As a solar enthusiast, I’m always keeping an eye on the latest developments in the solar world. This last week has been particularly bustling on the solar front, with noteworthy updates from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and global solar manufacturing.
In a significant development for community-centered solar projects, the U.S. Department of Energy is allocating $325 million for community solar and battery storage in Puerto Rico. This new endeavor known as Programa de Comunidades Resilientes will immensely benefit low- and moderate-income communities across the region. Not only will this initiative make solar panels for your home in these communities more achievable, but it will also boost the overall incorporation of solar arrays for home use.
In another fascinating development, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) announced plans to develop solar on 31 million acres of land in the Western United States. The great news is that this plan is strategically designed to do so without encroaching on protected lands, sensitive cultural resources, or critical wildlife habitats, demonstrating a mindful approach towards sustainable solar expansion.
Being environmentally cautious doesn’t stop at opting for solar power, but also extends to how we manage end-of-life solar panels. Kudos to Canadian Solar partnering with Solarcycle to prevent solar panels from ending up in landfills.
Meanwhile, on the global scale, there has been a surge in solar manufacturing. According to Bloomberg NEF, global solar manufacturing has hit a staggering 1.2 TW, with projections of 592 GW installations in 2024 – a 33% surge from the previous year. This escalation is a testament to the growing confidence in solar as a sustainable source of energy, and it signals good times for solar companies worldwide.
The industry is also witnessing global investments in solar, with Japan’s Toyo Solar announcing a 2 GW panel factory in the U.S. This move is not only exciting for the American solar sector but equally promising for consumers vying to install solar panels for their homes.
Lastly, one can’t overlook the exceptional advancements in the technological domain of the solar industry. Canadian researchers have introduced a deep learning technology that accurately detects snow coverage on PV systems and calculates corresponding energy losses. This type of innovation will greatly augment the efficiency of solar companies and facilitate optimal power production for those with a solar array at home.
These ongoing developments prove that the solar industry is thriving and constantly evolving, making it an exciting time to go solar. So, whenever you’re considering solar companies to install solar panels for your home or pondering over the idea of setting up a personal solar array, you can take heart knowing that the industry is full of exciting advancements. Stay tuned for more updates, as I continue to track the ever-evolving world of solar.
Original Articlehttps://pv-magazine-usa.com/2024/09/04/sunrise-brief-blm-releases-plan-to-develop-solar-on-31-million-acres-of-western-land/
