As clean energy professionals, we’re rightfully proud of the rapid progress being made in deploying solar, wind, and battery storage technologies. The plummeting costs and increasing efficiencies of renewables mean that greening the grid by 2050 is now a realistic goal. This is cause for celebration.

However, we must also reckon with an inconvenient truth: even if we achieve 100% clean electricity by mid-century, atmospheric CO2 levels are still on track to reach around 450 parts per million (ppm) by 2050 – far above the 350 ppm level considered safe for humanity. The painful reality is that the clean energy transition, while absolutely necessary, is not sufficient on its own to avert climate catastrophe.

This is the stark message of Peter Fiekowsky’s recent book Climate Restoration, which argues that we must go beyond emissions reductions to actually remove a trillion tons of legacy CO2 from the atmosphere. Only by restoring CO2 to pre-industrial levels below 300 ppm can we ensure the long-term survival and flourishing of human civilization.

Fiekowsky, an MIT-educated physicist and entrepreneur, contends that relying solely on emissions cuts to stabilize CO2 around 450 ppm is far too risky. Humans have never lived long-term with CO2 that high. The last time levels were similar was over 3 million years ago, when sea levels were 60 feet higher and global temperatures 5-8°F warmer. Allowing CO2 to remain elevated for centuries risks crossing irreversible tipping points in the climate system.

The good news is that CO2 removal at the necessary scale is technologically feasible and surprisingly affordable, costing an estimated $1-2 billion per year. Fiekowsky identifies four main approaches that could restore atmospheric CO2 to safe levels by 2050:

1. Ocean iron fertilization to stimulate plankton blooms that absorb CO2
2. Seaweed permaculture to grow and sink carbon-sequestering kelp
3. Synthetic limestone manufacture using captured CO2
4. Enhanced atmospheric methane oxidation

These nature-based and biomimicry solutions harness and accelerate the Earth’s natural carbon cycle processes. Importantly, they are permanent, scalable, and financeable – key criteria for viable CO2 removal approaches. When you consider that New York City (just one major coastal metro) is currently debating whether to spend $20 to $50 billion dollars on an ocean barrier system to prevent future storm surges from flooding the city, the $2 billion/yr price tag on climate restoration seems like a better bet.

As clean energy professionals, we must expand our focus beyond just greening the grid to include large-scale carbon removal. Here’s why:

First, it’s a moral imperative. We have an obligation to restore a safe, stable climate for future generations. Stopping emissions is necessary but not sufficient – we must clean up the trillion-ton legacy CO2 mess we’ve already created.

Second, it’s risk mitigation. Relying solely on emissions cuts without CO2 removal is an enormously risky bet on humanity’s ability to thrive in a radically altered climate state. Carbon removal gives us vital insurance.

Third, it’s economic opportunity. CO2 removal solutions like synthetic limestone can produce valuable products, creating new industries and jobs. The transition to a circular carbon economy will require major infrastructure investments.

Fourth, it’s technically synergistic. Many carbon removal approaches like ocean fertilization or seaweed cultivation could be powered by offshore wind or floating solar, creating virtuous cycles.

To be clear, carbon removal is not an excuse to slow down the clean energy transition – both are essential. But the clean energy community must broaden its vision to champion carbon removal alongside renewables deployment.

Specific actions we can take include:

• Advocate for updating climate policy goals to include restoring CO2 to pre-industrial levels (300 PPM of CO2 is worthy goal), not just emissions cuts
• Support R&D funding and commercial deployment of CO2 removal solutions
• Explore integrating carbon removal with renewable energy projects
• Educate ourselves and others on the need for atmospheric CO2 cleanup

The coming decades will be pivotal for humanity’s future. By combining a rapid shift to 100% clean energy with large-scale deployment of carbon removal solutions, we can create a true climate restoration future – one with a healthy, livable planet for generations to come. But we must act quickly and decisively. The clean energy industry has shown it can innovate and scale rapidly when needed. Now we must apply that same spirit to carbon removal. Our children’s future depends on it.

Tim Montague leads the Clean Power Consulting Group and is host of the Clean Power Hour podcast. He is a solar project developer, cleantech executive coach and consultant, mastermind group leader, entrepreneur and technology enthusiast. 

From pv magazine 6/24

Data centers come in many sizes. The largest, China Telecom’s Inner Mongolia Information Park, spans 100 hectares and consumes up to 150 MW per hour. North Virginia, in the United States, houses around 300 facilities in a grouping known as Data Center Alley, with each consuming about 10 to 50 times the energy per square meter of a typical commercial office.

Utility Dominion Energy was forced to pause grid connections for new members of Data Center Alley in 2022 and is now constructing new transmission lines to meet demand.

The United States has more than 5,000 data centers and consultant McKinsey & Company expects their power consumption to rise from a peak 17 GW/hour, in 2022, to 35 GW/hour in 2030.

Scaling up

Data centers are becoming more high density and power intensive but also more efficient.

“The hyperscale cloud providers all seem to be locked in an arms race to build out as much infrastructure as quickly as they can,” said Dan Thompson, principal research analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence. “Some of this is high-density, high-performance, compute-type deployments, but a lot of it is also the cloud providers building out at scale. Densities in watts per square foot are rising, but I think what we’re seeing right now is just the tip of the iceberg.”

Data centers have a power usage effectiveness (PUE) ratio, which dictates how much energy is needed for computing versus other activity, such as cooling, lighting, and power losses. A PUE of 1.5 would indicate a data center requiring 500 kW of extra power for 1 MW needed for computing purposes.

S&P’s Thompson said power densities have fallen from an average 1.58 in 2020, as power density and cooling efficiency have risen. The lowest values, however, involve some trade-offs.

“The data centers we’re seeing built now are designed for PUEs of 1.3 to 1.4, so you can see some improvement there,” said Thompson. “That said, while they are designed for those PUEs, many factors could cause the building to never actually realize that PUE, depending on climate and operations. We have seen some constructions with a designed PUE of 1.15 to 1.2, however these facilities require the consumption of large volumes of clean water to reach those numbers. Given the issues around access to clean water, hyperscalers and the companies building data centers for them have tended to build slightly less efficient data centers for the sake of using very little or no water.”

Greener computing

The world’s technology giants are the biggest corporate power purchase agreement (PPA) buyers of renewable energy. On March 1, 2024, Microsoft and asset manager Brookfield signed a record 10.5 GW deal to deliver solar, wind, and “new or impactful carbon-free energy generation technologies” to Microsoft from 2026 to 2030.

Microsoft says its CO₂ emissions are now up 30% from when it set its 2030 net-zero target, in 2020, and mainly because of data centers.

“The rise in our scope 3 emissions [from third-party, supply chain companies] primarily comes from the construction of more data centers and the associated embodied carbon in building materials as well as hardware components such as semiconductors, servers, and racks,” said Microsoft, adding that the 10.5 GW renewables PPA is on top of a 19.8 GW clean power portfolio.

Simon Maine, managing director for communications, renewable power, and transition at Brookfield, told pv magazine that the deal was eight times bigger than any previous PPA.

“We have a very large renewable power and transition business, with over $100 billion of assets in that division alone, and 30-plus-years’ experience in the sector,” said Maine. “We look to either buy assets or, more recently and more likely, buy companies. The companies will have high-quality management teams that have a full spectrum of capabilities. We have projections to install somewhere between 5 GW and 7 GW per year [to 2030]. The deal with Microsoft probably covers about 30% of that growth and that’s without factoring in further acquisitions.”

Brookfield is reported to have acquired a majority stake in India’s Leap Green Energy for $500 million, and is also said to be preparing to acquire Australian renewable energy developer WindLab, which has around 24 GW of projects in development or under construction.

Anas Papazachariou, senior PPA manager at renewables developer Cero Generation, explained how colocation can meet data center energy demand.

“A single solution where solar meets the full increase from the growing number and size of data centers is probably not optimal and I have to be honest about that,” he said. “So a lot of the offtakers are looking to create virtual portfolios whereas wind and solar, and combined batteries, are part of their portfolio because they’re actually optimizing their profiles through that basis.”

Solar-plus-storage means more expensive energy offtake agreements, but reduced risk, said Papazachariou.

Efficient clusters

“Hyperscale” data centers are clustered for efficiency. Where latency is concerned, however, many other data centers, especially those serving internet and network services, are distributed closer to population centers. These are smaller and experience more variation in demand.

Mike Bates, general manager for the Intel Energy Center of Excellence, said data centers are using workload management software that can respond to real-time energy conditions. Intel is deploying software inside data centers to manage workflows and loads, while also tracking carbon footprints of workloads for audits by companies claiming low carbon or net-zero workflows.

“One of my customers is the [internal] Intel Data Center group and we work to deploy these same solutions we’re taking outside of the market, making sure that we’ve hardened data centers for climate impacts while opening up new opportunities as well,” said Bates. “For example, our software is also able to adapt workloads for certain conditions. If I can push a workload inside the data center to the times when energy is in surplus, I can actually get paid to consume that energy.” He added that energy resiliency also includes interruptions to supply, when considering climate impacts.

Ben Levitt – associate director for the gas, power, and climate solutions North American power and renewables research team at S&P Global Commodity Insights – highlighted the cost benefits of operating data centers with flexibility.

“Data centers with flexible operations – that is, interruptible, price-responsive – cost less to supply than ones that are less flexible,” said Levitt. “Data centers that are interruptible might even be able to get a faster grid connection. In addition, and separately, it is possible that big tech may drive investment in developing and scaling the new, ‘clean firm’ technologies needed for around-the-clock clean energy for their data centers.”

Levitt said new loads will lead to new renewables investment but fossil fuel generation, and increasingly batteries, will also pick up extra demand. Ultimately, a lot will depend on local bureaucracy and permitting.

Levitt added that it is possible big technology companies will play a role in scaling new clean technology. “These efforts could accelerate the development of newer technologies that could reshape energy supply mix at a faster pace than previously considered,” he said.

The Catholic University of America, located in Washington D.C. was one of the first universities to sign on to the Laudato Si Action Platform, a global initiative to increase the Catholic church’s ecological practices. Not only has the University installed solar so that it can generate its own clean energy, but it has made sustainability part of its curriculum as well as part of its five-year plan.

The 7.5 MW solar project uses ZNshine solar modules, Chint Power Systems inverters and Solar FlexRack racking. The ground-mount installation is located on a 40-acre parcel, previously planned to be a parking lot, on the west campus of the University.

“This West Campus solar farm project is not just a renewable energy venture; it’s a testament to The Catholic University of America’s dedication to creating a sustainable future for our nation and world,” said President Peter Kilpatrick, Catholic University. “As we illuminate our campus with clean energy, we also enlighten minds through education and invite the community to join us on this transformative journey toward a greener and more sustainable world.”

Trees that once stood on the parcel were salvaged by the District of Columbia’s Urban Forestry Division and milled into lumber or made into benches to be donated to school and non-profits. Once the land was cleared for the solar area, the area was planted with pollinators and beekeepers will tend hives at the site.

All of this makes for an outdoor classroom for the Introduction to Energy and Energy Systems course as well as other sustainability courses taught at the University.

The solar array was developed in collaboration with Standard Solar, who will own, operate and maintain the system. The array will save an estimated 7.115 metric tons of carbon emissions annually and contribute to the city’s goal of achieving 100% renewable energy by 2032 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The array will also provide clean energy savings to over 1,200 subscribers within the community, benefiting District residents. The 20-year projected savings to district subscribers is estimated at $3.5 million.

“Undertaking a project of this magnitude in an urban setting presents its challenges, but the potential rewards for the region are immense,” said Scott Wiater, president and CEO, Standard Solar. “The West Campus Solar Array will power the university sustainably and benefit the local community. It’s a true win-win scenario for all involved.”

From pv magazine Global

Bosch Home Comfort Group, a unit of German industrial conglomerate Robert Bosch GmbH, has launched new water source heat pumps intended for use in both new buildings and renovation projects.

“What we have solved for with our Bosch CL and RL Series heat pumps is a need for an HVAC unit design where high-quality and efficiency meet accessibility,” the company said in a statement. “Not only will these products make the jobs of techs and installers more seamless, but they will also offer them a deeper product portfolio to meet their customers’ needs and wants.”

The company said both products are available with both a vertical and a horizontal cabinet, use R-454B as a refrigerant, and rely on water coil and air coil freeze protection.

The CL Series has a size of ½ to 6 tons  The heat pump’s number of tons doesn’t refer to its weight but to the tons of heat a home needs. Its dimensions range from 48.3 cm x 48.3 cm x 58.4 cm to 61.0 cm x 83.8 cm x 147.3 cm. Its coefficient of performance spans from 4.45 to 4.90, depending on the size.

The CL Series also features a swinging electrical box, a slide-out blower on the vertical units, and designated compartments for high and low voltage components. “Together, these features not only improve safety conditions for technicians and installers, but also streamline routine services and repairs by offering greater accessibility to the unit’s compressor, air coils and other internal components,” the manufacturer said.

As for the RL Series, Bosch said its size and COP are the same as the CL Series. “Similar to the commercial model, the Bosch RL Series is equipped with a swinging and divided electrical box for faster and safer maintenance, as well as a slide-out blower on the vertical units,” the company added.

This series also features permanent split capacitor motors (PSC) and a unit protection module (UPM) that interfaces directly
with thermostats to provide time delays and protect the unit against freezing.

The two products come with a 1-year parts limited warranty and a 5-year compressor limited warranty.

Researchers in Germany analyzed the future consumption of material by the crystalline silicon PV industry, including glass, aluminum, silver, copper, ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), and silicon, and found that a circular recycling approach could be a solution to supply chain and waste issues, with the potential to be economically sustainable.

The team presented a detailed vision of a “perpetual utility” cycle for solar panels, asserting that the time is now to begin to make the changes to enable cradle-to-cradle recycling, and that Europe will likely lead the way.

“I would say that genuinely circular recycling is in the future for almost anything we produce today. The biggest challenge in my opinion is that we still lack processes that allow circular recycling to compete economically with generating virgin materials,” research leader, Ian Marius Peters, told pv magazine. “Europe has the strongest regulatory framework, and I expect that to remain the case for some time. For that reason, I believe that Europe will be leading the way in the coming years.”

Peters asserts that circular recycling will make PV even more sustainable than it is now. Further benefits include the recovery of resources, especially glass, and even land. At the moment, a strong economic incentive is lacking, so recycling is driven by policies and regulations.

In the study, the researchers relied on a future scenario prepared by PV scientist Pierre Verlinden, which foresees a cumulative capacity of 80 TW by 2050  and a “steady-state manufacturing value of about 3.3 TW /year” in 2033. It considered material re-use scenarios, economic value, and volumes to determine the role of circular recycling to sustain the growth trajectory of solar PV, and to avoid waste streams on “a scale roughly equivalent to today’s global e-waste”.

