Solar Industry News
Solar to reach ‘unassailable position’ as cheapest electricity source, says DNV
Solar’s levelized cost of electricity will reach $30/MWh in 2050, as global capacity surges, said DNV, a global risk management firm.
Solar-plus-storage microgrids minimize power shutoffs during wildfires
Recent studies have proposed using solar-plus-storage microgrids to minimize public safety concerns from PSPS during the wildfire season.
Paskenta Band announces solar energy storage project
The Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians announced the development of a large-scale solar & energy storage project funded and approved by the CEC.
Proposed update to public land rules could provide 80% reduction in renewable project fees, says Interior
The DOI said it hopes to increase the economic certainty of renewables projects sited on public land by reducing costs for developers, and pass along savings to ratepayers.
Valley children’s healthcare to install microgrid on California hospital campus
Valley Children’s Healthcare's new microgrid will help provide additional energy storage to improve the hospital’s ability to withstand long duration outages.
How microgrids and smart homes are shaping our energy-independent future
This smart, solar-powered suburb in SoCal ties smart home technology with energy efficiency to find an affordable solution for energy-independent living.
DOE launches 7th round of solar innovation competition, offering $4M in prizes
The DOE opened applications on Monday for round seven of its American-Made Solar Prize competition, announcing $4 million in prizes.
California’s urban roofs provide more value for community solar+storage than rural areas
Community solar + storage projects can provide more value to CA utility customers when built on commercial & industrial rooftops versus open land in rural areas.
BLM approves 300-MW Sunlight Storage II project in Southern California
A NextEra Energy Resources subsidiary won approval from the US BLM to build a 300 MW battery energy storage project at a solar farm in CA’s desert.
From sun to sustainability: The journey of solar panel recycling
States are actively working on ways to recover valuable materials from decommissioned solar panels and minimize the disposal of hazardous components.
California’s $100 billion electric bullet train will be fully solar powered
The initial segment of the country’s most expensive infrastructure project, California's bullet train, is getting a utility-scale solar power system.
CAISO sets solar peak generation record of 15.178 GW, the fourth record this year
The CAISO set a new solar peak generation record for the 3rd month in a row, as solar output reached the highest level on record so far this month.
A California model for solar sites could be a boon for critical mineral mining
The boom in electric vehicles has fueled a corresponding rush for the minerals needed to produce the batteries that power them.
No more delays or excuses: California must build clean energy now to replace fossil fuels
California can break its addiction to natural gas and replace fossil fuels with cleaner energy. We need Governor Newsom to sign SB 619.
New report: Wind & solar energy tripled in US over past decade
14 states produce the equivalent of 30% or more of their electricity consumption from wind, solar and geothermal, up from just two states in 2013.
California Children’s Hospital replaces diesel plant with solar+storage microgrid
Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera, CA is retiring its diesel generators in favor of a solar microgrid with long-duration energy storage.
As California gets drier, solar panels could help farms save water
Agrivoltaics are still rare in CA, but experts say the shade they provide could be a game-changer in a state where many farms are struggling to plan for a future with limited groundwater.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs slate of clean energy bills into law
After a fruitful 2023 state legislative session, Gov. Gavin Newsom signed every major climate and clean energy bill that came to his desk.
New Florida-built electric speedboat offers high power and solar charging
Blue Innovations Group (BIG), the electric boat startup founded by a former Tesla executive, has just launched its first electric boat, which is charged by solar.
Solar energy powers America’s hospitals, churches & rec centers
Community centers are turning to solar & storage to provide power and are exploring new solar savings and benefit-sharing models along the way.
MIT scientists used solar power to make drinking water cheaper than tap water
MIT scientists have designed a solar-powered desalination system that turns saltwater into drinkable water at a higher volume and lower cost.