Welcome back, green energy enthusiasts! As a solar expert, I find there is an ever-evolving, dynamic landscape shaping the solar industry – some exciting advancements, some common obstacles, and some potential strategies. Let’s get right into what’s been happening lately.
Firstly, I’d like to address the fact that solar season is slowing down while wind power is seeing a rise. From January through October 2023, solar photovoltaics contributed 5.78% to U.S. electricity, with solar filling just over 6% of the power need in October alone. This slowed contribution can be seen both as a cue for diversification of renewable energy sources and a chance for solar companies to regroup, strategize and build stronger foundations.
Then we’ve got a bright bit of news from the administrative side of things. Solar Automated Permit Processing Plus (SolarApp+) is a godsend for local municipalities. This software platform has assisted over 160 communities in fast-tracking solar permitting, helping to approve nearly 33,000 solar projects. This streamlining, when implemented more widely, should make the process of installing solar panels for your home or getting a complete solar array for home use much less daunting.
If you thought solar was only about powering homes or big businesses, you’re in for a surprise. The trend of agrivoltaics is gradually gaining traction. Unfamiliar with the term? It simply means installing solar panels on farmland – a newer, but swiftly growing phenomenon. In fact, the U.S., with its vast agricultural landscape, is riding the wave and outpacing Europe in agrivoltaic deployments. It’s a win-win for every party; it offers an additional revenue stream for farmers and a massive platform for solar companies to extend their outreach.
In the innovation corner, researchers from Harvard’s John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a new lithium metal battery. It charges in just minutes and can last for thousands of cycles. Just imagine the immense potential this holds for the solar industry and the breath of fresh air it would bring to solar energy storage solutions.
Finally, we have a bit of a reality check. Solar module prices are expected to rise due to the increase in transportation costs, primarily from China to Rotterdam. The ongoing Red Sea tensions have nearly tripled the costs of shipping containers, causing expansive repercussions to the global supply chain. This rise in expense will inevitably put pressure on solar companies, impacting the final cost to consumers interested in installing solar panels for their homes or crafting a solar array for home use.
Navigating through the global influence on the solar industry can be complex, but having an understanding of ongoing developments can make embracing solar energy, as a company or consumer, significantly more attainable. In the grand scheme of things, these small road bumps will only make our journey towards a sustainable future more diverse and resilient. Stay tuned for more updates about the solar industry in my next post!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/17/sunrise-brief-solid-state-battery-charges-in-minutes-lasts-for-thousands-of-cycles/
