Solar Industry News
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.
California seeks more time to overhaul rooftop-solar subsidy
A California agency is seeking more time on how to reform a solar-incentive program that’s helped rooftop solar flourish in the state.
Maldives reopens 40MWh battery storage tender for island solar
Maldives has reopened a tender process, seeking to procure 40MWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS) in an energy transition project
San José Clean Energy’s community solar program saving some low-income customers $100 per month
SJCE's program offers more than 800 customers 100% solar energy at a 20% discount, which can be combined with other monthly discounts.
Western Australia utility replicating success of 100% renewable energy town
Onslow, Western Australia is now powered almost entirely by renewable energy, and the utility behind that project wants to roll out the same tech across the state.
Farmers are embracing solar power to beat soaring energy bills
In the current energy crisis in the UK, solar panels are helping farmers save cash and reduce carbon emissions.
Interior Department announces full operation of Palen Solar Project in California
The Palen Solar Project is another major step forward in the current administration’s efforts to lower costs for families and create a clean energy future.
Australian solar park could generate hydrogen for less than $2/kg
Hydrogen could be produced for as little as AUD 2.85 ($1.98)/kg, supporting Frontier Energy’s plans to make green hydrogen from a 500 MW solar project.
IEA 2022 outlook for Africa highlights solar and hydrogen in green transition
The International Energy Agency has set out leading green transition pathways for Africa – delivering better economic and social returns.
These small states punch above their weight on clean energy
While Texas and California lead the country in wind and solar, several others leap ahead once we take into account each state’s land area.
As millions of solar panels age out, recyclers hope to cash in
Solar panels’ lifespan is 25-30 years and companies are looking to recycle the valuable, reusable materials and keep panels out of landfills.
Santa Monica Malibu-Unified School District to transition to 100% renewable energy
The Santa Monica Malibu-Unified School District (SMMUSD), one of the city’s largest energy consumers, will transition to running on 100% renewable energy.
World’s largest rooftop solar panel to be built in Thailand
A solar panel the size of 18 football fields is currently being built in the Falken manufacturing facility in Thailand.
Solar panels could be installed in the spaces between railway tracks in world first
Roadsides, reservoirs & farms are all finding space for solar systems. Germany is experimenting with adding solar cells to railway sleepers.
New California bill aims for more solar over parking lots and along highways
SB 49, authored by Senator Becker, encourages solar canopies over parking lots and directs California to plan for solar power along its highways.
More than 100 groups ask CPUC to delay NEM 3.0
Dozens of groups will tell the CPUC to revise the new rooftop solar plan to make solar more affordable for low-income communities.
Hancock kicks-off solar project at Santa Maria campus
Allan Hancock College has agreed to terms to develop a 2.4 megawatt solar energy system at its Santa Maria, CA campus.
Aptera awarded $21M grant from CEC to help bring solar EVs to production
Solar electric vehicle startup Aptera Motors was awarded a $21 million grant which will support its Solar Mobility Manufacturing Project in California.