Solar Industry News
$1.23 million California grant used to install solar + storage in low-income community
The California Energy Commission recently awarded a $1.23 million grant to develop solar + storage systems in lower-income areas.
US homes add rooftop solar at a record clip to cut power bills
Residential solar installations will increase by about 5.6 gigawatts in 2022, led by Florida, Texas, the Midwest and California.
Packaging maker Sealed Air adds solar to California plant
Sealed Air (NYSE:SEE) said that it has installed a 3.5-MW ground-mount solar array at its manufacturing facility in Madera, California.
Researchers design a solar-powered shrimp pond aerator
A team of scientists have designed an automatic pond aerator powered by pv panels - giving shrimp farmers access to sustainable energy.
California bill requiring utilities to create community solar programs reaches governor’s desk
The California State Legislature passed AB 2316 to create community renewable energy programs for Californians with low income.
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.
First Solar announces new US panel factory following the Inflation Reduction Act
First Solar, the largest solar panel manufacturer in the U.S., said Tuesday that it will build a new panel factory in the US.
Solar-powered bikes prepare cups of coffee in Germany
Germany’s Liontron can prepare 300 cups of coffee a day from the PV modules and storage tech on its bicycles for beverage vendors.
California’s Senate passes Solar Access Act to speed up residential PV permitting
California’s Solar Access Act, aimed at decreasing approval times for residential solar and solar-plus-storage systems, has passed the state’s Senate.
Southern Africa’s largest food manufacturer will install solar at its manufacturing sites
Tiger Brands says onsite renewable energy solutions will be installed at 35 manufacturing sites across South Africa by 2030.
Solar parking lots are a win-win renewable energy solution. Why aren’t they everywhere?
Solar panels and parking lots can be a good combination as it provides cheaper, cleaner solar energy and a more pleasant parking experience.
More rooftop solar needed as heat and drought threatens California’s electric grid
Soaring temperatures above 100 degrees causing blackouts in California shows the need for more rooftop solar.
Researchers in Australia find a new reason to recycle solar panels — money!
Researchers in Australia say they have found a way to make nano-silicon from recycled solar panels in a way that is highly profitable.
Foldable tiny homes powered by solar help house homeless population
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced plans to deploy 1,200 tiny homes to four cities throughout the state to help house the large homeless population.
How community solar could revolutionize clean energy access in California
Assembly Bill 2316 requires the CPUC to assess new community renewable energy program proposals with a focus on serving low-income customers.
Rhode Island lawmaker wants to require solar on new homes and parking lots
Rep. Boylan drafted a bill that requires all new single-family homes & new outdoor parking lots larger than 16,000 sqft in Rhode Island to install solar.
Solar panels handle heat better when they’re combined with crops
New study finds that an optimal arrangement of solar panels on farms can cool the panels down by 10 degrees—crucial for their efficiency.
Solar can now power one in five US homes
There are now more than 140 gigawatts of solar capacity installed in the US, enough to power 25 million homes.
Turning America into a solar manufacturing powerhouse
Dozens of companies throughout the solar supply chain have made more than 40 domestic manufacturing announcements valued at more than $13B.
Solar arrays at treatment plant are paying off
Supt. Jason Gagnon said new solar arrays have resulted in a total reduction of $195,855 in electrical costs at the precinct’s Wastewater Treatment Facility.
How solar roofs are being used to power electric cars
For about 40 years, car companies, startups and DIY enthusiasts have been pursuing the plug-less electric car, one that could wirelessly recharge via photons.