the solar permitting process, we are empowering our community to reduce our community-wide greenhouse gas emissions and advancing our vision towards a climate ready Fremont. This remarkable designation is a credit not only to our dedicated City staff but also to the unwavering commitment and active participation of our incredible community. Together, we stand proud of this extraordinary achievement, which showcases the collective effort and shared vision of a brighter, greener future for all.”

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Source: Patch

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CAG has commenced work on installing solar panels, and once completed, it will become Singapore’s largest single-site solar PV system.

Changi starts work on country’s largest solar photovoltaic system

Changi Airport Group (CAG) has commenced work on installing solar panels on its buildings, and once completed by 2025 it will become Singapore’s largest single-site solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Designed, owned and operated by Keppel Ltd for a period of 25 years.

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Source: Aviation Week

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3 senior housing sites at Sage Lane have activated solar paired battery storage systems valued at $100,000 to power critical facility needs.

West Marin Senior Housing “loves” its new battery storage and solar

This Valentine’s Day, West Marin residents living in select affordable housing sites in San Geronimo will power up with more than just love from local partners – but with new battery storage and solar panels too.

Three senior housing sites at Sage Lane, owned by Two Valleys Community Land Trust, have activated solar paired battery storage systems valued at $100,000 to power critical facility needs. One of the sites without existing solar also received new solar panels.

MCE led the joint effort to fund the project with no out-of-pocket costs to the Land Trust. This includes a direct contribution of more than $36,000 from MCE, $32,000 from a Marin Community Foundation grant awarded to MCE, and $24,000 from the California Public Utilities Commission’s Self Generation Incentive Program, secured by MCE’s project partners.

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Source: CALCCA

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