Hello there, all you sunshine lovers and renewable energy warriors! It’s time to dive into some hot solar news again, and I have some fantastic updates from across the globe.
Let’s start with an unfortunate bit of news. In a shocking development, solar company EmPower Solar has furloughed 21 workers, citing a market slowdown. This move comes just days after a pro-union vote taken by the employees. As a solar expert, I can tell you that this event has stirred up quite a storm in the solar industry.
Moving on to something more positive, First Solar, an industry giant, has managed to achieve a significant milestone. The company has just opened its first fully vertically integrated manufacturing plant in India. This isn’t just another factory though, my friends. The plant is set to produce the company’s Series 7 solar PV modules, which were developed in their prestigious U.S research centers. Not only does this new plant help in global efforts towards clean energy but it also employs 1,000 workers. Now that’s something worth celebrating!
Let’s shift our spotlight back home. U.S-based Acculon Energy has recently set the wheels in motion on series production of its innovative sodium-ion battery modules and packs. These will serve a dual purpose, useful for both mobility and stationary energy storage applications. The company plans to start scaled production of 2 GWh in mid-2024. The potential for these batteries, particularly in conjunction with a solar array for home usage, is massive. They could be even more effective for those looking at solar panels for their home to improve energy storage and efficiency.
We now paddle across the Pacific to Hawaii, where the local utility is on a quest to balance their grid with a 565 MWh battery. The aim is to reduce curtailments, deliberate reductions in output, using grid-scale energy storage. Tesla Megapacks form the centerpiece of this endeavor. For those of you considering solar panels for your home, large-scale battery operations like this demonstrate the potential for combining solar-powered storage with traditional grid systems.
Rounding off with some business news, commercial solar lender Sunstone Credit has acquired Orka Finance. Sunstone Credit specializes in financing for small to medium-sized businesses looking to invest in solar, making this acquisition a hopeful boost for businesses exploring renewable energy investment.
That’s all for now, folks! Keep your eyes peeled for more solar news. With the renewable energy space evolving every day and more and more solar companies making strides, there’s always something exciting round the corner. As always, remember that the power to make a change lies with you. Whether it’s researching a solar array for your home or merely spreading the word, every bit helps. Until next time, stay sunny!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/12/sunrise-brief-solar-workers-furloughed-days-after-unionizing/