It considered the recycling of silver, glass, and silicon. For example, it noted the need to replace or reduce silver due to competition from other industries with higher margins will be able to outbid the PV industry, due to its narrow margins.

The team noted that if silver is replaced, then it will be “essential” to recycle silicon, copper, and aluminum. The latter is seen as the second-most valuable recycling product of a PV module, and “its role will likely increase as silver is replaced,” noted the scientists.

Glass recycling is seen as “vital”, especially in the mid- to late-2030s, when the amount of glass from retired panels will be in the tens of millions of tons, as there is no alternative market able to absorb it. “The most suitable market, and in some cases the only one large enough to absorb the amount of recycled material, will be PV module manufacturing itself,” stressed the team.

Recycling processes must be able to retain the value of recycled components, it noted. For example, silicon recycling could reduce projected energy demand and shorten the energy payback time of modules made with recycled silicon. “Circular recycling of silicon has the potential to become the main economic driver for module recycling,” they said.

Looking ahead, teams are working on PV module designs that are easier to dismantle. “We have realized prototypes with solution-processes solar cells, for which we could demonstrate that all materials could be restored to the quality of virgin components,” said Peters.

There is also a need for research on improving the quality of recycled silicon, developing techniques to get rid of impurities, and reducing the energy required.

“Circular recycling is essential for managing the significant material flows required for a global PV module fleet in the multi-terawatt range,” conclude the researchers, adding that although the mass recycling of PV modules is still years or decades away, “it is vital to prepare for circular recycling now to avoid dealing with millions of tons of low-value waste in the future.”

The perspective paper appears in “Cradle-to-cradle recycling in terawatt photovoltaics: A vision of perpetual utility,” published in Joule.

Feedback since publishing has been positive. “Especially setting the projected material flows of the PV industry in a wider context and exploring the implications on circular recycling is something that people have told me they consider interesting and useful,” said Peters.

The researchers were from Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy, Jülich Institute for Energy and Climate Research, and Friedrich-Alexander University.

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new methodology for estimating the value of climate and air quality benefits from wind and solar generation. A report describing the results of an analysis of data from 2019 to 2022 using the methodology concludes that wind and solar generation provided $249 billion dollars of climate and air quality health benefits over that period.

Renewable energy advocates argue that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) does not tell the whole story when comparing the economics of wind and solar generation with fossil-fuel sources. Emissions from natural gas- and coal-fired plants in the form of carbon dioxide (CO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) affect the climate and air quality in ways that should be accounted for in the evaluation of renewable energy’s benefits.

The researchers draw on publicly available electricity generation data and break the continental U.S. into ten regions in which wind or solar supplied at least 3% of electricity demand. An 11th region centered on Tennessee was excluded because the thresholds weren’t met. The methodology measures daily generation from appropriate sources (solar, wind, gas and coal) by region and a yearly average of emissions by region. The reason for averaging emissions is that there is generally a significant delay in the availability of daily emissions data.

According to the report, in 2022 the generation-weighted average across all regions in shows that 1.0 MWh of wind generation offsets 0.89 MWh of fossil generation (0.29 MWh of coal generation and 0.60 MWh of gas generation); and that 1.0 MWh of solar generation offsets 0.76 MWh of fossil generation (0.14 MWh of coal generation and 0.62 MWh of gas generation).

The offsets are not one-to-one because of transmission loss from solar and wind sources, which tend to be located further from consumers than fossil-fuel sources and curtailment issues. Also because some generation is absorbed by battery storage, which was not factored into the analysis method. Furthermore, other sources such as nuclear and hydroelectric typically are not displaced by solar and wind generation and so were not factored in, the researchers said.

In order to determine the dollar value of climate and air-quality benefits resulting from lowered emissions, the researchers turned to published reports in scientific journals: a 2022 article in Nature for determining the social cost of carbon; and a 2019 article in Environmental Research Letters that evaluated the social costs of pollutants such as SO2 and NOx.

With the generation offsets and social costs of emissions in hand, the Berkeley Lab researchers were able to calculate the health benefits of renewable generation. The researchers found the 435.6 TWh of wind generation produced in the U.S. during 2022 prevented 228,798 kilotons (KT) of CO2, 116 KT of SO2 and 129 KT of NOx emissions, resulting in total health benefits worth $62.4 billion. Solar provided 116.1 TWh of generation, preventing 45,729 KT of CO2, 15 KT of SO2 and 28 KT of NOx emissions, yielding $11.6 billion in health benefits.

According to the researchers, their new methodology shows the benefits of renewable generation are much higher than have been previously estimated and could help make a strong case for increasing wind and solar penetration in the U.S. Moreover, the analysis tools could be applied anywhere sufficient data are available. “The relatively simple data needed for our approach increases the possibility that it could be adapted to other regions around the world,” the researchers said.

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) have developed a new method to make hydrogen gas from water using solar power and agricultural waste like manure or husks. The researchers said the method reduces the amount of energy needed to create hydrogen fuel by 600%. The results are published in  Cell Reports Physical Science.

The method uses a carbon-rich substance called biochar to decrease the amount of electricity needed to convert water to hydrogen. Combined with using solar power or wind to power the water-splitting process known as electrolysis.

“We are the first group to show that you can produce hydrogen utilizing biomass at a fraction of a volt,” said Singh, associate professor in the department of chemical engineering. “This is a transformative technology.”

Electrolysis represents the most expensive step in the hydrogen fuel lifecycle, representing about 80% of the cost. Recent advancements in producing hydrogen fuel have decreased the voltage required for water splitting by introducing a carbon source to the reaction. However, this process often uses coal or expensive refined chemicals and releases carbon emissions as a byproduct.

The UIC researchers modified the process to instead use biomass from common waste products as the carbon source. By mixing sulfuric acid with agricultural waste, animal waste, and sewage, they produced a slurry of biochar to be used in the reaction.

The team trialed several different inputs for biochar, including sugarcane husks, hemp waste, paper waste, and cow manure. All five inputs reduced the power needed to perform electrolysis, but the best performer, cow manure, decreased the electrical requirement by 600%, to roughly a fifth of a volt.

With reduced voltage requirements, the UIC researchers were able to produce an electrolysis reaction with one silicon solar cell generating about 15 milliamps of current at 0.5 volt, or less than the amount of power produced by a AA battery.

“It’s very efficient, with almost 35% conversion of the biochar and solar energy into hydrogen” said Rohit Chauhan, the report’s co-author. Chauhan said the utilization rate of biochar represents a world record.

The research team said this utilization for biochar represents a new revenue stream potential for farmers, or an opportunity to become self-sustainable for energy needs.

Orochem Technologies Inc. sponsored the research and has filed for patents on the biochar-hydrogen process. The UIC team plans to test the methods at a larger scale. Stanford University, Texas Tech University, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Korea University also participated in this study.

From pv magazine Global

A new IRENA report proposes a multi-dimensional approach to energy security to align with the renewables-based transformation of the global energy system.

The “Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Energy Security” report advises policymakers not to transpose thinking from the fossil fuel era to a renewables-based system. It says this could lead to “significant oversights and ill-considered investments.”

“This is particularly crucial as governments make significant investments in infrastructure for systems that are increasingly electrified, digitalised and decentralised,” says IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera. “The report places the well-being of people and the planet at the centre of the evolving energy security narrative. Ultimately, it recognises that addressing energy security is as much a political endeavour as it is a technical one.”

IRENA’s multi-dimensional approach to energy security encompasses technologies, value chains, and societies. It examines demand-response, flexibility, ecosystems, and human security as preconditions for robust energy systems.

The agency predicts that technology, rather than fuel, will play a dominant role in renewables-dominated systems. It says this is why supply chain resilience must be enhanced.

“Technology supply chains will be exposed to geopolitical disruptions and uncertainties, their exposure magnified by the complex web of connections,” the report says. “Given the need to decarbonize the global economy and the critical role of energy for industrialization and development in the global south, resilience is an indispensable part of energy security frameworks.”

From pv magazine Global

Quilt has launched its first product – a wall-mountable (or tabletop) heat pump for cooling and heating in residential applications.

“The Quilt system is anchored by our outdoor unit, which is sized to power up to two indoor units,” the US-based startup said in a statement. “This 2:1 ratio means our outdoor units are quieter, more compact, and more efficient than larger units, saving you more energy and money than higher ratio systems.”

The system measures 711 mm x 965 mm x 406 mm and uses R32 as a refrigerant. Its cooling capacity at 46.4 F (8 C) ranges from 2,500 BTU/hour to 20,500 BTU/hour, while its cooling capacity at 95 F (35 C) spans from 2,500 BTU/hour to 20,500 BTU/hour.

The heat pump features a COP of 4 for heating at 46.4 F and 2 at 5 F (-15 C). The COP for cooling is 4 at 95 F.

The new product has an input power of 208/230V and noise levels of 27 dBA to 47 dBA, which the manufacturer describes as “quieter than rainfall.” It is available in a real white oak veneer or a white option that is paintable or ready for wallpaper.

“Quilt is a full generation ahead of the best systems in the market today and priced competitively at $6,499 per room before point-of-sale rebates,” the manufacturer said. “This includes everything from the intuitive indoor unit, Dial for room-by-room control, design-forward outdoor unit, modern app, professional installation by Quilt, permitting support from a Quilt Advisor, and ongoing support.”

In mid-April, Quilt raised $33 million through a funding round co-led by Energy Impact Partners and Galvanize Climate Solutions, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Gradient Ventures, MCJ Collective, Garage Capital, Incite Ventures, and Drew Scott.

“Quilt will first launch in the Bay Area, followed by Los Angeles, and then expand to new markets in the U.S. to meet rising demand for a smart, intuitive, design-forward heat pump option,” the company said at the time.

China-based heating specialist Midea has developed a new outdoor, central ducted heat pump for residential applications.

“This latest generation of the Evox series, featuring the Evox G³ Heat Pump and Evox G³ Air Handling Unit (AHU), represents the future of electric, inverter-driven heat pump technology as the solution for home heating and cooling upgrades, designed to deliver unparalleled heating/cooling comfort, performance and ease of installation across North America,” the manufacturer said in statement.

It claimed that the new product is suitable for all climates and is designed “to defy harsh winter temperatures.”

The Evox G³ Heat Pump has a size of 1.5 tons to 5 tons and a coefficient of performance of 1.8. It is 36 cm to 53 cm wide, which the company said ensures easy deployment in challenging spaces such as attics and basements. It can reportedly provide up to 100% heating output down to -13 F (-25 C) and operate “effectively” down to -22 F (-30 C).

The heat pump also features an enhanced vapor injection (EVI) technology and a multi-layer heat exchanger. These components enable it to operate with auxiliary sources of heat and achieve high comfort levels also in extremely cold weather conditions.

“Evox G³ also has you covered in the summer, with a cooling efficiency of up to 19 SEER2 that can provide energy savings of up to 32.5% compared to the conventional 14.3 SEER systems currently popular on the market,” said the company.

The EVI technology combines a two-stage refrigerant compression process with an intermediary injection of additional refrigerant vapor, which reportedly increases overall performance and coefficient of performance.

“The injection of vapor refrigerant facilitates higher output temperatures while simultaneously expanding the operational range of the heat pump, thereby ensuring outstanding functionality even in sub-zero conditions,” said Midea. “Its multi-position installation configuration means contractors can stock one stock keeping unit and install it in six configurations.”

From pv magazine Australia

The researchers behind the new “Buildings as Batteries” paper claim that a load shift in Australia to the middle of the day would save AUD 1.7 billion ($1.1 billion) per year. They claim it would also add additional peak capacity equivalent to 52% of Australia’s existing coal-generation fleet and significantly reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions from electricity.

“Luckily for everyone except the owners of the coal-fired power stations, it is relatively easy to shift a lot of electricity demand from late afternoon to the middle of the day,” he said. “Our research shows big commercial buildings are particularly good at shifting their daily electricity demand around, to take better advantage of the cheap, clean power that is so abundant in the middle of the day.”

The paper cites an example of a large office tower in Sydney, where the building managers were told that electricity demand would likely be extremely high on a hot summer day in 2019. In response, the internal temperature set point of the building was lowered by 1 degree from 8.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The figures show that the building used more electricity earlier in the day and reduced demand by 200 kW relative to forecasts from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

“The building effectively operated as a battery with capacity of at least 800 kWh,” the report said. “We estimate this led to savings of AUD 111 and 221 kg CO2e in emissions in just one day in just that one building. A battery of that size would cost around AUD 500,000. Extrapolating across Australia, if 33% of the energy buildings use in the late afternoon in summer were shifted to the middle of the day, that would deliver new peak capacity in the energy market of almost 12 GW.”

The report said that if a government program to develop the demand side in the National Electricity Market was launched this year, it could organize load shifting in 30% of Australia’s institutional grade office buildings by 2025, rising to 90% in 2027.

The researchers said that such a program, which would deliver about 2.6 GW of flexible capacity by the end of 2026, could be secured through relatively minor changes to building management practices, such as cooling large office buildings earlier in the day and then allowing their temperature to rise back to normal levels across the afternoon.

The researchers warned that changes to policy and regulation would be required, as current efficiency ratings systems are holding back the adoption of new technologies by failing to recognize the financial, emissions and grid stabilizing potential of smart, grid-interactive buildings.

Buildings Alive Chief Executive Officer Craig Roussac said the solutions to this problem exist already, and the country just needs to start using them.

“If we don’t harness the potential of smart, grid-interactive buildings, Australians will pay the price through higher network costs, more expensive electricity and increased carbon pollution,” he said. “Australia has had world-leading building efficiency ratings systems in the past, but they have not evolved. Most buildings can double their energy demand at times of the day when it’s abundant and halve it when networks are constrained. This is a massive service they can offer.”

The report recommends a range of policies to support load shifting and demand response, including having NABERS develop and implement an updated building efficiency rating system that recognizes the potential of these measures.

The researchers also said that governments should implement demand flexibility in their own buildings and work with energy innovators and the property sector to accelerate development of load shifting and broader demand response. They also said federal government agencies like ARENA and the CEFC could help by soliciting for related project proposals and through concessional finance.

The report said it would be necessary for the electricity market operator, regulators and rule makers to ensure that load shifting can compete in the wholesale demand-response market.

Solar panels are highly recyclable, but the use of thin plastic layers to encase solar cells can cause challenges in recycling valuable materials like silicon or silver effectively.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a proof of concept that helps cut the use of polymers by making direct glass-to-glass welds in solar cells.

The method makes use of femtosecond lasers, a type of infrared laser that focuses energy on a very short time scale with a single laser pulse. The laser creates hermetically sealed glass-on-glass welds. Femtosecond lasers are currently used in medical eye procedures like cataract surgery today.

