solar
U.S. solar trade barriers take their toll
The United States has stepped up its use of tariffs on international trade partners, alongside the removal of many renewable energy incentives. Most imports from China are now subject to 30% tariffs and other barriers, along with further measures specific to solar products. InfoLink’s Alan Tu examines key changes in US policy and their likely […]
Don’t leave money on the table: How timely renewable energy quality data leads to smart decisions
Inadequate data management in renewable energy projects can result in significant financial losses due to forfeited payments and poor market performance. Reliable data systems and proactive commercial strategies are essential for financial viability. The financial consequences of inadequate data systems in renewable energy projects can be staggering. Drew Epps, President of MidDel Consulting, recalls a […]
Deploy grid-forming batteries now to avoid costly infrastructure later, says ESIG
Large-scale batteries with grid-forming software can sustain grid reliability as renewables replace synchronous fossil generators, says an ESIG report. The report focuses on test procedures to validate grid-forming capabilities. In most large power systems, transmission grid operators are “still able to maintain grid reliability using synchronous generators present in their systems at this time,” notes a […]
California’s home batteries are replacing gas plants and saving hundreds of millions
The Brattle Group analyzed a gigawatt-hour virtual power plant test that may be the world’s largest as part of its review of California’s distributed peak-shaving program. Battery manufacturing has scaled into the terawatt-hours annually, a breathtaking pace that could soon support multi-day backup of electricity systems. For now, U.S. installations fall far short of what […]
Flatiron Energy secures $540 million for largest battery project in Massachusetts
The company is expected to bring a 200 MW / 800 MWh battery to commercial operations by late 2026. Flatiron Energy secured approximately $540 million in financing commitments for the Taft battery project in Uxbridge, Mass. The standalone battery project will be the largest in Massachusetts planned to be 200 MW, 800 MWh. Site preparations […]
Scaling perovskite tandems’ U.S. prospects
Three US manufacturers actively working to commercialize their respective perovskite-silicon tandem technologies make the case for tandem modules. CubicPV, Caelux and Swift Solar argue a commercial future for perovskites is inevitable, and they tell pv magazine the current policy environment could work in the technology’s favor. From the magazine Commercial deployment of perovskites has traditionally […]
How rooftop solar can complicate residential real estate transactions
Many homeowners assume leased or loaned solar systems will boost their home’s value, but outstanding loans often drag down equity instead. Navigating the complexities of the real estate landscape is already tricky; add in the wonky, technical nature of selling or buying a home with rooftop solar, and realtors and homeowners alike can find themselves […]
Xpanner launches robotic automation kit to retrofit solar pile drivers
The U.S. startup offers a new kit to integrate robotic automation with existing equipment. U.S. startup Xpanner has launched a robotic automation kit to retrofit solar pile drivers made by heavy machinery manufacturers. The Xpanner X1 Kit is designed to be compatible with multiple equipment manufacturers. It was recently provided to modify pile drivers made by U.S.-based heavy […]
New wave of funding powers U.S. battery tech and projects
XL Batteries has secured backing to commercialize flow battery systems which use an organic electrolyte, rather than vanadium, and two utility-scale developers have landed extensive credit lines. The announcement of $7.5 million of funding for a Massachusetts company to scale its organic flow battery technology capped a 24-hour period this week which saw almost $900 […]
Scientists boost organic solar cell efficiency using polymer zwitterions
A research team based in China and the United States has developed electroactive polymer zwitterions to modify zinc oxide interlayers in organic solar cells. Their work was found to passivate defects in organic solar cells, helping to improve device performance and stability. From pv magazine Global A group of scientists based in China and the […]