Solar Industry News
One year old, US climate law is already turbocharging clean energy technology
In less than a year, IRA has prompted investment in a massive buildout of battery and EV manufacturing across the states.
Hops for beer flourish under solar panels. They’re not the only crop thriving in the shade.
A farm in Bavaria is covering its hops with solar panels, providing electricity to 250 households and shading the plants from summer heat in the process.
Can America’s canals double as solar farms?
Research suggests that suspending solar arrays over canals can not only generate electricity but may also reduce water evaporation in drought-prone regions.
New York completes state’s largest rooftop solar project atop Medline distribution center
A new 7.2-MW community solar project in NY is expected to power over 1,600 homes & reduce energy costs for Medline & local residents.
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.
US utility-scale solar outlook improves on easing supply chain limits: Morgan Stanley
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.
Solar tech is coming for your neighborhood, kitchen, and furnishings
Solar powered smart storage systems have the potential to make homes self-sufficient, turning consumers of energy into producers of energy.
High school students designed and built solar-powered cars for 1,400 mile race to California
High school students have spent months building a solar power vehicle from the ground up to compete in the annual Solar Car Challenge.
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 US.
Batteries, not blackouts: California’s power grid gets boost from battery energy
California now has the capacity to store 5,600 megawatts of power using batteries. That's enough to supply more than 4 million homes.
Zero waste groups kickstart solar panel recycling in California
Zero Waste Sonoma in California is working to help residents in the North Bay area recycle their used solar panels.
California research center installs solar carport
MYNT Systems installed 623 kW of solar at their research center, which is expected to offset 78% of its energy use and provide a 10% electricity discount to its four tenants.
California’s grid is hindering its climate goals. Can a new law fix it?
California’s grid isn’t growing fast enough to hook up EV chargers or electrify buildings. SB 410 law aimed at speeding up the state’s grid buildout.
L.A. is going electric. Can it do so equitably?
The LA100 Equity Strategies report offers a detailed look at inequities underlying L.A.’s clean energy investments, as well as recommendations to address them.
Christians and climate change: Southern California churches preach very different messages
When it comes to climate change, some Christians feel a duty to take care of God’s creation. Others see it as a ‘wicked’ distraction.
California program brings clean energy to Oakland
Once only accessible to the well-off, solar power is making inroads to low-income households thanks to federal and state programs.
Solar energy could power all health facilities in poorer countries and save lives, experts say
Healthcare facilities in poorer countries could be electrified using solar energy within 5yrs for less than $5bn, putting an end to the risk of life from power outages
New 500-MW solar-storage site commissioned on CA BLM land
Clean energy firm Intersect Power LLC announced that it has commissioned a 500-MW solar farm, coupled with a BESS in Riverside County, CA.
“The only winners here are big utilities” – Solar industry reacts to CPUC VNEM changes
Solar industry reacts to new California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) Virtual Net Metering (VNEM) changes: “The only winners here are big utilities”
Amazon will buy solar energy from a repurposed coal mine in Maryland
Amazon will buy renewable energy from a solar project in Maryland that is being built on a brownfield — the former site of a 120-year-old coal mine.
California reduces payments for rooftop solar power — for second time in a year
After months of debate and two postponed votes, California’s utility regulator unanimously voted today to overhaul incentives for owners of apartment buildings, schools and businesses that install solar panels.