With the Inflation Reduction Act now established, attention turns to broader development of a domestic solar PV supply chain

US-based silicon-to-solar-module supply chain is on the way

With the Inflation Reduction Act now established, attention turns to broader development of a domestic solar PV supply chain. The U.S. has its share of solar module manufacturers, but the raw materials — from silicon to polysilicon to wafers and ingots — are still sourced overseas. Can that start to change?

Maybe! The first signs of life come via Mississippi Silicon LLC — the first new silicon metal facility in North America in 40 years — which has announced plans to work with REC Silicon to help establish a low-carbon and fully traceable U.S.-based solar supply chain. The companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing them to negotiate a raw material supply agreement.

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Source: Solar Builder

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First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S., said Tuesday that it will build a new panel factory in the US.

First Solar announces new US panel factory following the Inflation Reduction Act

First Solar announced Tuesday that it will build a new solar panel manufacturing facility in the U.S. on the heels of the Inflation Reduction Act, which incentivizes domestic manufacturing.

The company will invest up to $1 billion in the new factory, which it plans to build in the Southeast of the U.S. The newly announced plant will be the panel maker’s fourth fully integrated U.S. factory.

First Solar also said Tuesday that it will spend $185 million upgrading and expanding its existing facilities in Ohio.

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Source: CNBC

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The Solar Access Act is designed to speed up residential solar permitting through an instant, online process.

California’s Senate passes Solar Access Act to speed up residential PV permitting

California’s Solar Access Act (SAA) has passed the state’s Senate, clearing its final legislative hurdle, and will now be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom to be signed into law.

The Act demands instant, online solar permitting in cities and counties. Lawmakers hope it will decrease approval times for residential solar and solar-plus-storage systems, cut permitting costs for local governments and homeowners at the same time as helping California meet its target of becoming carbon neutral by 2045.

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Source: PV Tech

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Tiger Brands says onsite renewable energy solutions will be installed at 35 manufacturing sites across South Africa by 2030.

Southern Africa’s largest food manufacturer will install solar at its manufacturing sites

South African consumer goods giant and its largest food manufacturer, Tiger Brands, will install solar power at its manufacturing sites. Tiger Brands has also been implementing energy efficiency initiatives to maximize efforts with the aim of reducing the company’s reliance on the national grid and minimize impact on the environment. Tiger Brands’ portfolio includes key staples such as maize meal, rice, pasta, and flour, and also spans a wide variety of products such as beverages, canned foods, sea food, baby food, and toiletries.

Tiger Brands says that the rollout will start soon and will be part of a multi-million-rand investment with the goal to have 65% of the business’ electricity requirements at a manufacturing level across South Africa sourced from sustainable energy solutions by 2030.  The rollout will involve the procurement of Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the C&I solar sector and will also include other other renewable energy options.

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Source: Clean Technica

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Soaring temperatures above 100 degrees that causes blackouts in California shows the need for more rooftop solar

More rooftop solar needed as heat and drought threatens California’s electric grid

SAN FRANCISCO – Temperatures are soaring in much of central California – above 100 degrees in places – and the resulting higher demand on the electricity grid could cause blackouts.

More clean solar power could help avoid this outcome.

The scorching heat wave could continue at least until Friday, according to the National Weather Service. To reduce the risk of blackouts, the California Independent System Operator, or CAISO, which manages the state’s power supply, is urging utilities to suspend any maintenance projects between noon and 10 p.m. every day until temperatures drop.

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Source: ewg

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The CALSSA is expecting the CPUC to release its proposed decision on net metering on or before September 29

New CPUC proposed decision on NEM 3.0 expected by September 29

After many months of solar industry protests, the California Solar & Storage Association (CALSSA) is expecting the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to release its proposed decision on net metering on or before September 29. Based on the 90-day window that began with the July 1, 2022 deadline for intervenor comments on the CPUC proceeding on net metering, a new proposed decision is expected to be released on or before September 29, 2022. The timeline for the new proposed decision is not expected to be changed by a recent procedural ruling extending the statutory deadline for the overall proceeding. 

The CPUC issued an initial proposed decision in December 2021 that would have added new grid-use charges and shifted to a net billing structure, which combined would have resulted in lower incentives for rooftop solar customers. In February 2022, after outcry from solar supporters, the new commission president Alice Reynolds asked for more time to analyze the record and consider revisions to the proposed decision on NEM 3.0. A public comment period ensued in May 2022, and CALSSA organized protests to keep advocating against any new solar fees.

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Source: Solar Power World

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The California State Legislature approved a two-year extension of a property tax exclusion for solar projects

Extended property tax exclusion will keep clean energy investments in California

Today, the California State Legislature approved a two-year extension of a property tax exclusion for solar projects, providing stability to solar companies facing significant uncertainty around project development as they work to help California meet its climate targets.

Following is statement from Rick Umoff, senior director and counsel, California, at the Solar Energy Industries Association:

“The Legislature’s action to extend the solar property tax exclusion is a critical step to ensure California remains at the forefront of America’s clean energy transition. Since the state instituted the exclusion, California’s solar market has grown to be the largest in the nation, employing over 70,000 people and driving more than $70 billion into local economies statewide.

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Source: SEIA

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University of Cambridge Researchers have designed lightweight, flexible devices that use solar technology to convert light into fuel.

Could this tiny floating leaf decarbonise some of the world’s biggest polluters?

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Cargo ships could one day be powered by ‘artificial leaves’ floating out at sea.

University of Cambridge Researchers have designed lightweight, flexible devices that use solar technology to convert light into fuel.

At just 1mm thick, the ultra-thin ‘leaves’ can float on water – and could eventually go “almost anywhere,” according to study lead Professor Erwin Reisner.

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Source: euronews

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Tesla’s virtual power plant in California had its first emergency response event by pooling power from Powerwall owners around the state.

Tesla’s virtual power plant had its first event helping the grid

Tesla’s virtual power plant in California had its first emergency response event helping the grid by pooling power from Powerwall owners around the state. The event appears to have been a success as the distributed power plant looks like the future.

A virtual power plant (VPP) consists of distributed energy storage systems, like Tesla Powerwalls, used in concert to provide grid services and avoid the use of polluting and expensive peaker power plants.

Last year, Tesla launched a VPP pilot program in California, where Powerwall owners would join in voluntarily without compensation to let the VPP pull power from their battery packs when the grid needed it.

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Source: electrek

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Massachusetts’ Republican governor Charlie Baker has signed a significant climate bill that will bolster the growth of renewables project

Massachusetts governor signs climate bill with support for solar, clean energy mandates

Massachusetts’ Republican governor Charlie Baker has signed a significant climate bill that will bolster the growth of renewables project in the state and put limits of fossil fuel use.

Signed on Thursday, the bill was first approved by the state legislature on 31 July before being signed by the governor. It comes just before the US House of Representatives is expected to pass the US’ landmark climate package – the Inflation Reduction Act – with major implications for the energy industry in the US.

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Source: PV Tech

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