Hello there, Solar enthusiasts! This is an exciting time in the world of solar energy, and I want to keep you updated on the key stories, innovations, and trends that are taking our industry by storm. Let’s dig in!
First off, did you know that solar companies are teaming up more commonly to overcome industry challenges? These partnerships are addressing pressing concerns such as volatility in supply chains and price, and are creating opportunities like meeting domestic content requirements. It’s amazing how collaborative efforts are pushing our industry forward.
Our friends over at the Department of Energy (DOE) have been making waves, too. They’ve put aside a cool $30 million to level-up the cybersecurity of clean energy sources. With each of the ten best proposals earning up to $3 million, this will provide a significant boost to ensure our energy sources are safe and secure.
And, in exciting product news, S-5! (a top-tier solar company) has come up with an innovative solution to simplify wire management in solar panels. Their newly introduced mount, the MLPE, was specifically designed with solar developers, EPCs, installers, and end-users in mind. This is a practical invention that will make the process of installing solar panels for your home or even a larger solar array for home more streamlined.
Meanwhile, a startup is making strides in advancing perovskite-silicon tandem panels. These panels boast an impressive 26% efficiency and hold their performance at 80% even after 25 years! Stay tuned for more updates on Tandem PV’s continued progress.
History was made on the West Coast with the activation of the largest solar and storage project in the U.S. Situated in California, this 875 MW project consists of nearly 2 million solar panels and has over 3 GWh of energy storage. These are the kind of advancements that make the solar industry an exciting place to be!
Lastly, I want to touch on an unusual, but important, topic: wildlife interference with rooftop solar panels. As more people adopt solar, we must be mindful of the sometimes unexpected cohabitants – critters! Remember, regular maintenance will not only increase the life of your panels but also deter unwanted guests.
To wrap-up, the solar industry is growing faster than ever. The surge in corporate solar funding last year, hitting a decade-long high, is a clear testament to this. The increased private market financing and debt financing has spurred this growth, despite a drop in the total number of deals. It’s never been a more thrilling time to be involved in solar. With its increasing efficiency, affordability, and popularity, going solar seems to be the smart and sustainable choice.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates in our ever-evolving industry. Power on, solar enthusiasts!
Original Article: https://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/01/22/sunrise-brief-largest-solar-and-storage-project-in-u-s-activated/