The laser welds would eliminate the need for plastic laminates that make recycling more difficult. At the end of their useful life span, the modules made with laser welds can be shattered, and the glass and metal wires therein can be recycled and the silicon reused.

“Most recyclers will confirm that the polymers are the main issue in terms of inhibiting the process of recycling,” said David Young, senior scientist and group manager for the High-Efficiency Crystalline Photovoltaics group in the Chemistry and Nanoscience department at NREL.

NREL published the study in IEEE Journal of Photovoltaics. The authors said the laser is cell material agnostic, able to be used with silicon, perovskites, cadmium telluride, etc., because the heat from the highly focused laser is confined to a few millimeters. The researchers said the welds within the glass are essentially as durable as glass itself.

“As long as the glass doesn’t break, the weld is not going to break,” said Young. “However, not having the polymers between the sheets of glass requires welded modules to be much stiffer. Our paper showed that with proper mounting and a modification to the embossed features of the rolled glass, a welded module can be made stiff enough to pass static load testing.”

A different type of edge sealing using nanosecond lasers and a glass frit filler was tried in the past, but the welds proved too brittle for use in outdoor module designs. The femtosecond laser welds offer superior strength with hermetic sealing at a compelling cost, said NREL.

The research was conducted through the Durable Module Materials Consortium, which targets extending the useful life of solar panels to 50 years or beyond.

From pv magazine global

Johnson Controls has introduced a new heat pump series for residential applications.

“The York YH5 15.2 SEER2 2-Stage Heat Pumps are engineered for year-round comfort and energy efficiency,” a spokesperson from the company told pv magazine. “These heat pumps are specifically designed to be matched with a York residential gas furnace to create a hybrid comfort system that automatically switches between heat sources based on energy costs or capacity.”

The new heat pumps use R-454B as the refrigerant and have a size ranging from 1.5 tons to 5 tons. The heat pump’s number of tons doesn’t refer to its weight but to the tons of heat a home needs.

The systems have reportedly a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2) of up to 16 and a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2) of up to 8.1. Their coefficient of performance (COP) ranges between 3.24 and 3.40, according to the manufacturer.

They also feature a cooling capacity spanning from 22.2 MBtuh to 58.5 MBtuh. Sound levels are reportedly as low as 67  dBA.

“Designed to simplify serviceability, the YH5 heat pump features top or side compressor access, a swing-out control box, field-installed TXVs, removable fan guard and individually removable coil guards for fast and easy servicing,” the spokesperson said. “Additionally, equipment information, troubleshooting support and helpful tools – including an intelligent refrigeration detection system (RDS) – can be conveniently accessed via the DS Solutions App simply by scanning a QR code located on the heat pump.”

The new heat pump series is compatible with York humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air filters, ultraviolet air purifiers and energy recovery ventilators, as well as with most heat pump thermostats.

After a period of historically low interest rates from 2009 to 2022, central banks have sharply raised interest rates to fight inflation. The increase of cost of capital has “profound implications” for the energy and natural resource industries, said a report from Wood Mackenzie.

A transition to a net-zero economy could require $75 trillion of investment globally by 2050, said the report. The cost and pace to transition to low-carbon technologies is challenged by the higher cost of capital.

Wood Mackenzie said the economy has departed from the post-Great Recession “zero era” rates and likely will remain that way for “the next couple of decades.”

A “higher for longer” sentiment for interest rates has been echoed by Federal Reserve members in recent months. Globally, structural inflationary trends like global trade reshuffling, deglobalization, and an emphasis on nearshoring industry and employment over raw macroeconomics may keep rates elevated for a while.

“Highly capital intensive and often reliant on subsidies, low-carbon energy and nascent green technologies are most exposed [to high rates],” said the report. “Debt accounts for a higher share of the capital structure for low-carbon energy sectors.”

Wood Mackenzie said that the oil and gas industry, while also highly capital-intensive, has far less exposure to the cost of debt and is therefore less affected by the higher rate environment. Gearing, or the ratio of debt to equity, is typically higher with renewables and nuclear energy development than in mining, oils, and gas.

“Debt from bonds and project finance, secured against long-term power purchasing agreements, has been used to fund rapid growth in renewables,” said Wood Mackenzie. “While power and renewables companies have higher gearing, they do compare favorably with other peer groups on a cost-of-debt basis.”

Renewable investments have greater price certainty than their oil and gas counterparts, making them a less risky investment and enabling lower borrowing costs. Plus, the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for new-build solar is now 29% lower than any fossil fuel alternative, reported Ernst and Young. With solar module prices continuing to plummet to record lows, this lower-cost and predictable electricity source may serve as a powerful long-term combatant to inflationary pressures.

Interest rates have squeezed this LCOE advantage, said Wood Mackenzie. In its analysis, interest rates increasing by 2 percentage points lead to an LCOE increase of 20% for renewables, and 11% for a combined-cycle gas turbine plant. Despite this, Wood Mackenzie said renewables hold an advantage in LCOE, even without any subsidies attached.

While it is difficult to place a dollar value on the cost of damages from climate change and what a transition to net-zero emissions would do to mitigate damage, a report from the Potsdam Institute in Berlin assessed annual climate-related costs at $38 trillion per year by 2050. In the face of these costs, the $75 trillion global price tag for transitioning the global economy to net-zero emissions looks more palatable.

While the oil and gas industry is less affected by the higher interest rates, and oil giants have lowered their debt significantly from 2020 through 2023, Wood Mackenzie said the availability of finance may pose problems for the fossil fuel industry. Environmental, social, and governance concerns are contributing to an ever-shrinking list of lenders, it said.

Wood Mackenzie said governments should continue to subsidize the energy transition to encourage investment, despite rising debts and debt servicing costs. It recommends a strategy that focuses on efficient, non-discriminatory subsidization, a bolstering of global carbon markets, and mobilization of climate finance.

“Policymakers need to act to offset the interest-rate headwinds. Removing obstacles such as slow permitting and project approval and offering clear, consistent and sustained incentives will support nascent low-carbon technologies,” said Wood Makenzie. “Strengthening global carbon markets, maximizing subsidy efficiency and mobilizing green finance are also essential. A higher interest-rate environment might be what it takes to get policymakers to spring into action.”

From pv magazine Global

EcoFlow presented new solar-to-heat smart heating solutions, the PowerHeat Air-to-Water Heat Pump and the PowerGlow Smart Immersion Heater, at Solar Solutions Bremen 2024 this week.

The company said its smart solar-to-heat solutions are designed to integrate into the EcoFlow Residential Smart Energy Ecosystem, offering users energy independence and reduced energy expenses.

“With compatibility with the PowerOcean series solar storage systems, EcoFlow’s smart heating solutions enable users to harness the power of solar energy for home ambience and water heating, providing a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional heating methods such as gas and fuel,” said the company.

The EcoFlow PowerHeat Air-to-Water Heat Pump, equipped with R290 refrigerant, is available in 9 kW and 20 kW versions. The system supports one-phase and three-phase connections.

The smaller device measures 1,263 mm x 440 mm x 875 mm and weighs 253.5 pounds (115 kg). The larger variant measures 1263 mm x 440 mm x 1375 mm and weighs 297 pounds (180 kg), according to the company.

The smaller heat pump features a cooling capacity of 1.53 kW to 5.96 kW, while the bigger one ranges from 4.40 kW to 14.40 kW. The heating capacity is between 3.50 kW and 8.81 kW for the smaller system, and 6.70 kW to 20.36 kW for the bigger version. The inlet water temperature is 86 F (30 C) and the outlet water temperature is 95 F (35 C).

At higher water temperatures of 122 F (50 C) inlet and 131 F (55 C) outlet, the heating capacity ranges from 3.15 kW to 7.98 kW for the smaller system and from 5.80 kW to 18.48 kW for the larger system. The maximum outlet water temperature for both is 167 F (75 C).

The smaller system has a power input voltage of 220 V to 240 V and a maximum input power of 4 kW. The 20 kW system has a power input voltage range of 380 V to 415 V and a maximum input power of 6.8 kW.

The operating temperature range for both products spans from -13 F to 109 F (-25 C to 43 C). The smaller system features a 2 liter expansion tank and the larger version has a 5 liter tank.

In addition to the new heat pump, EcoFlow has also unveiled its new PowerGlow Smart Immersion Heater as a solution to heat water use surplus PV energy.

The system can be operated in combination with the EcoFlow PowerOcean system or third-party PV systems, with the scheduling of energy use handled via the EcoFlow app. It is available in three versions: 3,5 kW, 6 kW, and 9 kW. All versions offer more than 99% efficiency at nominal power.

The 3.5 kW system is available in one-phase and three-phase variants, while the other two systems only offer three-phase connections. They have an operating temperature range from 32 F to 104 F (0 C to 40 C) at the casing and a storage temperature range from -4 F to 158 F (-20 C to 70 C). The heating rod length ranges from 375 mm to 550 mm and the entire system weights from 2.5 kg to 3 kg.

The PowerGlow Smart Immersion Heater will be available in May, while the PowerHeat Air-to-Water Heat Pump will hit the market in late June, EcoFlow said in a press release.

The energy sector is generally considered to be fairly conservative when it comes to adopting new trends and technologies. After all, much of the energy we consume still comes from sources that have been used for hundreds of years — oil, coal, and natural gas. 

However, in the recent push for sustainability in the energy sector, one technology emerges as a linchpin for the shift towards “green living”: artificial intelligence.

How AI will disrupt the energy industry for the better

Artificial intelligence seems poised to revolutionize the energy sector thanks to its superior data analysis capabilities. Data analysis is a fundamental aspect of any energy operation — from determining where the best sites for development are to how much energy has been consumed for billing. AI can perform all of this analysis at a much more efficient rate than human workers, allowing them to focus more of their efforts on implementing these solutions.

Artificial intelligence can also use the data it is fed to perform advanced predictive analytics. In the energy industry, this could prove invaluable, as the ability to better forecast consumption can allow energy companies to avoid the overuse of resources. Furthermore, as renewable energy resources have historically been somewhat unreliable due to their dependence on external factors such as weather, predictive analytics now powered by AI can allow energy companies to ease some of their concerns about the volatility of these renewable sources.

Using these tools, artificial intelligence could improve the sustainability of the energy sector by enabling the more efficient deployment of resources. Energy companies can both reduce waste and cut costs using analysis and forecasting generated by AI.

The most apparent use of artificial intelligence in the energy sector is “smart meters,” which help users better control their energy consumption and energy providers better understand and manage their load. Smart meters help the energy provider’s sustainability initiatives by reducing overall energy consumption, which will also benefit customers’ wallets. 

Something that must be understood about the shift towards renewable energy sources is that, as more renewable energy sources are introduced, it makes the grid more complex to handle this increasing number and diversity of sources. In turn, more technology is needed to manage it. This is where artificial intelligence emerges as a particularly valuable innovation in the solar power industry — as a tool to help manage the distribution of resources on the grid.

AI in the solar industry

Some more specific applications in the solar power sector show even higher potential. As solar developers continue to expand some reach, some exciting use cases for AI technologies include:

• Searching for solar-generating properties: AI models can analyze data much more efficiently than humans, making them ideal for identifying solar-generating properties. An AI model can be trained to cross-reference properties on the market with characteristics set by the user — for example, climate, open space, and proximity to grid infrastructure — to quickly identify ideal sites for development and installation. 
• Pre-construction planning and design: Artificial intelligence models can be used during the pre-construction planning and design process to ensure that solar power arrays are designed for optimal output. Producers can use this technology to test potential scenarios and layouts in advance, reducing the need for on-site labor and the expenses of on-site modifications and customizations.
• Real-time monitoring and data analytics: Solar power producers can use AI to power real-time monitoring and data analytics of their array’s output. This technology can help producers more efficiently identify and isolate any obstacles in their panels’ productivity, allowing them to conduct repairs much more quickly.
• Forecasting weather: One of the most exciting potential applications of AI in solar power is weather forecasting. Because the output and efficiency of solar panels are influenced directly by weather conditions, producers must be wary of any inclement weather that can interfere with the panels’ ability to generate power. Artificial intelligence can be used to predict weather conditions, allowing producers to adjust the amount of power being generated and stored during optimal conditions so that disruptions during suboptimal conditions can be minimized.
• Predictive maintenance: AI can also help enable predictive maintenance for solar panels. Regular maintenance is essential for solar power operations because a solar panel in disrepair cannot perform to its maximum potential. An artificial intelligence model can analyze historical trends and data on current conditions to indicate to producers when it is necessary to enlist a technician for maintenance.

The adoption of AI in the energy sector

AI can potentially revolutionize the energy industry with its advanced data analysis and predictive analytics capabilities. At this point, it is a matter of convincing the energy companies of the validity and necessity of these use cases. 

By better understanding our consumption and needs, the energy sector can be better prepared to adopt renewable energy sources such as solar power. Artificial intelligence is the key to unlocking this deeper insight.

Ed Watal is an AI thought leader and technology investor. One of his key projects includes BigParser (an Ethical AI Platform and Data Commons for the World). He is also the founder of Intellibus, an INC 5000 “Top 100 Fastest Growing Software Firm” in the USA, and the lead faculty of AI Masterclass, a joint operation between NYU SPS and Intellibus. Forbes Books is collaborating with Ed on a seminal book on our AI Future. 

Resilient Watertown, the city’s Climate & Energy Plan, outlines 61 actions to ensure the city is on its way to achieving its goal of 100% of electricity sourced from renewables by 2050.

Two elements of the extensive plan are to promote electrification and enhance and actively promote zero-carbon mobility options for travel. In fact, the city plans to not only have all registered vehicles be electric by 2050, but also has a goal of cutting in half personal vehicular travel miles.

In 2018 the Watertown Town Council passed a first-in-New-England solar ordinance requiring solar on the equivalent of 50% roof coverage for new and substantially renovated buildings over 10,000 sq. feet and 90% of parking garages.

Now the city celebrates the operation of a solar and storage project installed at 66 Galen, a brand new 224,106 square foot life science building that features purpose-built offices and laboratories.

The project was directed by Houston-based Catalyze, a national Energy Transition Partner that develops, finances, owns, and operates integrated renewable assets. Catalyze owns two proprietary technologies: REenergyze, an origination-to-operations software integration platform and SolarStrap, a proprietary mounting technology to install rooftop panels.

The Gold LEED-certified facility draws power from 252 kW solar and 125 kW storage system, covering about 10% of the buildings electricity needs. It also boasts a series of EV charging stations featuring 15 ports, located within the parking garage and are intended for use by employees and visitors.

