Hello solar enthusiasts! Today, let’s take a look at some trending news items in the thrilling sector of solar energy, focusing on the U.S. Not only do these updates keep us informed, but they also provide insightful cues for those considering a solar array for home. So, let’s dig in!
A noteworthy topic is the slight drop in solar corporate funding to $16.6 billion in the first half of this year. This dip can be attributed to factors like high interest rates, rising trade barriers, supply chain challenges, and political uncertainties. The ebbs and flows in funding are a normal part of the business cycle and contribute to the competitive landscape among solar companies.
In exciting news, First Solar has commissioned an awe-inspiring 1.3 million square-foot R&D facility, the Jim Nolan Center for Solar Innovation, in Lake Township, Ohio. This facility houses a top-tier manufacturing line for creating full-sized prototypes of thin film and tandem PV modules. It’s places like these that propel the development of solar panels for your home, making them more efficient and tailored to individual needs.
Transitioning to Texas, Intersect Power has secured an impressive $837 million in financing for three battery systems. These systems, comprising 86 Tesla Megapacks each, will provide a substantial capacity of 320 MWh of battery storage with a two-hour duration. Observing such progress keeps me optimistic about the growing integration of solar and battery storage solutions, and it should do the same for you too!
In a bid to enhance transparency in technology pricing, S&P Global has launched the world’s first independent daily spot market price assessment for solar panels. As solar modules become increasingly commoditized, initiatives like these are crucial for maintaining fair trade and facilitating informed decision-making for customers and solar companies alike.
Other exciting news is Generac’s receipt of up to $200 million from the Department of Energy for solar and storage in Puerto Rico. This award aims to enhance the region’s energy resilience against frequent hurricanes and extreme weather conditions, evidence of the broader role renewable energy like solar can play in disaster mitigation.
Finally, the North American solar power purchase agreements (PPAs) saw a modest rise of 3% in the second quarter as documented by LevelTen Energy’s quarterly PPA Price Index Report. Even a marginal rise is indicative of an increased interest in solar power, hinting at its growing feasibility and popularity.
Stay tuned to this space for more updates and insights into the solar industry.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/07/19/sunrise-brief-first-solar-commissions-1-3-million-square-foot-rd-facility/
