Greetings, fellow solar enthusiasts! Today I’m keen on sharing some of the exciting developments I’ve come across recently in the solar industry. Wait till you hear this – Native American lands are a hotbed for photovoltaics (PV), and solar is definitely on the rise there.
It’s well known that Native American lands in the United States hold significant PV potential. However, getting projects up and running has often proved challenging. Thanks to funding from programs like the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), various tribes are now taking power generation into their own hands. I am truly thrilled to see a shift in the landscape that allows for increased use of solar panels for your home and tribal territories.
In other exciting news, Canadian scientists developed a fully printable flexible perovskite solar cell with a record-breaking efficiency of 17.6%! The 0.049 cm2 solar cell, constructed in ambient air with a reactant known as phenyltrimethylammonium chloride (PTACl), achieved an open-circuit voltage of 0.95 V, a short-circuit current density of 23 mA cm−2, and an impressive fill factor of 80%. This extraordinarily effective solar array for home and business use could potentially revolutionize the solar industry.
Moving onto industry predictions, a study has shown that by 2026, First Solar’s spending could deliver a staggering $5 billion impact on the U.S. economy. Anticipated locations across Alabama, Louisiana, and Ohio could benefit from the company’s increased 14GW of annual nameplate capacity.
Another must-share piece of information – California has set a monumental goal for itself. To meet the state’s new 2035 electricity emissions goals, California needs to deploy 10GW of solar in the next five years. They are even looking at 57.5GW by 2045! Currently, the state has an installed capability of around 43GW, according to SEIA, so there’s a considerable journey ahead.
In emerging solar news, let’s welcome Kingston, New Hampshire’s very first utility-owned solar project. The project includes a 4.9 MW solar array being built on 36 acres of vacant land. A tip of the hat to the people of Kingston!
On a less positive note, the Arizona Corporation Commission has unfortunately approved a rate increase and an additional charge for rooftop solar customers. As we push forward on our solar journey, it is vital to recognize and challenge such impediments presented by some solar companies.
In happier tidings, a fire department in Superior, Wisconsin is doing their bit for the environment by harnessing the power of solar. By installing a rooftop solar array, they are not only slashing their energy bills but also reducing emissions. Their efforts have even earned them a 40% tax credit and a generous $18,000 state rebate.
In conclusion, it’s heartening to see the numerous strides being made across the solar landscape – from homes to tribal lands, to fire departments, and beyond. As an ardent solar enthusiast, I look forward to the day when every roof takes advantage of this abundant, clean energy. Let’s continue pushing for policies and practices that empower individuals and businesses to make the most of solar. And let’s remember to consider the right solar company who aligns with our sustainable goals! Stay tuned for more solar news and insights.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/02/27/sunrise-brief-first-solar-could-have-5-billion-impact-on-u-s-economy-by-2026/