The installation features Znshine Solar modules, a 251 kWh battery from SYL and Powercharge EV chargers. Catalyze told pv magazine USA that the battery storage system will be used to offset peak demand times, supplying solar power to the building when the cost of power from the utility provider would be at its highest.

Other sustainability features include 100% recyclable terra cotta tiles with a low-e coating on the exterior that maximize the building’s insulative properties and minimize solar heat gain; high-efficiency LED and self-dimming lighting to minimize light pollution; a variable-volume air handler system that helps reduce energy cost by 19%, according to Catalyze, compared to buildings of a similar size; and significant water conservation infrastructure that directs excess rainwater to green space.

To support this project, Catalyze participated in the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program, an incentive program that has catapulted Massachusetts into the top ten list for solar states.

The building, which is called 66 Galen, is owned by Davis and Boston Development Group, with investment by Actis and Encap.

“It’s terrific to see a multi-technology scheme such as 66 Galen which comprises energy generation from solar PV and battery storage come into operation,” said Javier Orellana, director, energy infrastructure at Actis. “It’s a perfect demonstration of the energy transition in progress.”

66 Galen is not the first solar on a commercial building in Watertown. The largest commercial solar installation is on Arsenal Yards.

The more than one million square foot mixed-use development that includes state-of-the-art life science lab space, 300 apartments, and a 146-room hotel. The 1. 1 MW of solar was installed in 2020 by Boston-based Kearsarge Energy.

Watertown is also home to the first net-zero school in Massachusetts. The Cunniff elementary school is testament to the support among municipal leaders as well as town residents. In developing the Climate & Energy Plan, the city surveyed residents, solicited comments, distributed educational materials, had conversations at five public events and invited the public to the three advisory group meetings—all to solicit feedback and support for the clean energy goals in Watertown.

Watertown intends to re-evaluate its goals and actions regularly in order to keep them on target for the 2050 goal, and also to adjust any actions to adapt to new trends and technologies.to update and adjust actions and targets to adapt to emerging trends and technologies.

From pv magazine Global

In 2022, the global solar photovoltaic (PV) generation experienced an unprecedented surge, marking a record increase of 270 TWh and reaching nearly 1 200 TWh worldwide. This remarkable growth underscores the pivotal role of solar energy in meeting the escalating global electricity demand while simultaneously mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. The driving force behind this was the establishment of new manufacturing capacities, alongside the transition from aluminum-back surface field (Al-BSF) cell technology to the more advanced passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) technology around 10 years ago. The emergence of PERC as the standard technology is marked by its distinguishing features: an additional dielectric passivation stack on the rear of the cell and its possible bifaciality. This technology has replaced older cell structures like Al-BSF, primarily due to its improved efficiency gains in both PV cells and modules, leading to an increase in the nameplate power of modules. Moreover, there has been a notable rise in the adoption of Horizontal Single Axis Tracker systems, which offer higher kWh production per kW installed compared to fixed-tilt systems across various geographical locations. This shift towards more efficient and productive PV systems underscores a commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

Environmental Impact Assessment

While the energy production aspects of PV technologies have been extensively studied, a comprehensive understanding of their environmental footprint is essential. IEA PVPS Task 12 Experts have been employing their life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with PERC technology in comparison to AI-BSF technology. By utilizing primary data from an Italian manufacturer, the report “Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Passivated Emitter and Rear Contact (PERC) Photovoltaic Module Technology” provides an in-depth analysis of the complete life cycle of PV systems, encompassing manufacturing, installation, operation, and end-of-life phases. While based on analysis of data from only one manufacturer, the findings suggest that the transition from Al-BSF to PERC technology results in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion throughout the life cycle of PV systems.

“The main thrust of our report is to analyze the impacts of the dominant technology in photovoltaics, using the LCA methodology and incorporating primary and up-to-date data,” Pierpaolo Girardi, co-Author of the report said. “This approach allows us to assert that electricity generated by PERC technology manufactured by an Italian company has a carbon footprint lower by 15% compared to electricity production with the currently most installed photovoltaic technology (Al BSF), and a 96% reduction compared to electricity produced by a typical Italian natural gas combined cycle power plant.”

Life Cycle Assessment Methodology

LCA is a structured, comprehensive method of quantifying material- and energy-flows and their associated emissions caused in the life cycle of goods and services. The ISO 14040 and 14044 standards provide the framework for LCA. IEA PVPS Task 12 subsequently developed guidelines, now in their 4th edition, to provide guidance on assuring consistency, balance, and quality to enhance the credibility and reliability of the results from LCAs on photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation systems.

Unveiling the Environmental Footprint

In their report, the Task 12 experts analyze two possible designs: (1) modules mounted on a horizontal single-axis tracker and (2) modules installed on a fixed structure. In addition, two possible PV locations with different irradiance levels are considered: one in the north of Italy and the other in the south of Italy; results shown here represent those for Southern Italy. The results, based on primary data from one manufacturer, are impressive:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Transitioning from Al-BSF to PERC technology can lead to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per kWh produced across both locations. The additional passivation layer in PERC cells enhances energy conversion efficiency, thereby reducing the carbon intensity of electricity generation. Furthermore, the adoption of single-axis solar tracker systems amplifies this environmental benefit, as the increased energy yield per kW installed translates into lower emissions per unit of electricity produced.

The new IEA PVPS Task 12 report analyzes in detail the greenhouse gas emissions associated with using the PERC technology (see Fig. 1 for an example)

The PERC PV plant located in the south of Italy is responsible for 17 g of CO₂ equivalent per kWh produced. This figure illustrates the contribution analysis of the PERC PV plant based on primary data from an Italian PERC manufacturer. The percentages represent the contribution associated with each component/process. Note also that the tracking system is based on primary data from a manufacturer. The process/component highlighted in blue is associated with module production, which – from raw material to module assembly – accounts for 79% of the total life cycle of the plant.

When comparing the PERC PV plant to a typical Italian natural gas power plant (which accounts for about 50% of the Italian energy mix), the significant difference in greenhouse gas emissions becomes obvious (see Fig. 2). The comparison is made in terms of grams of CO₂ equivalent emitted per kWh produced by each plant.

                    Figure 2: Comparison of greenhouse gas emissions between different types of plants

1. Energy Consumption: Similarly, the shift to PERC technology is accompanied by a notable decrease in total energy consumption throughout the life cycle of PV systems. Improved cell efficiency and manufacturing processes contribute to this reduction, underscoring the importance of technological innovation in driving sustainability gains. Moreover, horizontal single-axis tracker systems exhibit higher energy yields per unit of land area, further optimizing energy production and minimizing energy consumption per kWh generated. Note also that the LCA of the tracking system is based on primary data from a manufacturer.

2. Resource Depletion: While both Al-BSF and PERC technologies rely on a similar suite of materials, the efficiency improvements associated with PERC cells mitigate resource depletion impacts. By maximizing energy output per unit of material input, PERC technology minimizes the extraction and utilization of finite resources, thereby alleviating pressure on critical minerals and metals.

Paving the Path to Sustainable Solar Energy

The study highlights the potential environmental benefits of PERC technology. Based on the results of this case study of one PERC manufacturer, by utilizing PERC, the solar industry can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion, while simultaneously increasing energy yields. Additionally, the analysis of different mounting systems reveals that modules mounted on a horizontal single-axis tracker can lead to preferable environmental outcomes, especially in latitudes similar to those in Italy.  Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis included in the Task 12 report suggests that extending the lifetime of PV panels can lower specific environmental impacts per kWh, emphasizing the importance of longevity in panel performance.

Moving forward, concerted efforts to promote the adoption of environmentally responsible technologies and optimize site selection can increase the realization of the full potential of solar energy as a cornerstone of the clean energy transition.

Download the full report here.

For more information on IEA PVPS Task 12 and Sustainability of PV Systems please click here.

This article is part of a monthly column by the IEA PVPS program. It was contributed by IEA PVPS Task 12 – PV Sustainability.

From pv magazine Global

An additional 345.5 GW of solar was deployed throughout the world in 2023, according to official figures from IRENA, published in its Renewable Energy Capacity Statistics 2024 report.

These numbers differ substantially from figures released in February by BloombergNEF, which said global newly installed PV capacity reached approximately 444 GW last year.

IRENA’s figures represent a 32.2% increase on 2022 levels and are a record for a single calendar year. Solar represented roughly 73% of total renewable-energy deployments last year, at 473 GW overall.

Iron-based redox flow battery for grid-scale storage Researchers in the U.S. have repurposed a commonplace chemical used in water treatment facilities to develop an all-liquid, iron-based redox flow battery for large-scale energy storage. Their lab-scale battery exhibited strong cycling stability over one thousand consecutive charging cycles, while maintaining 98.7% of its original capacity.

Potential effect of the 2024 solar eclipse on solar energy production To compensate for potential loss of solar energy flowing to the grid, grid operators will have to be ready to rely on other sources to ensure grid stability, as was done during the 2017 and 2023 eclipse episodes.

Maxeon claims 24.9% efficiency for IBC solar panel Maxeon said it has achieved a 24.9% efficiency rating for a full-scale Maxeon 7 solar panel using its IBC technology. The U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed the result.

Walmart makes big commitments to solar energy  The retail giant entered multiple new agreements across the U.S. with solar developers, furthering its position as a corporate leader in solar adoption.

Community solar group challenges assertions by CPUC  Stating that the California Public Utilities Commission “embraces a myopic view”, CCSA comments characterize the CPUC proposed decision as misguided and misinformed, and determined it will not result in the development of community solar projects as envisioned by the legislature with the enactment of AB 2316.

1100 GW solar and 1000 GW storage now await transmission interconnection Solar, wind and battery storage accounted for nearly 95% of the capacity in transmission interconnection queues as of year-end 2023, based on preliminary data from Berkeley Lab, presented in a staff report from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

Sunnova becomes exclusive solar provider at Home Depot stores  Over 2,000 locations will host Sunnova representatives helping customers start their inquiry into solar, storage, and home energy management.

The NABCEP continuing education (CE) conference taking place this week in Raleigh, North Carolina is the largest to date with over 1,000 people registered.

With 70 technical training sessions taking place, the conference draws solar in NABCEP-certified installers seeking re-certification. The newest certification is the Energy Storage Installation Professional (ESIP). With support from a grant from the National Science Foundation, NABCEP teamed up with the CREATE Energy Center  and the Midwest Renewable Energy Association to develop the standard of education and training for those working with battery energy storage systems technology.

Steve Kalland, Executive Director of the North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center delivered the keynote presentation to a packed room of solar professionals, highlighting solar history, current policies and new opportunities. He noted the changes in the technology and overall perception, saying that back in the 1980s PV stood for “potentially viable”. Since that time efficiencies are up, costs are down, policies have been created, and Kalland said the new challenge is how fast it can get built.

With NABCEP being just over 20 years old, a “Pioneers in Solar Breakfast” was added to this year’s agenda to celebrate those attending who have been in solar for decades. Also being recognized are the winners of the annual Walt Ratterman and Les Nelson awards. The Ratterman winner receives a donation of $500 to a charity of their choice and the Les Nelson Scholarship covers NABCEP Conference.

The exhibit hall, which sold out, was bustling with over 100 exhibitors showing tools of the trade as well as marketing software, services and more.

IRENA has released a new report describing the future actions that should be taken to reach the renewable energy targets set by the COP28 conference held in Dubai in December.

“We need to deploy around 1.1 TW of renewable energy capacity per year by 2030. Every technology that provides a reduction in CO2 emissions is good, but technology neutrality may not be the solution, as only renewables ensure the necessary speed and scale to achieve the proposed targets,” said IRENA President Francesco La Camera, in reference to the slow pace at which nuclear energy is currently driving the global energy transition.

According to the official documents, 123 national governments and supranational blocs, including the European Union, have signed up to triple the world’s installed renewable energy generation capacity to at least 11 TW by 2030. The signatories also vowed to double the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements, from 2% to 4%, until the end of 2030.

La Camera noted the importance of creating a workforce for the energy transition. He also discussed the need to create incentives to foster the emergence of a green hydrogen market and to develop grid infrastructure and interconnection sea cables for global energy trade.

In the Tracking COP28 Outcomes report, IRENA said that annual investments in renewable power generation must surge from $570 billion in 2023 to $1,550 billion on average between 2024 and 2030. The report also said that the proposed COP28  target will not be reached without urgent policy intervention.

“G20 nations, for example, must grow their renewable capacity from under 3 TW in 2022 to 9.4 TW by 2030, accounting for over 80% of the global total,” said IRENA.

The organization also said that wider international cooperation, as well as the strategic use of public finances, will be key to achieving the COP28 goals.

“This requires structural reforms, including within multilateral finance mechanisms, to effectively support the energy transition in developing countries,” it stated.

As a serial entrepreneur and advocate for environmental stewardship, I’ve navigated the complexities of various industries, but few have been as challenging – or as rewarding – as the journey to establish a solar farm on Long Island; New York.

The Middle Island Solar Farm (MISF) stands today as a beacon of innovation and sustainability. Since its full operation in 2018, MISF has been generating 19.6 MW of electricity, equivalent to powering approximately 4,000 homes annually on Long Island.

Moreover, its clean energy output translates to removing the emissions of 6,000-8,000 cars from our roadways, a significant stride towards environmental sustainability. Witnessing the realization of my vision to utilize private investment for public welfare brings me immense satisfaction. However, the road to its success was fraught with obstacles that threatened to derail the project at every turn.

One of the most pervasive challenges we encountered was the Not In My Backyard (NIMBY) mindset prevalent in many communities. Despite the undeniable benefits of solar energy – including reduced carbon emissions and energy independence – local opposition often arises, fueled by fear and misinformation. Overcoming this resistance requires patience, perseverance, and a commitment to community engagement.

In addition to public perception, outdated zoning laws and bureaucratic red tape presented significant hurdles to the development of MISF. The arbitrary classification of solar farms as electric generating plants, coupled with convoluted regulatory processes, created unnecessary delays and added complexity to the approval process. Reforming these outdated laws and streamlining regulatory procedures are essential steps towards facilitating the growth of the renewable energy sector.

Furthermore, the influence of vested interests cannot be ignored. Established industries, threatened by the rise of sustainable energy, have wielded considerable power and resources to maintain the status quo. Lobbying efforts aimed at undermining clean energy initiatives perpetuate dependence on fossil fuels, hindering progress towards a greener future.

Despite these challenges, the case for clean energy investment remains stronger than ever. The economic and environmental benefits of renewable energy are undeniable, with solar power emerging as a viable alternative to traditional energy sources. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more conducive environment for investment.

Education and community engagement are crucial components of this effort. By dispelling myths and highlighting the tangible benefits of clean energy projects, we can garner public support and overcome opposition. Moreover, fostering partnerships between government agencies, businesses, and local communities can help streamline the approval process and expedite the development of renewable energy infrastructure.

