Researchers have come up with a new way to generate electricity with solar panel technology by harvesting the energy produced by raindrops.

Solar panel tech breakthrough generates electricity from rain

Researchers have come up with a new way to generate electricity with solar panel technology by harvesting the energy produced by raindrops.

The method, proposed by a team from Tsinghua University in China, involves a device called a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) that creates electrification from liquid-solid contact.

These are typically used to harvest energy from waves, as droplet-based TENGs (D-TENGs) have previously faced technical limitations that prevented them from working at any significant scale.

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Source: INDEPENDENT

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With the improved outlook for solar panel supplies, analysts expect 19 GW & 27 GW of US utility-scale solar to be installed in 2023 & 2024, respectively.

US utility-scale solar outlook improves on easing supply chain limits: Morgan Stanley

The outlook for U.S. utility-scale solar has improved on easing supply chain problems, but near-term residential solar growth may be hurt by rising interest rates and changes to California’s net metering policy, Morgan Stanley analysts said in a report Monday.

The investment firm’s analysts said at the start of the year they were worried about the effects of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, which resulted in shipments of imported solar panels being held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, leading to project delays.

Of the roughly $710 million worth of shipments detained last year, about 40% had been released as of early April, the analysts said. Also, it appears that panels made with non-Chinese polysilicon have continued to enter the U.S. without significant delays, they said.

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Source: Utility Dive

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Smart energy storage systems have the potential to make homes self-sufficient, turning consumers of energy into producers of energy.

Solar tech is coming for your neighborhood, kitchen, and furnishings

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An analysis earlier this month revealed that 2023 is likely to be the hottest year on Earth ever recorded. As the world seeks to mitigate anthropogenic climate change, this is one data point among many that indicate that the need for alternatives to emissions-generating fossil fuels is dire.

Fortunately, some hope is in sight, says WGSN, a London-based forecasting agency that recently published an intelligence report detailing how the solar tech sector is already shifting how we consume energy, especially in our homes. Spotlighting products like SolarBotanic Trees, Dutch designer Marjan van Aubel’s sunset-hued Sunne Lamp, and GoSun’s Sport-E solar ovens, this analysis offers an overview of how, where, and when this ample renewable resource can be harnessed within and around our homes.

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Source: AD PRO

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High school students have spent months building a solar power vehicle from the ground up to compete in the annual Solar Car Challenge.

High school students designed and built solar-powered cars for 1,400 mile race to California

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High school students have spent months preparing, and now it’s time for them to take their solar car creations on a journey across the country.

The annual Solar Car Challenge was established by the President and Race Director Dr. Lehman Marks, in 1993 to motive STEM students while increasing awareness for alternative energy sources.

All cars are going through “scrutineering” at the Texas Motor Speedway this weekend. This process is for the judges evaluate the vehicles to ensure they are safe.

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Source: Fox4News

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Solar4America, a wholly owned subsidiary of SPI Energy, plans to begin manufacturing N-type heterojunction (HJT) solar cells in the US.

Heterojunction solar cell factory to be built in Sacramento

Solar4America, a wholly owned subsidiary of SPI Energy, plans to begin manufacturing N-type heterojunction (HJT) solar cells in the United States.

This follows the company’s January announcement to increase solar module production to 2.4 GW at its factory in Sacramento, California. While the US Inflation Reduction Act has thus far incentivized many module manufacturers to begin production in the United States, cell and wafer manufacturing has yet to ramp up.

“The production of HJT solar cells aligns with our commitment to providing cutting-edge renewable energy technology while reducing carbon footprints globally,” said Denton Peng, chairman and CEO of SPI Energy.

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Source: PV Magazine

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California now has the capacity to store 5,600 megawatts of power using batteries. That's enough to supply more than 4 million homes.

Batteries, not blackouts: California’s power grid gets boost from battery energy

As California increases its reliance on renewable energy sources like solar and wind, there’s a concern that there may not be enough energy during certain seasons and times of the day to keep the lights on.

But this summer, the state is setting a major milestone in energy storage.

California now has the capacity to store 5,600 megawatts of power using batteries. That’s enough to supply more than 4 million homes.

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Source: CBS News

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Zero Waste Sonoma in California is working to help residents in the North Bay area recycle their used solar panels.

Zero waste groups kickstart solar panel recycling in California

Solar power is a great alternative, but recycling the large panels is a tall order. Now, a group in California is helping residents recycle their solar panels.

Zero Waste Sonoma is working to help residents in the North Bay area deal with their used solar panels. Residents were once confused on what to do with their materials, but Zero Waste Sonoma held a collection event, along with an e-waste drop-off, at the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa.

“Ultimately our goal is to recycle panels,” said Courtney Scott, Zero Waste Sonoma’s Household Hazardous Waste Program manager.

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Source: Waste 360

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MYNT Systems installed a 623 kW solar system at the research center, which is expected to offset 78% of its energy use and provide a 10% electricity discount to its four tenants.

California research center installs solar carport

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H&S Properties has hired SolarEdge to install a solar carport and rooftop array on a research and development campus in Redwood City, California. The facility is expected to lower on-site costs for electricity and cut carbon emissions, making the research center a more attractive location for businesses looking to cut costs and environmental impact.

The 623 kW system is expected to offset 78% of the research center’s total energy use and provide its four tenants a 10% discount of electricity. The SolarEdge DC-optimized system is forecast to produce 950,000 kWh per year. MYNT Systems installed the array.

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Source: PV Magazine

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The California state now has enough large-scale batteries to supply 5,600 megawatts of electricity, up from 500 megawatts in 2020.

California grid sees tenfold spike in battery storage in 3 years

California has, in just three years, seen a tenfold increase in batteries plugged into its grid as solar and wind installations take the place of aging gas-burning power plants.

The state now has enough large-scale batteries to supply 5,600 megawatts of electricity, up from 500 megawatts in 2020, the California Independent System Operator reported Tuesday. That’s enough to power 3.8 million homes for about four hours before the batteries need to be recharged, according to the operator.

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Source: Bloomberg

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The goal is 500MW community solar projects over 5 years in line with American Farmland Trust’s mission of preserving farmland across the US.

Community solar initiative ‘resonating’ with agricultural communities by optimising farmland usage

An initiative to help optimise the use of farmland by integrating community solar projects where suitable is helping to steer hostile local stakeholders towards supporting renewables, one of the programme leaders has told PV Tech Premium.

In spring this year, energy services provider Aggreko announced its partnership with US-focused Farmers Powering Communities on its community solar initiative. This was launched last year by social impact solar developer Edelen Renewables. farmland preservation organisation American Farmland Trust and community solar subscriber Arcadia.

The headline number is the goal of 500MW of community solar projects over five years in line with American Farmland Trust’s mission of preserving farmland across the US, for which it has created principles for sustainable solar development known as “smart solar”.

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Source: PV Tech

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