Hello, fellow solar enthusiasts and eco-warriors! In today’s post, I’ll be delving into some of the latest updates from the world of solar energy. If you’re trying to navigate the solar companies’ landscape, or perhaps considering solar panels for your home, then you’ve found the right spot. Let’s dive right in.
First up, we have incredible news on the cost front. According to a recent Lazard report, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar has plummeted to a range of $29 to $92 per MWh. This makes solar not only environmentally friendly, but also increasingly financially savvy. Solar energy is now half the cost of the cheapest form of fossil fuel-based energy, and that’s a statistic I find truly exciting. It’s clear that shifting to solar arrays for home use is not just about embracing green power, but also about making a smart economic choice.
In the realm of technology, smart inverters are making headlines. These devices are critical for increasing solar capacity on distribution circuits. Eight states — including Pennsylvania and Minnesota — have now made smart inverters a requirement for distributed solar and storage. Not only does this move enable more distributed solar capacity, but it also puts these states at the forefront of solar technology deployment.
Despite these changes, funding is a crucial factor driving the solar industry forward. For instance, Swift Solar, a company specializing in perovskite tandem photovoltaics, has recently managed to secure $27 million in financing. This money will be used to build a thin-film solar factory in the U.S. within the next couple of years. This is a bold move, particularly given the potential of perovskite solar.
In another groundbreaking move, solar visionaries Dean Solon and Hamlet Tunyan are shifting gears by bringing 5 GW of solar module and cell manufacturing to Tennessee through their venture, ReCreate. This will make significant strides in supplying solar products to both the U.S. and EU markets.
Lastly, we wrap up with an update from Hawaii, a state renowned for its high average electricity price. The Kūihelani solar-plus-storage facility, the largest of its kind in Hawaii, will cut the cost to around 8 cents per kWh for potentially up to 120,000 residents – a clear triumph for solar in a state where electricity costs are notoriously high.
That’s a wrap for now, folks! There’s a lot happening in the solar industry and it’s thrilling to be part of this revolution. Stay tuned for more updates on solar companies, technology, and the benefits of solar panels for your home. Until next time, let’s keep turning sunlight into the power of the future.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/06/14/in-case-you-missed-it-five-big-solar-stories-in-the-news-this-week-3/