Additionally, policymakers must prioritize sustainability and incentivize investment in clean energy initiatives. By implementing policies that promote renewable energy adoption and phase out subsidies for fossil fuels, we can level the playing field and create a more equitable energy landscape.

As we confront the urgent challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, the need for decisive action has never been greater. By breaking down barriers to clean energy investment, we can pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. It’s time to harness the power of innovation and collective action to build a world powered by clean, renewable energy. The time for change is now.

Jerry Rosengarten is a serial entrepreneur and advocate for environmental stewardship. He is the author of Jump on the Train: A Dyslexic Entrepreneur’s 50-Year Ride From The Leisure Suit to the Bowery Hotel and a New York Solar Farm.

Indoor cannabis growing operations use a staggering amount of electricity, requiring high-powered lighting, heating and cooling, ventilation, water pumping, and more.  

Back in 2012, before cannabis growth was legalized, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory estimated that 1% of the electricity consumed in the United States was diverted to indoor cannabis growing operations.

Since then, nearly half the states half legalized marijuana. Industry researcher Brightfield Group estimates the industry had $31.8 billion in annual sales in 2023, and that figure is expected to grow to $50.7 billion by 2028.

Today, fossil fuels still represent about 60% of U.S. electricity generation, according to the Energy Information Administration (EIA). According to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NPCC) one pound of cannabis growth requires about 2,000 kWh to 3,000 kWh of electricity consumption. For context, the average U.S. home uses about 900 kWh of electricity per month, said EIA.

This adds up to an enormous amount of greenhouse gas emissions to produce cannabis. While the industry could cut emissions by moving more production outdoors, or using more passive growing conditions like greenhouses, the quality and quantity advantages of growing indoors leaves little incentives for investors in large growing operations to change their operations fundamentally.

This creates an opportunity for the solar industry to step in as a partner to cannabis growers, helping cut emissions, lower electricity costs, and create a marketing competitive advantage for climate-conscious marijuana users.

One grower and processor, Bright Green Corporation, seized this opportunity, investing in a 102 MW solar project to power its new $250 million expansion project in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Maxeon Solar Technologies is providing the solar panels for the project, while Baker Tilly is leading construction.

The cannabis facility currently burns natural gas and oil for electricity. The company will now install three 40 MW electric boilers and power them with the solar facility, which is expected to take about 30 months to construct. Bright Green Energy said the cost savings over the 30-year lifetime of the equipment is expected to save the company “hundreds of millions of dollars.”

“This source of energy will reduce and fix our substantial heat and electric costs annually. The future growth of this company is highly dependent on Innovation and long-term efficiency,” said Lynn Stockwell, Bright Green Corporation founder. “The uncertainty of the long-term costs and pricing predicated on supply and demand for the traditional fossil fuels for this type of mega factory compared to clean energy from the sun advances the company’s economics and ethos.”

Although PV produces electricity from sunlight with no emissions, it is not “free.” It requires energy, resources, transportation, and installation, all of which are processes currently require carbon emissions.

In pursuit of reduced emissions, one of the major drivers of solar adoption, along with reduced costs, component procurers and project developers must consider the carbon required to bring a project to fruition. Sometimes referred to as the “carbon backpack,” the embodied carbon in a component can differ greatly based on materials used and where it was produced.

According to the Ultra Low-Carbon Solar Alliance, the use of PV materials with a lower carbon backpack can reduce the carbon footprint by 50% in the U.S. and 70% in Europe.

Origami Solar, a designer and manufacturer of recycled steel frames for solar modules, commissioned an independent study with Boundless Impact Research & Analytics to understand the difference in carbon backpack between its product and leading competitors. The analysis considered raw material production, manufacturing, transportation, and more.

It found that compared with traditional virgin material aluminum module frames shipped from China, U.S.-made module frames made from recycled steel show a 90.4% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In Germany, the frames have a 94.7% carbon advantage.

Boundless estimates the greenhouse gas footprint of Origami Solar’s steel module frames at 9.25 kilograms (kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent per 2 meter by 1 meter frame produced in the U.S.

“The estimated Fossil Energy Footprint of Origami Solar’s steel module frame is 71.8 megajoules (MJ) in the United States and 62.2 MJ in Germany per 2 by 1-meter frame, compared to 920 MJ for a conventional virgin aluminum frame produced in China using an extrusion production process,” said the report.

The company said the improved carbon embodiment would result in a reduction of 80 kg of emissions per module or 200 metric tons per MW.

Analysis by Bloomberg NEF found that though solar component costs have lowered, aluminum framing has stayed relatively flat, and now represent about 25% of the cost of a module. 

Find the full comparative analysis and learn more about Origami’s process here.

Origami Solar, a small company based in Bend, Oregon, was awarded the grand prize in the 2022 U.S. Department of Energy’s American-Made Solar Prize competition, recognizing the disruptive value and market potential of the company’s steel module frame.

The company said it is sourcing steel and plans on producing frames regionally, thus eliminating supply chain constraints and trucking miles. The company reports that the frames are 100% U.S. made and will enable solar modules to qualify for the domestic content bonus tax credit.

“Steel is an earth-abundant resource that can be manufactured on every continent, the use of which in trackers, racking, mounts, and tubes is already widely accepted by the solar industry,” said Mathew Arnold, chief executive officer of Unimacts, a Boston-based manufacturer with production facilities in Nevada, Mexico and Spain. “We are excited to collaborate with Origami Solar to rapidly facilitate the shift from imported aluminum to domestically made steel frames.”

From pv magazine 2/24

Solar power will play a crucial role in the planned tripling of renewable energy capacity by 2030, delivering an unprecedented fivefold generation capacity increase by the end of 2030, to 5.4 TW – and some forecasts are even more optimistic. Despite the competitiveness of renewables, led by solar, challenges persist and require urgent policy action on financial flows, permitting, electricity grids, and supply chains.

The first step to delivering the renewable energy capacity the planet requires is to align global policy around a renewables transition. The GRA launched the #3xRenewables campaign in September 2023 with the aim of focusing attention on this urgent objective, in order to deliver rapid progress.

Just five months after that launch, some 300 organizations have signed an open letter calling for #3xRenewables and 198 countries and regional blocs agreed to the target at COP28, with 130 of them also committing to a global renewables and energy efficiency pledge. In order to deliver on that global commitment, governments must focus on four core actions, outlined below.

Financial flows

The flow of funds – including export finance and climate finance, as well as public and private capital – must be redirected from fossil fuel energy to the build-out of renewables and grids. In a policy report developed by the GRA, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and the COP28 presidency, we found that a $10 trillion investment in renewable energy deployment between 2023 and 2030 will be key to align with a global net-zero trajectory by 2050. While this may be a staggering number, $7 trillion is currently paid in fossil fuel subsidies annually and an additional $1 trillion was invested into fossil fuels in 2023. There is a need for a long-term sustainability perspective, rather than more capital.

To achieve our global target, we must also prioritize low-cost and long-term financing in the least developed economies and off-grid communities for a “just energy transition.”

Supply chains

Strengthening supply chains is crucial to avoid vulnerability and ensure all benefits from the opportunities offered by the energy transition. Investing in local supply chains promotes job creation, economic growth, and stable renewable energy expansion. Governments should prioritize transparent supply chains and should incentivize adherence to high environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) standards to bolster investor confidence and eliminate market barriers to pave the way to achieving solar targets. ESG standards such as the “do no significant harm” principle, as well as best practice initiatives such as the Solar Stewardship Initiative, will also be critical for ecologically and socio-economically sustainable development.

Electricity networks

Grid upgrades and development are a critical factor in the growth of renewables. Beyond accommodating the variability of renewable energy, the focus of grid upgrades should prioritize bolstering resilience, flexibility, and accessibility to smart grids. Solar power can be a cornerstone of energy security, through decentralized energy generation systems ranging from utility-scale sites to individual homes – offering unique opportunities for the least developed countries to expand energy access. Achieving this means tackling both transmission and distribution grid issues to deliver cost-competitive solar energy globally.

Solar’s decentralized potential enhances resilience against grid failures and other crises, powering essential services such as fridges for food and vaccines, light for construction, and mobile phone charging points. Policymakers must integrate decentralized solar design into national planning for a secure and just future.

Permissions process

With lengthy timelines and overlapping responsibilities among government entities, permitting processes can represent a significant roadblock for the rapid expansion of solar, both large and small scale.

To overcome this obstacle, permitting procedures for solar projects should adopt a standardized and clearly defined process proportionate to the size of installation and incorporating a “one-stop shop” approach. Considering the relatively small impact of rooftop solar, permitting processes for small-scale projects should be much more streamlined, compared to utility-scale developments. In some countries, the permitting burden has even been removed entirely for residential and commercial rooftops for installations with a generation capacity of up to 5 MW.

Cautious optimism

As we look ahead, the renewables sector is optimistic but realistic. The technology is at our disposal, renewables are cost-competitive and will create millions of jobs, and the benefits of a green grid are undeniable. Realizing this vision, however, demands policies which align to remove barriers and direct finance where it will have the most significant impact. This is where organizations such as the Global Solar Council (GSC) are critical – uniting the world’s solar industry. By bringing together expertise and stakeholders from regions across the world, the GSC, in strong collaboration with other renewable energy sectors, through the GRA, can drive the way to shaping our sustainable energy landscape.

About the author: Bruce Douglas is CEO of the Global Renewables Alliance, which includes leading industry associations for wind, geothermal, hydropower, long-duration energy storage, and green hydrogen. He has 25 years of international experience in the promotion of renewable energy and electrification and helped found the Global Solar Council in 2015, when he worked for trade body SolarPower Europe.

Grid operators in California and Texas earn “B” grades, others score poorly With two million megawatts of generation and storage projects awaiting interconnection studies across the U.S., a report gives grid operators grades for their interconnection processes ranging from B to D-.

Off-grid solar kit for EV pickup trucks Worksport announced a solar kit for pickup trucks that can be used a portable power source for leisure activities or as a temporary backup to recharge electronics or small appliances during power outages

MIT research provides roadmap to perovskite passivation In previous work, research teams developed methods for passivation, but there wasn’t clear understanding of how the process works. The new MIT study provides details on how to passivate the material’s surface so that the perovskite no longer degrades so rapidly or loses efficiency.

Calculating potential impact of EPA’s $7 billion Solar for All program  Solar for All can jumpstart the solar market and expand the benefits of solar far beyond the initial five years of the program. Clean Energy States Alliance notes that after the award decisions are announced, additional states will be evaluating strategies and more households will benefit from this funding over time.

Solar generated 5.5% of U.S. electricity in 2023, a 17.5% increase  Solar generation grew by 17.5% compared to 2022, albeit at a lower rate, adding just over 33 TWh of generation compared to the 40 TWh added in 2022.

Cadmium telluride solar cell based on indium gallium oxide emitter achieves 17.2% Developed by the University of Toledo, the cell achieved the highest efficiency ever reported for flexible cadmium telluride solar cells to date. The device reached an open-circuit voltage of 861 mV, a short-circuit density of 27.8 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 71.7%.

Shell to sell 25% of its U.S. solar assets, said Reuters Reuters reported that the oil major is continuing to draw back from renewable energy investment.

Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) published a report summarizing trends and calculating the potential impact of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s $7 billion Solar for All competition.

Solar for All is a funding opportunity announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in June 2023. The goal of the program is to enable millions of low-income households access to affordable, resilient, and clean solar energy. The program was intended to up to 60 grants to states, territories, tribal governments, municipalities and nonprofits, and the CESA report looks at the range of proposals submitted for awards.

The CESA report, Empowering Tomorrow: A Preview of States’ Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Solar for All Programs, looks at 35 Solar for All applications submitted in 33 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The overall finding is that if all 35 of the applications were funded, the projects would deploy 2.9 GW of solar capacity, providing $2 billion in savings for 711,068 low-income households over the next five years.

“The Solar for All competition represents an investment in solar for disadvantaged communities, the scope and scale of which has not been seen before,” explains CESA Senior Project Director Vero Bourg-Meyer. “For some states, this is an acceleration of work they have supported, with much more modest resources and variable levels of success, for years. For others, it is an entirely new endeavor, now enabled by the IRA.”

The deadline for receipt of applications was October 12, 2023. The EPA plans to notify applicants of its decisions in March 2024. Once award decisions are announced, award recipients and the EPA will negotiate cooperative agreements, with the EPA making final awards in July 2024. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) requires that all funds are awarded by September 30, 2024.

EPA restricted the maximum amount of funding that applicants could request, based on the total population of disadvantaged census tracts identified by the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST).

Of the 35 states included in the report, two were eligible for a large program (>$250M to $400M), 16 were eligible for a medium program (>$100M to $250M), and 17 were eligible for a small program ($25M and up to $100M). All but nine states requested the maximum amount of funding available in the size category.

The types of solar in the applications includes community, single-family residential, multi-family residential and other. Not all applications indicated the planned capacity, but of those that did, the report estimates that 63% of applications are for community solar, which would total about 1.75 GW of new capacity. An estimated 20% applied for single-family residential, for approximately 575 MW of new capacity. About 17% applied for multi-family residential, for an estimated 479 MW.

With an estimated 6.2 GW of community solar installed across the United States the nation as of Q4 2023 according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, the country has a long way to go toward achieving the Department of Energy’s target of 20 GW installed. The 1.75 GW of new community solar capacity proposed in applications for Solar for All state programs would help to move the needle toward the goal, while also supporting low- to middle-income (LMI) and disadvantaged communities (DAC).

Among the states that applied, all but five intend to add battery storage amounting to 1.2 GWh across all programs. While not a primary goal of the Solar for All program, the CESA report notes that this amount of storage that would serve DACs and low-income households over the next five years is significant.

Five key takeaways from the CESA report include:

1. The program can bring funding to a large number of disadvantaged communities and low-income households, while also lowering greenhouse gas in the targeted areas.
2. Solar for All can jumpstart the solar market and expand the benefits of solar far beyond the initial five years of the program. CESA notes that after the award decisions are announced, additional states will be evaluating strategies and more households will benefit from this funding over time.
3. Solar for All will feed the entire ecosystem of support services that can transform the LMI market.
4. Individual state programs will be driven by goals set by states’ leadership, enabled by the priorities established in local legislation, and fed by needs and wants of local communities.
5. States and the private sector can leverage the funding with other funding opportunities including other Greenhouse Gas Reduction funding as well as the revamped tax credits, including the bonus credit programs and new credit monetization features.

The CESA report points out that the Solar for All program aims to address known market barriers to transforming state markets for LMI customers. CESA sees the program as “an incredible opportunity for states to collaborate, exchange and grow markets together, faster than they would on their own, building economic opportunity, alleviating poverty, and working to meet their clean energy goals”.

