Solar Industry News
Could this tiny floating leaf decarbonise some of the world’s biggest polluters?
University of Cambridge Researchers have designed lightweight, flexible devices that use solar technology to convert light into fuel.
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 by pooling power from Powerwall owners around the state.
Production design of Solar Bus Kit fleet revealed
Sono Motors' Solar Bus Kit allows subsystems like the HVAC to be partially powered by renewable energy, saving fuel, CO2, and costs.
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 projects in the state.
Dulles solar farm would be the nation’s largest at an airport
Dulles solar farm would be built on more than 835 acres on land that would power the larger Northern Virginia electrical grid.
230MW BESS comes online at Bureau of Land Management site in California
A 230MW battery energy storage system from NextEra Energy Resources has come online on BLM land in California.
Sun-drenched Spain turns on Europe’s biggest solar power plant
Europe’s largest solar plant was recently activated in Spain, as the country drives up output of renewable energy to cut reliance on fossil fuels.
‘Solar skinned’ Melbourne tower approved
A 48 story building in Melbourne features a “solar skin” facade, from which it will generate energy for 20% of its electrical requirements.
Washington D.C. signs 73 MW solar power purchase agreement
The Washington D.C. Public Service Commission approved a long-term power purchase agreement in partnership with Invenergy, totaling 73 MW.
Solar + storage breaks out in 2021 as hybrid systems surpass standalone storage
2021 was a “breakout year” for photovoltaics combined with storage projects, which accounted for 67 of the 74 hybrid projects added in the US.
US generating capacity additions expected to double in 2nd half of 2022
Developers and project planners expect to add 29.4 GW of new generating capacity in the U.S. in the 2nd half of 2022, led by solar with 13.6 GW.
Community solar bill moves out of California Senate Appropriations Committee
A bill to allow renters and low-income Californians to access renewable energy has passed the State Senate Appropriations Committee.
Some San Diego County residents given option for cleaner, cheaper power
Residents and businesses in unincorporated areas of San Diego County are being offered cleaner and cheaper energy as an alternative to SDG&E.
Wind, solar, and batteries increasingly account for more new US power capacity additions
In 2023, wind, solar and battery storage account for 82% of new utility-scale generating capacity in the US.
Italy hits 25 GW milestone
Italy deployed 2.48GW of new PV systems in 2022, with the residential solar segment accounting for almost 50% of the total installed capacity.
Chart: Who’s the leader in utility-scale solar — California or Texas?
After several years running of massive solar capacity buildouts, Texas is rapidly gaining ground on California, the long-established renewables leader.
US developers finish solar carport at recreational vehicle resort in California
US-based developers have installed 3,500 solar panels on vehicle canopies at a campground in southern California.
California ups renewables target again with new plan to add 85GW by 2035
The CPUC approved a plan that will set the state on a course to adding 86,000 megawatts of new renewable energy resources to the grid by 2035.
DOE breaks ground on concentrating solar power facility in New Mexico
The U.S. DOE announced that it has broken ground on the Generation 3 Particle Pilot Plant, a concentrating solar-thermal pilot project in New Mexico.
Rooftop solar advocates request new CPUC hearing
Rooftop solar advocates opposed to the CPUC’s recent decision are petitioning for a chance to be heard again.
Community solar is about to get a surge in federal funding. So what is community solar?
Community solar is poised to become much more common thanks to a new $7 billion fund tied to the Inflation Reduction Act.