Solar Industry News
First Solar invests $450M into thin film PV module R&D
First Solar is spending $450M to establish a research and development center focused on the production of thin film photovoltaic modules.
Mobile solar container stores photovoltaic panels that fold and unfold like an accordion
SolarCont has developed a mobile solar container that stores foldable photovoltaic panels for portable green energy anywhere.
Biden-Harris admin launches Clean Energy Connector
Families in NM, IL, and Washington D.C. will now have access to community solar through HHS’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Across the US, batteries and green energies like wind and solar combine for major climate solution
The US is rapidly adding batteries to store energy at large scale. Increasingly, these are getting paired with solar and wind projects.
Orange County, FL unveils state-of-the-art floating solar panels
The floating hub, which covers nearly four acres, harnesses the rich and abundant sunshine in Florida to generate clean, renewable energy.
California school district inaugurates 17.5-MW solar-storage portfolio
Fresno USD officially inaugurated a district-wide solar energy & storage portfolio with a combined power generating capacity of 17.5 MW.
The British military just bought these off-grid solar EV chargers
The British military has placed a $1 million order for San Diego-based Beam Global’s (Nasdaq: BEEM) off-grid solar EV chargers.
Facebook parent Meta inks deals for solar power in Missouri
Meta, the parent of social media apps including Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to buy energy from a solar project in southeast Missouri.
DOE announces $72.8 million conditional loan commitment for Viejas microgrid project
The Viejas Microgrid project will provide the Viejas Band with reliable utility-scale renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure.
Southern California projects help state achieve ambitious clean energy goals
California sets ambitious clean energy goals: net zero emissions and 100% clean energy by 2045, leading the nation once again.
New Santa Maria solar power project to help offset rising energy costs
The solar project will provide $139,679 in first-year utility bill savings, and over $12M over the life of the 20-year agreement.
Texas, California, Florida lead 2023 US solar installations
The SEIA published data last week breaking down the installations in these top 5 states, which it said were OH, CO, FL, CA and TX.
Self-cleaning solar panels boost efficiency with wind power
A research team at DGIST in South Korea has unveiled an ingenious device that enhances solar power generation by keeping panels clean.
Energy projects aim to strengthen California farms
USDA is investing close to $6M in 9 renewable energy projects throughout CA to lower energy costs, generate new income, and support farmers & rural small business
California grid operator proposes $6.1 billion in transmission projects
California’s grid operator proposes $6.1B in transmission projects aimed at increasing reliability and providing access to solar, geothermal & wind resources in AZ, NV, NM and offshore.
Off-grid solar bench with wireless charging and Wi-Fi
California State University – Dominguez Hills has new off-grid solar powered benches on its campus that provides off-grid wireless charging.
America’s solar and wind energy hotspots, mapped
CA, TX and FL are leading the country in solar power generation, while TX, IA and OK are the leaders in wind energy, per a new analysis.
Wheat grows better in agrivoltaic facilities
Researchers in Italy have conducted a series of experiments to assess the quality of wheat growing under elevated agrivoltaic systems.
A startup’s solar-powered backyard tiny home can help power the main house
Cosmic is selling its first 100 prefab ADUs starting at $279,000 that could generate enough energy to be a “power plant” for the main house.
1100 GW solar and 1000 GW storage now await transmission interconnection
Solar, wind and battery storage accounted for nearly 95% of the capacity in transmission interconnection queues as of year-end 2023.
Walmart just funded 15 community solar projects across the US
Walmart is investing in 19 solar projects under development across the US, including 15 community solar projects.