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) studied the local health and air quality benefits of achieving 100% renewable energy generation in Los Angeles’ transport and electricity sector. 

The Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy study (LA100) explored how different approaches to achieving carbon neutrality affected air quality and health outcomes in Los Angeles over time. The researchers used 2012 as a baseline year compared to health and air quality outcomes across four adoption scenarios by 2045. 

Results showed that each scenario explored could reduce citywide air pollutant emissions like oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5).

The most significant reductions in emissions resulted from electrification and infrastructural changes to the non-power sector, such as transportation, buildings, the Port of Los Angeles, and the Port of Long Beach. This is due to reduced air pollutant emissions that led to citywide reductions of PM2.5 concentration.

However, researchers state that reductions also led to an increase in ozone  concentration in certain parts of Los Angeles, which they attribute to “temporary but inevitable growing pains” the city will experience as it works toward ozone reductions.

“Once NOx emissions get sufficiently low, further emission decreases will lead to marked ozone reductions,” the researchers stated.

The study found that health outcomes reflected air quality changes. For example, in one scenario, researchers state that 96 premature deaths and 53 cardiovascular-related hospital admissions were avoided. However, there was an increase of 30 asthma-related emergency room visits resulting from the rise in ozone concentrations.

NREL said a health outcomes focused scenario translates to about $900 million in yearly monetized health benefits for the City of Los Angeles. The figure exceeded $4 billion when adding the monetized health benefits of neighboring counties.

NREL conducted a follow-up study, LA100: The Los Angeles 100% Renewable Energy Study and Equity Strategies, to assess how air pollution affects different demographic groups. They focused on heavy-duty transportation electrification as a tool to reduce air pollutant emissions, concentrations and health effects. They found that electrifying large trucks could help to reduce air quality-related health disparities as many members of disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles live near major highways.

From pv magazine Global

An international research team has compiled and reviewed published literature on floating solar photovoltaic (FPV) systems from 2013-2022 and how water-based systems compare to those based on land. The paper summarizes the important findings of a broad range of studies on FPV systems and presents a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art of the technology, its benefits and challenges, and highlights research gaps.

The study’s corresponding author, Ramanan Chidambaram Jayaraj, told pv magazine that the team reviewed more than 300 articles, as well as patents, industry websites, and reports. The researchers charted the energy gain in FPV relative to LPV for 19 different reports examining FPV technologies ranging in size and tilt angle, as well as the efficiency gain for 10 different reports. For this report, the team excluded from their review studies that investigated submerged and partially submerged PV as well as systems that were in contact with water for cooling.

“With 70% of the world covered with water, research and development of FPV on ocean platforms opens a new era of solar energy with the advancement of robust floating structures,” the scientists emphasized. “However, it should be noted that oceans are not necessarily calm, and harsh ocean currents may pose serious challenges to FPV structures. Therefore, research and development efforts addressing this issue are crucial.”

The researchers noted that the results of the studies reviewed suggest that the increased energy production capacity from FPVs can potentially result in a decrease of up to 85% in the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to land-based PV (LPV) systems, even despite the higher initial capital investment. Data compiled from the literature showed potential energy yield increases of up to 35.9% for FPV compared to conventional systems. They highlight several factors that affect the ability to achieve this maximum performance, including irradiance level, tilt angle, temperature, and cooling effect, among others.

The team also observed a range between 0.1% and 4.45% for the efficiency gain of FPVs against LPVs, as well as improvements of 2.4% to 3.3% for FPVs employing tracking technology. Additionally, the reviewed studies showed that bifacial floating solar panels that also use dual-axis tracking and cooling effects could even achieve gains of 42.5% to 47.5%.

“Based on the comprehensive review spanning from 2013 to 2022, it has been consistently demonstrated that floating photovoltaic systems outperform conventional land solar PV systems under homogeneous conditions,” they concluded. Additionally, they emphasized that FPV integrated with hydropower dams “not only maximizes renewable energy generation but also capitalizes on existing infrastructure, potentially revolutionizing the energy landscape.”

The study included a discussion of challenges faced by FPV systems, noting that factors such as the varying elevation of land in the pathway of the panels – as well as rocks, grass, and other panels – can influence the effectiveness of wind in cooling the panels. It cites a case where the temperature of an FPV was higher than that of a rooftop system during peak sun hours, emphasizing that performance is “highly dependent” on the system’s location.

The group explained that certain limitations emerged from the analyses reviewed in the study. “The existing techno-economic analyses and predictions on FPV performance often rely on software tools, which offer advantages in terms of cost, time, and resource efficiency compared to traditional research methods,” it said. “However, these software tools often require significant modifications to their user interfaces to adequately accommodate the unique characteristics and requirements of FPV systems. Additionally, some studies have found that even reputable solar PV software may not be fully capable of accurately predicting the performance of FPV systems.”

The results of the review are available in the study “Towards sustainable power generation: Recent advancements in floating photovoltaic technologies – ScienceDirect,” which was published in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. The team comprises researchers from Malaysia’s Curtin University and India’s Energy Institute Bangalore and Assam Energy Institute.

The researchers stressed that “there is a pressing need for further development of software dedicated to numerical modeling and prediction specifically tailored for FPV applications. This development would enable more accurate and reliable assessments of FPV performance, contributing to the advancement and widespread adoption of the technology in the renewable energy sector.”

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced more than $366 million for 17 projects across 20 states and 30 tribal nations and communities, to build resilience and energy security in rural and remote areas across the country.

This funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is intended to support community-driven energy projects, such as microgrids for community health centers, which strengthen energy security and delivers economic opportunities in rural and remote regions.

Rural and remote communities face a unique set of energy challenges and often have higher electric bills, unreliable energy supplies and some have no access to electricity at all. For example, 21% of Navajo Nation homes and 35% of Hopi Indian Tribe homes remain unelectrified, according to a 2022 report by DOE’s Office of Indian Energy. Low-income residents consistently face an energy burden three times higher than other households, according to the DOE.

The projects are part of DOE’s Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) program, which is managed by the DOE Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED).  The selected projects cover a range of clean energy technologies, from solar, battery storage systems and microgrids to hydropower, heat pumps, biomass, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Of the 17 funded projects, 12 are solar and 11 of those include energy storage. At least 12 projects will support tribal communities, such as the Navajo and Hopi Nations, who plan to install solar and battery energy storage systems to provide electricity for 300 homes. Another project expects its proposed tribal clean energy projects to save every Taos Pueblo household in its service area an estimated $700 per year by transitioning to clean energy.

Examples of projects selected for award negotiation include:

• The Solar + Storage Microgrids for Rural Community Health Centers Project: (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee): The CHARGE Partnership plans to build energy resilience in Community Health Centers to improve access to reliable health care in low-income, rural communities across eight states in the southeast. The clean, resilient energy systems developed through this project will benefit up to 175 health center sites, ensuring energy reliability and continuity of care during emergencies and power outages. DOE estimates that participating health centers could save up to $45 million in energy costs, avoid millions in losses due to closures, decrease greenhouse gas emissions, and create a scalable, replicable model for remote health care providers, strengthening the resilience of vulnerable communities.
• Resilience and Prosperity in Rural Northern Wisconsin (24 sites across Red Cliff Band Tribal Lands and Bayfield County, Wisconsin): This project seeks to increase regional energy reliability with the deployment of 23 microgrid systems. Wisconsin’s Office of Sustainability and Clean Energy (OSCE) will promote local workforce development. OSCE also aims to deploy solar power, battery storage, smart controls to enable islanding, and electric vehicle charging stations.
• Energizing Rural Hopi and Navajo with Solar Powered Battery-Based Systems (Navajo and Hopi communities in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah): This project plans to install 2.5 kW off-grid solar and battery storage systems to electrify 300 tribal homes, enhancing energy resilience and increasing electrification rates within the community. The project lead, Native Renewables Inc., is committed to an Indigenous-led workforce and has developed a program to increase the number of tribal solar-installation professionals. They will also host training and education for participating households on solar electric energy systems and best practices to ensure the longevity of battery storage systems. his electrification project will fulfill essential household power needs.

Learn more about the 17 projects selected for award negotiation here.

Tribal solar on the rise Native American lands boast serious PV potential in the United States but getting projects off the ground hasn‘t always been easy. Different tribes are willing to take power generation into their own hands and the landscape could be shifting, thanks to funding from the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and other programs.

Fully printable flexible perovskite solar cell achieves 17.6% efficiency Developed by scientists in Canada, the 0.049 cm2 solar cell was built in ambient air fabricationand with a reactant known as phenyltrimethylammonium chloride (PTACl). It achieved an open-circuit voltage of 0.95 V, a short-circuit current density of 23 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 80%.

First Solar could have $5 billion impact on U.S. economy by 2026 A study commissioned by First Solar analyzed the company’s actual and forecast U.S. spending in 2023 and 2026 when the company expects to have 14 GW of annual nameplate capacity across Alabama, Louisiana, and Ohio.

California needs 10 GW of solar deployment in five years, 57.5 GW of new solar added by 2045 For context, the state has about 43GW installed cumulatively to date, according to SEIA. The state’s new 2035 electricity emissions goals include 19 GW of new solar power, 20.6 GW of new wind and 15.7 GW of new battery power.

Construction begins on largest utility-owned solar project in New Hampshire ReVision Energy is building the 4.9 MW solar project on 36 acres of vacant land in Kingston, New Hampshire.

Arizona approves “discriminatory” charge on rooftop solar customers The Arizona Corporation Commission approved a request from utility APS to raise rates and add a punitive charge to rooftop solar customers.

Fire department nets 40% tax credit and $18,000 state rebate for rooftop solar A fire station in Superior, Wisconsin will save on energy bills and cut emissions with solar.

WeaveGrid, Toyota join forces to optimize EV grid charging in utility territories The partnership currently exists in WeaveGrid’s utility programs in Michigan, Maryland, California, Colorado, New Mexico, and Minnesota.

Millions in government funding to advance batteries for planes, trains, and maritime transport Arpa-e announced twelve research awards totaling $15 million to develop electric airplanes, electric railroads and ships servicing the continental U.S.

Field service bridging the gap in solar adoption Three strategies to manage and reduce project costs, access new talent pools and upskill workers, and positively influence public opinion about the worth of these projects.

Nova Scotia launches heat pump initiative Partnering with Canada’s Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program will enable LMI households to receive funding to cover the full cost of switching to a heat pump.

California solar and storage project secures $1.1 billion Arevon Energy secured the funds for a 374 MW solar project with co-located energy storage.

The Government of Canada is working to make heat pumps more affordable for more Canadians through its Oil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA) program. Now Nova Scotia is partnering with the federal government to bring the program to its residents.

Under the program, low-to-median-income households in Nova Scotia that heat their home with oil can apply to receive up to $30,000 in funding to cover the full cost of switching to a cold climate heat pump; $15,000 of which comes from the Government of Canada’s OHPA program and up to $15,000 from the Province of Nova Scotia. Only cold climate heat pumps on this list are eligible. In addition to the funding going toward installation, it can cover the following:

• electrical and mechanical upgrades required for the new heat pump;
• safe removal and/or decommissioning of the oil tank;
• installation of a back-up electric heating system (as required); and
• switching over other oil-using household systems, such as a hot water heater (where necessary).

“Making the switch to more energy-efficient heating systems does not just save energy and reduce families’ carbon footprint — it also helps Canadians save on their utility bills,” said the Honorable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. “That is why we are strengthening the Oil to Heat Pump Affordability program and ensuring that families are supported in making the switch from expensive heating oil to an efficient heat pump.”

In addition to these increased grants, OHPA applicants will also soon be receiving an upfront, one-time payment of $250 from the federal government. This applies to all eligible applicants who heat their homes with oil and sign up for a heat pump through OHPA. This will include those who have signed up since April 1, 2023.

Natural Resources Canada (NRC) estimates that heating the average Canadian home with oil is the most expensive option, costing $2,000 to $5,500 per year, depending on the province or territory. Homeowners who switch from an oil furnace to a cold-climate heat pump could save approximately $1,500 to $4,500 per year on their home energy bills, NRC said.

Heat pumps offer a few major advantages over oil including energy efficiency are health considerations. NRC reports that heat pumps are two to three times more efficient than oil furnaces. Additionally, oil furnaces and boilers generate around three million tons of CO₂ every year in Canada, according to the NRC, the equivalent of pollution from approximately 920,000 cars. Healthwise, oil combustion in heating systems also generates nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and fine particles that can be harmful to humans and the environment.

Nova Scotia residents interested in the program may apply here.

This year’s Powering Africa Summit (PAS) will explore the theme, “Capital Flows Underpinning the Energy Transition.” U.S. government stakeholders, institutional investors, private financiers, and service and technology providers will host ministers from over 15 African countries in Washington, D.C., to discuss energy investment opportunities and assess current policy surrounding equitable access to renewable energy in each country. 

Conversations will explore how to lower Africa’s cost of debt to support the region’s ability to ensure a climate-resilient future. Participants will discuss alternative solutions to sovereign guarantees so investors maintain insurance against defaulted payments due to country-specific risks. 

Stakeholders will also assess how donors and development banks can best support Nigeria in implementing the Nigeria Electricity Act (2023). It was signed into law in June of 2023 to demonopolize electricity generation and promote power produced by renewables.

Policymakers will discuss how to ensure the continued, equitable growth of renewable energy projects in each country. One such example is assessing the progress of Power Africa. The organization works with 49 countries across East, West, Central, and Southern Africa to provide equitable access to electricity through renewable energy. Power Africa is funded by the private sector, international development organizations and global governments. 

Power Africa has allocated over $575 million to strategic investments in Africa’s energy sector since its launch in 2013. Examples include the organization’s route-to-market tool that provides visibility on population density, electrification, telecoms, and road infrastructure in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia so residential companies can find geographic markets. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Power Africa launched Power Africa Powering Health in collaboration with African governments, its partners and the private sector to develop off-grid solutions that electrify health facilities across the continent. 

Power Africa has also invested over $25 billion toward generating more than 140 GW of renewable energy plants across the region. They include installing 318 GW of South Africa’s 581 GW renewable energy portfolio, with solar projects comprising 232 GW. In Nigeria, Power Africa has helped install 3 GW of the country’s renewable energy portfolio, currently at 16 GW, with solar making up 7 MW. 

Speakers include Abebe Selassie, the director of the African Department at the International Monetary Fund and private sector companies like SunAfrica. In June 2023, the Florida-based solar project developer was awarded the Deal of the Year, alongside the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Angola, at the Export-Import Bank of the United States’ 2023 Annual conference. SunAfrica was recognized for its ability to support American jobs through exports. The organization was approved for a $907 million transaction to support the construction of two solar energy power plants in Angola. Both are expected to generate a combined total of over 500 MW of solar power nationwide. 

The Powering Africa Summit will also hear from the Youth Energy Summit (YES!), comprised of African students, young entrepreneurs and professionals. The organization scales education and professional opportunities in the African clean energy sector. During the summit, YES! will collaborate with stakeholders to draft a roadmap for electrifying the continent through learning and development initiatives and private and public corporation recruitment opportunities. 

Interested participants can register to join this year’s summit using this link. 

From pv magazine global

Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVACR) and water heating products provider Rheem recently launched a new heat pump for residential applications.

“The RD17AZ is ideal for when installation locations are constrained,” the manufacturer said. “But is also perfect for any system or replacement option where an efficient, streamlined look is desired.”

The heat pump uses R-410a as a refrigerant and has a size ranging from 2 tons to 5 tons. The heat pump’s number of tons doesn’t refer to its weight but to the tons of heat a home needs.

The new product measures 1,020 mm x 92 mm x 42 mm. It has reportedly a seasonal energy efficiency ratio (SEER2) of up to 19 and a heating seasonal performance factor (HSPF2) of up to 8.5. It features a rated power of 7.0 kW to 17.6 kW and a cooling capacity spanning from 6.7 kW to 15.5 kW.

The manufacturer also said the heat pump uses a 7 mm condenser coil that reduces refrigerant requirements up to 15%. Sound levels are indicated at 58 dB. “Inverter driven, variable speed, twin rotary compressor technology features fully variable cooling and heating operation between 45% to 100% of capacity,” it further explained.

The system also relies on built-in Bluetooth connectivity through which users can receive alerts on their smartphones with the EcoNet app developed by Rheem itself.

“RD17AZ was rated as 2024’s most efficient, even in cold climates, and works with nearly any HVAC system option or as a universal replacement with minimal alterations required,” the company said.

Groups call on TVA’s board to pursue 100% clean energy The federally owned utility TVA has not held a public hearing on its resource planning process, so advocacy groups held their own hearing, presenting a plan for TVA to reach 100% clean energy by 2035. Two groups called for TVA’s board to ensure the utility reaches that target.

Debunking solar myths: Solar is unreliable Part two of Dan Shugar’s series on replacing fiction with facts about solar, when the proverbial Uncle Bob comes to dinner.

Rooftop solar has technical potential to meet 45% of U.S. electricity demand Today, it only represents about 1.5% of the electricity used. A report from Environment America shows how installed rooftop solar increased 1000% in the past decade, and how it has a long runway of growth ahead.

BloombergNEF says global solar installations could hit 574 GW this year BloombergNEF says in a new report that developers deployed 444 GW of new PV capacity throughout the world in 2023. It says new installations could reach 574 GW this year, 627 GW in 2025, and 880 GW in 2030.

U.S. researchers develop perovskite solar mini-module with 19.21% efficiency The scientists built the panel with perovskite solar cells treated with trifluoromethane sulfonate to combat iodide defects. The mini module reportedly achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded for its size to date, with the result being confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).

Raising consumer confidence critical to energy transition, finds EY report Energy providers, government and the broader energy ecosystem must raise up the access, appeal and affordability of clean energy to help speed the transition to clean energy.

U.S. community solar installations expected to more than double by 2028 The cumulative total of community solar installations is expected to reach 14 GW in the United States by 2028, according to a report by Wood Mackenzie.

EY, the global professional services network, released the Energy transition consumer insights report, which finds that only one-third of consumers say they take more actions to improve the environmental sustainability of their lifestyle. With the energy transition upon us, authors of the EY report state that we are dependent on the other 70% for the success of the energy transition.

The EY team arrived at its findings after surveying nearly 100,000 residential energy consumers over a period of three years. These consumers included those who own homes, renters, bill payers and non-bill payers, and represented all ages and income levels.

The report indicates that the low level of consumer confidence in how much more they can do to make sustainable changes indicates that “consumer fatigue” has set in and that we must address this “energy apathy dilemma” immediately if the transition to clean energy is to be successful.

“U.S. consumers are concerned about the costs and accessibility of clean energy options, underscoring the need for energy providers, regulators and policymakers to work together to progress carbon ambitions,” said Trey Thornton, EY Americas power & utilities leader. “Broad consumer action is the biggest driver for demand of lower-carbon and renewable energies, yet our research concludes not enough is being done to spur greater consumer adoption of these products.”

The findings

The report found that “energy apathy” is a common occurrence, as three-quarters of consumers say they’ve done as much as they can to be sustainable. EY research also revealed a decline in climate action on the part of corporations.

Affordability is a concern among those who are not planning to invest in sustainability. For 84% respondents, energy is a budgeted expense, and more than half (67%) indicate they can’t absorb a 10% increase in their energy bill.

Interest is not turning into action, yet, as two-thirds say they are interested in rooftop solar and electric vehicles (EVs), but they won’t invest in them in the next three years. Despite public policy, rebates, credits and other incentives, consumers are not engaging. For example, only 11% of say a heat pump is their first choice of investment in energy products and services planned over the next three years.

Despite the reluctance to invest in sustainable actions, 40% indicate that they don’t know what energy-related actions to take. Only 30% of U.S. respondents are confident that they can access clean energy options and 31% are confident that their energy provider is providing value for them and the community. Furthermore, only 1 in 4 believe that the energy transition is fair and equitable. Low-income respondents and renters were found to be two to three times less likely to invest in new energy solutions.

The bottom line finding in the report is that those in the clean energy industries must shift the ways in which they engage with the consumer in order to help these consumers to make more sustainable choices.

The EY research concludes that consumers must have “affordable, accessible and appealing” energy options in order to take action toward their sustainable energy future. Some consumers distrust new technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and are skeptical of engaging in an all-electric lifestyle.

The report authors state that current approaches taken by the clean energy industries and other stakeholders are not effective or are not working fast enough. They call on energy providers, government and the broader energy ecosystem to make fast changes for the good of the energy transition.

“Energy providers can galvanize this change, transforming energy consumer engagement by first transforming themselves,” said the report. Providers must raise up the access, appeal and affordability of clean energy, and those that get it right will have helped to shape the clean energy future.

Puerto Rico program to bring low-cost solar and batteries to 30,000 households Applications open February 22 for the DOE’s Solar Access Program for eligible single family homeowners in Puerto Rico.

Survey finds 26% of battery storage systems have fire detection and suppression issues The Clean Energy Associate’s survey also found 18% of the energy storage systems had issues with the thermal management system.

Reducing cost of residential solar financing with virtual power plants Solrite Energy says its new power purchase agreement has more agreeable finance terms due to the ability of distributed solar-plus-storage to make money as part of a virtual power plant.

California introduces bill to reevaluate rooftop solar net metering  Assemblymember Laura Friedman introduced a bill that would require the California Public Utilities Commission to consider the costs and benefits of rooftop solar and its non-energy benefits when designing net metering rates.

Solar panel glass plant planned for Georgia Solarcycle plans to invest an estimated $344 million in a solar glass manufacturing facility, bringing 600 new full-time jobs to Polk County and bolstering the U.S. solar supply chain.

Solarcycle, a solar recycling specialist, recently signed a contract with Qcells to recycle its panels. Now the company is stepping into solar glass manufacturing, setting up shop in Georgia to generate 5 GW to 6 GW of solar glass a year.

The U.S. solar manufacturing supply chain is bolstered by new solar module entrants, but it has lagged behind in solar glass manufacturing. Solarcycle aims to change that by taking the circular and sustainable approach of recycling the glass from used or damaged panels to make new solar glass.

The company made the announcement alongside Georgia Governor Brian P. Kemp, stating that Solarcycle’s $344 million investment will create more than 600 new full-time jobs in Polk County.

“Solarcycle’s first-of-its-kind facility is a transformational investment for the Polk County community and will help drive its economy for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “In Georgia, our strong energy mix is one of the key reasons our state has attracted generational investments in recent years. We will keep working to secure our power supply through exciting projects like this one.”

The glass plant, scheduled to begin construction in 2024 and to be operational in 2026, will be located in a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified site in Cedartown. The company reports that the plant will be the first of its facilities to manufacture glass in addition to recycling solar panels.

Solarcycle operates solar recycling facilities in Odessa, Texas and Mesa, Arizona, and has long-term partnerships with more than forty of the largest solar companies in the U.S. to reuse and recycle their solar panels. The new glass facility in Georgia will position Solarcycle as one of the first manufacturers of specialized glass for crystalline-silicon (c-Si) photovoltaics in the U.S., the company reports.

Solarcycle recently inked a recycling deal with Qcells, a major manufacturer of solar modules, also with facilities in Georgia. While the Solarcycle glass announcement does not state that Qcells will be a customer, Qcells operates one of the largest solar manufacturing operations in the United States, with plans to expand production to 8.4 GW annually by the end of 2024.

“The United States’ landmark Inflation Reduction Act has spurred unprecedented levels of domestic manufacturing investments,” said Becca Jones-Albertus, Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, which has invested $1.5 million in Solarcycle’s research and development efforts. “We are excited to see U.S. solar companies expanding their footprint in the domestic solar supply chain and creating economic opportunities in their communities.”

Qcells, a solar module manufacturer providing residential and commercial markets, announced it has entered a partnership with Solarcycle, a recycling company. Under the agreement, Qcells owned and installed solar panels will be recycled after decommissioning.

The agreement marks a landmark deal in solar recycling in the United States. Qcells operates one of the largest solar manufacturing operations in the United States, with plans to expand production to 8.4 GW annually by the end of 2024, adding 4,000 jobs. The company announced a $2.5 billion investment to support this expansion in January 2023.

Solarcycle said its patented recovery process retains 95% of the value of materials in the panel, as opposed to conventional methods, which extract about 50% of the material value. The company recycles aluminum, silver, copper, silicon, and low-iron glass and will send these materials back to the domestic manufacturing value chain, thereby supporting a circular economy.

With the rapid growth in solar energy in the U.S., there is also growing concern about what will happen to solar panels at the end of their useful life. Without an increase in solar recycling, the U.S. will contribute 10 million metric tons of trash in landfills and other waste facilities by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). To put into context, the U.S. dumps almost 140 million tons of waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

“We want our solar panels to not only help our customers cut costs and carbon, but also to be a part of building a more sustainable clean energy industry. Our partnership with Solarcycle will give our panels a life after powering homes, businesses and communities, reducing waste and reusing pieces for all types of technology including solar.”

Solarcycle runs recycling centers in Odessa, Texas and Mesa, Arizona, employing nearly 100 people since opening operations in 2022. The company said it expects to employ over 700 people in the next couple of years.

“Together, we can close the supply chain loop to ensure solar energy is manufactured and recycled in the U.S. using American labor and cutting-edge sustainability practices,” said Suvi Sharma, chief executive officer and co-founder, Solarcycle.

Earlier this month, Solarcycle announced it would move its headquarters to Mesa, AZ and open a research facility at the location. The Mesa facility will initially recycle 250,000 solar panels each year, and ramp to one million panels per year to keep pace with growing market demand in the solar industry for its recycling and circular supply chain services.

The solar recycler has grown its infrastructure footprint nationally through high-volume contracts with industry leaders including AES, EDF Renewables North America, EDP Renewables North America, Greenbacker, Ørsted, Silicon Ranch, and Sunrun.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects that by 2040, recycled panels and materials could help meet 25% to 30% of U.S. domestic solar manufacturing needs.

Super Bowl LVIII will pit the Kansas City Chiefs against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, February 11. This will be the first Super Bowl that takes place in Allegiant Stadium, home of the Raiders, which is 100% powered by renewable energy.

A 100% renewable sports stadium is no easy feat. During a game, an NFL sports stadium can use as much as 10 MW of power for five hours, or 50 MWh. Electric utility NV Energy told a CBS reporter that 10 MW is roughly the equivalent consumption of 46,000 homes.

Allegiant Stadium is taking an all-kinds approach to its sustainability and renewable energy goals. Solar energy is the dominant renewable energy source for the Las Vegas Raiders stadium, whose organization in 2019 entered a 25-year energy supply agreement with NV Energy to purchase generation from an off-site solar array managed by the utility.

The stadium subscribes to a portion of a massive 621,000 solar panel system that also has supply contracts with some of the resorts on the Las Vegas strip.

The solar supply deal took a two-stage approach in which the facility purchases power from the wholesale market, with excess capacity purchased from NV Energy’s current fleet of power plants. Beginning in the second half of 2023, new off-site renewable energy and energy storage facilities will reach commercial operations, and the stadium will source power from these new sites.

The $1.9 billion state-of-the-art stadium has taken many other measures for energy efficiency and emissions reduction. The building is LEED Gold certified, and additionally sources electricity from hydroelectric dams, geothermal energy and wind power.

Other Raiders and Allegiant Stadium sustainability measures include:

• Waste Diversion – The stadium diverts waste from the landfill and currently repurposes, reuses, or donates 20 material streams.
• Food Scrap Collection – On average, 12,000 pounds of kitchen prep cuttings and end-of-event food scraps are collected per large stadium event.
• Cigarette Waste Collection – Allegiant Stadium is the first stadium in the U.S. to divert cigarette waste from the landfill and convert that waste into energy. More than 69,000 Watts of energy have been created from this program.
• Raiders Field Grass Clippings – The field is on a track system that can move the grass outside, allowing for natural sunlight to grow the grass, rather than energy-intensive grow lights inside. The stadium diverts grass clippings to the onsite biomass machine. To date, 160,800 pounds of grass clippings have been composed or diverted.

“It has been and will continue to be our mission to develop and improve sustainable policies that reduce our environmental footprint while bringing world-class concerts, sporting events, and corporate events to Las Vegas,” said Chris Wright, general manager, Allegiant Stadium.

Alaska’s Northwest Arctic Borough is working with nine tribal communities located near the Arctic Circle that have renewable energy systems to create a legal structure for each system converting it into an independent power producer (IPP). Forming an IPP will give each community access to a state subsidy that will lower the cost of renewable power, said Ingemar Mathiasson, the borough’s energy manager, on a webinar sponsored by the Alliance for Clean Energy.

As he spoke, he said the temperature was -45 F in the tribal community of Ambler, and “under those circumstances it’s really hard to keep holding on to renewable energy systems with batteries and everything else involved.”

The communities’ renewable energy systems were built over the past 15 years to reduce the need for costly diesel fuel. As a point of reference, Mathiasson said that the price of stove oil and gasoline in Ambler just went up to $18 per gallon.

Early renewables systems built by the communities relied on wind and hydropower, while newer systems rely more on wind and solar power, Mathiasson said. The year-round average solar capacity factor in the area is 11%, based on the borough’s own measurements.

Unfortunately, although the renewables projects have reduced each community’s use of diesel fuel, the communities have also received a lower subsidy under the state’s Power Cost Equalization (PCE) program, which provides a per-gallon diesel subsidy to support remote utilities dependent on diesel fuel.

Fortunately, however, those working on the renewables projects learned that a tribal community could form an IPP and sell the renewable power to the local utility, in which case the utility’s purchase of the power is considered a fuel cost, thus qualifying for the PCE subsidy.

The Northwest Arctic Borough has helped three communities form IPPs since 2021. One of these, the community of Noatak, recently completed an IPP project with 281 kWdc of solar (250 kWac), and 2-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery storage with 442 kWh capacity.

The six other communities could also add solar and storage and form IPPs if a pending borough grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations secures funding.

Mathiasson shared a projection that the nine Arctic tribal communities plus the nearby town of Kotzebue would have, “at full build-out” of solar IPP projects, a combined 5 MW of solar capacity and 16 MW of battery storage. Those projects would reduce diesel consumption by 328,000 gallons per year and yield annual IPP revenue of $1.8 million.

The grant proposal also requests funding for heat pumps for all households in the region, which would further reduce annual diesel consumption by 223,000 gallons.

The opportunity for similar renewables IPPs across rural Alaska is “very widespread,” said Brian Hirsch, founder and president of Deerstone Consulting. The 15-person consulting firm works primarily in rural Alaska, providing multiple services to support renewable project development.

Hirsch said that achieving 50% renewable penetration on an annual basis “is a big deal, so if you’re at 50%, you’re way ahead of the pack.” Because “the other 50% of your power is still coming from diesel fuel, it’s a partial solution,” but “if you can create a job, you can put some revenue back into the community, that’s great.”

Mathiasson countered that “there is a money restraint, right? Everybody is competing for these monies that are coming out. And it’s not inexpensive to put these systems in. We have a lot of communities out there that could do the same thing. But where would the funding come from for all of them?”

The Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy sponsored the webinar to provide a platform for considering the formation of IPPs within the context of Alaska’s PCE program.

Solarcycle, a solar recycling company, announced the opening of its new headquarters in Mesa, Arizona. In addition to office space and a recycling facility, the headquarters is also equipped with a research lab that will employ scientists and engineers to work on the advancing the material refinement process to reach zero-waste and obtain the most value out of decommissioned panels.

The Mesa facility will initially recycle 250,000 solar panels each year, and ramp to one million panels per year to keep pace with growing market demand in the solar industry for its recycling and circular supply chain services.

With the rapid growth in solar energy in the U.S., there is also growing concern about what will happen to solar panels at the end of their useful life. Without an increase in solar recycling, the U.S. will contribute 10 million metric tons of trash in landfills and other waste facilities by 2050, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). To put into context, the U.S. dumps almost 140 million tons of waste each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Solarcycle reports that its proprietary technology enables the extraction of 95% of the value from recycled panels, including silver, silicon, copper, aluminum and glass. The company sells these higher-purity materials back to the domestic supply chain.

The company says it will create more than 100 local jobs and is hiring for positions in production, engineering, operations, IT, finance, sales and marketing, and management.

Solarcycle, now in its second year of operation, was founded by industry experts from leading corporations and institutions including Solaria, Nextracker, Sierra Club, and the University of New South Wales. The company raised an initial $6.6M seed round in May 2022 from leading renewable energy and circular economy investors including SolarCity founders Peter and Lyndon Rive, former CEO/CTO of Sunpower Corporation Systems Tom Dinwoodie, Urban Innovation Fund and Closed Loop Partners.

Also in its inaugural year, the company opened a facility in Odessa, Texas. To fund that facility the company raised $30 million in Series A funding in 2023, bringing its total funding to $37 million. The infrastructure financing was led by Fifth Wall and HG Ventures. The round also included participation from special situations partner Alok Sindher, Prologis Ventures, as well as existing investors Urban Innovation Fund and Closed Loop Partners.

In April 2023 the U.S. Department of Energy awarded the company a $1.5 million research grant to study the process for recovering higher-quality metals and materials extracted from retired solar panels.  

The solar recycler has grown its infrastructure footprint nationally through high-volume contracts with industry leaders including AES, EDF Renewables North America, EDP Renewables North America, Greenbacker, Ørsted, Silicon Ranch, and Sunrun.

Solarcycle reports that it follows stringent set of systems developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and is actively certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 to recycle and process materials and minerals from solar panels.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory projects that by 2040, recycled panels and materials could help meet 25% to 30% of U.S. domestic solar manufacturing needs.

Solarcycle plans to announce additional facilities across the United States in 2024, with the intention of having a recycling center within 500 miles of 80% of the installed solar in the U.S., Jesse Simons, co-founder and CCO told pv magazine USA. He said the company relies on its logistics professionals to optimize the number of panels on a truck to make the fewest number of trips to bring panels to its sites.

From pv magazine global

Fraunhofer ISE researchers have studied how residential rooftop PV systems could be combined with heat pumps and battery storage.

They assessed the performance of a PV-heat pump-battery system based on a smart-grid (SG) ready control in a single-family house built in 1960 in Freiburg, Germany.

“It was found that the smart control increased the heat pump operation by boosting the set temperatures,” researcher Shubham Baraskar told pv magazine. “The SG-Ready control increased the supply temperature by 4.1 Kelvin for hot water preparation, which then decreased the seasonal performance factor (SPF) by 5.7% from 3.5 to 3.3. Furthermore, for space heating mode the smart control decreased the SPF by 4% from 5.0 to 4.8.”

The SPF is a value similar to the coefficient of performance (COP), with the difference it is calculated over a longer period with varying boundary conditions.

Baraskar and his colleagues explained their findings in “Analysis of the performance and operation of a photovoltaic-battery heat pump system based on field measurement data,” which was recently published in Solar Energy Advances. They said the main advantage of PV-heat pump systems consists of their reduced grid consumption and lower electricity costs.

The heat pump system is a 13.9 kW ground-source heat pump designed with a buffer storage for space heating. It also relies on a storage tank and a freshwater station for producing domestic hot water (DHW). Both storage units are equipped with electric auxiliary heaters.

The PV system is south-oriented and has a tilt angle of 30 degrees. It has a power ouput of 12.3 kW and a module area of 60 square meters. The battery is DC-coupled and has a capacity of 11.7 kWh. The selected house has a heated living space of 256 m2 and an annual heating demand of 84.3 kWh/m²a.

“The DC power from PV and battery units is converted to AC via an inverter which has a maximum AC power of 12 kW and a European efficiency of 95 %,” the researchers explained, noting that the SG-ready control is able to interact with the electricity grid and adjust the system’s operation correspondingly. “During the periods of high grid load, the grid operator can turn off the heat pump operation to reduce the grid strain or can also undergo a forced turn on in the opposite case.”

Under the proposed system configuration, PV power must be initially used for the house loads, with surplus being supplied to the battery. Excess power could only be exported to the grid, if no electricity is required by the household and the battery is completely charged. If both the PV system and the battery are not able to cover the house’s energy demand, the electricity grid can be used.

“The SG-Ready mode is activated when the battery is fully charged or is charging at its maximum power and there is still PV surplus available,” the academics said. “Conversely, the trigger-off condition is met when the instantaneous PV power remains lower than the total building demand for at least 10 minutes.”

Their analysis considered self-consumption levels, solar fraction, heat pump efficiency, and the impact of the PV system and the battery on the heat pump performance efficiency. They used high-resolution 1-minute data from January to December 2022 and found that the SG-Ready control increased the heat pump supply temperatures by 4.1 K for DHW. They also ascertained that system achieved an overall self-consumption of 42.9% during the year, which translates into financial benefits for the homeowners.

“The electricity demand for the [heat pump] was covered by 36% with the PV/battery system, through 51% in domestic hot water mode and 28% in space heating mode,” the research team explained, adding that higher sink temperatures reduced heat pump efficiency by 5.7% in DHW mode and by 4.0% in space heating mode.

“For space heating, a negative effect of the smart control was also found,” Baraskar said. “Due to the SG-Ready control the heat pump operated in space heating above the heating set point temperatures. This was because the control probably increased the storage set temperature and operated the heat pump even though the heat was not needed for space heating. It should also be considered that excessive high storage temperatures can lead to higher storage heat losses.”

The scientists said they will investigate additional PV/heat pump combinations with different system and control concepts in the future.

“It must be noted that these findings are specific for the individual evaluated systems and can vary greatly depending on the building and energy system specifications,” they concluded.

Most of the time when residential PV systems are designed, they are optimized within the limitations of the already-built roof. It is not often that roofs are designed to optimize PV production. But that is the exact opportunity that I get while building not your average dream home.

With years of experience in solar, I assumed that this would be one of the easiest parts of the process – especially for a one-story home with such a high roof surface area to square footage ratio. I thought that all I would need is the right azimuth and tilt. Well, I quickly learned that it’s a bit more complicated.

Luckily, the azimuth was straightforward since the lot is completely open without any obstructions. However, since most houses are designed to align with the road, completely ignoring this rule of thumb feels contrarian. At the same time, using solar orientation and the sun’s ecliptic feels both organic and instinctive to this process. It made me take a step back and wonder how society has distanced itself so much from the natural world that we use something as arbitrary and temporary as a road to orient something as important as our homes. But there was no time for philosophizing when there were important calculations and opportunity costs regarding the roof angle and energy production to consider.

When I was originally dreaming up the house design, I had envisioned a single-pitch roof, with an angle optimized for solar. Since Minnesota has a latitude of about 45°, that is typically the recommended angle for solar panels since that puts them horizontal to the sun during the equinox. But a roof with such a high angle introduces several setbacks. Such a steep roof adds extra volume, increasing build and system installation costs, and therefore the system payback period. Plus, it would create a very inaesthetic and unbalanced building design, with the north exterior wall being double the height of the south wall. In terms of power density, the higher angle creates more surface area, supporting a small C&I system at a 30 kW – much larger than I need.

That’s when we evaluated the clerestory roof, with two differently-angled sloping sides and a vertical, dividing wall. This roof type adds in some additional lighting and ventilation options, while also overcoming many of the challenges of the shed design. Unfortunately, it also creates some weight-bearing structural complications at such a high angle that make the build cost inefficient.

After that, we tried a saltbox roof, which is a pitched roof with unequal sides, one short and high and the other long and low. The thought around this design is that it creates a large surface for a power dense roof.

According to SolarEdge’s Designer tool, if the long, south-facing side were at 34°, I could fit a whopping 55 solar panels for a 22 kWp system to achieve 33 MWh of annual energy production. But this angle is significantly lower than the standard recommendation of 45°, meaning that the energy density would be compromised.

According to Chris Bunch, VP of design and engineering at Powur, the 45° recommendations is “only part of the equation. I think the more important thing is when is electricity going to be used. Is it mostly in the summer? Is mostly in the winter? What sort of energy is driving the heating in the winter and the cooling in the summer? And the anticipated electrical demand throughout the year is important.”

Unfortunately, without an electric bill to show energy usage patterns, this type of information is hard to know in a new build. And it can be even more difficult to estimate for a passive house that is specifically being designed to reduce energy demand. However, in general, houses in Minnesota have a higher energy load in the winter due to the extremely cold weather. And as I’m planning for the house to be all electric, with no gas connection, this will likely hold true. As we were contemplating options, other suggestions arose such as a flat roof or even a ground mount PV system.

But then lightning struck when I suggested turning the saltbox roof 180°, so that the short and high side of the roof would face the south. While that leads to less surface area at a higher angle of 40°, making it less power dense, it becomes more energy dense and better optimized for the higher energy demand in the winter.

With this new roof design, I can fit on a 12 kWp PV system with an annual yield of 18.6 MWh. While this would be 55% the size of the 22 kWp systems mentioned above, its yield would be 56% of the 34° roof and 59% of the 18° roof. And an added benefit of a steeper roof angle according to Bunch is that it can help with snow shedding.

With Minnesota being a standard net-metering incentive structure, this process was more straightforward than it would have been if I were building in a state with a more complex rate structure, such as time of use. As Carina Brockl, CRO of Aurora Solar noted, “Generally south-facing PV systems with less shade are going to do well, but certain net metering programs like the Net Billing Tariff in California actually favor a southwest orientation.”

The other benefit to designing the roof for optimal solar production per Bunch is the ability to plan for all the ventilation and plumbing to be on the north-facing side to both maximize system size and prevent any energy losses from shading.

Now that I have a roof to put over my head, I still need to decide on the components and appliances for energy production, consumption and potentially storage. I’ll be diving into the product choices and the different types of appliances, plus energy efficiency considerations further into the process.

Jessica Fishman is a strategic marketing leader with nearly 20 years’ experience, including seven years as head of global public and media relations at inverter maker SolarEdge. Passionate about addressing climate change by accelerating the clean energy transition, she has worked at leading renewables companies, building marketing and communications departments.

Read the first in the series Building not your average dream home. The second in the series on finding an architect can be viewed here. The third in the series on finding a builder can be viewed here.

It’s becoming increasingly evident that the integration of local grasses and flowers into solar power facilities, whether within the rows of modules or in the spaces between extensive solar panels arrays, enhances the value of neighboring agricultural operations. This growing body of knowledge empowers civil engineers and land management professionals to design solar facilities that not only coexist with but also complement the landscapes – often farmlands – they are situated in.

Consider this: By replacing corn-based energy with solar agrivoltaic systems, the U.S. could meet its entire electricity demand, as solar panels generate about 200 times more energy per acre than corn.

As we dive into this subject, it’s worth noting that solar panels can cultivate microclimates, boosting the grasses consumed by cows and sheep by up to 90%. Adding to this, a recent study of solar facilities managed by Enel revealed a tripling of insect life over five years, with bee populations soaring twentyfold. These solar adjacent insect populations have also been observed significantly contributing to pollination in nearby soybean farms.

The study documented 509 observations of pollinators and beneficial insects across 52 unique observation periods between 2019 and 2022, aligned with the soybean bloom period. Among these, 23 were bees, including 14 native bees and 9 honeybees. Dominating the insect population in soybean fields, syrphid flies accounted for 70% of observed insects, providing natural pest control through their larvae, which voraciously consume soft-bodied pests like aphids, and the adults contribute as excellent pollinators.

In Minnesota, solar power facilities were purposefully designed to support insect populations, ultimately benefiting adjacent agricultural crops, such as soybeans; the nation’s second-largest crop.

In California’s almond orchards, sprawling over 1.3 million acres, retrofitting solar farms with pollinator habitats could yield up to $264 million in annual benefits to farmers. This technique can offset significant costs, like the hefty $400 per acre fee farmers incur for bee pollination services during the bloom season.

Still, the benefits extend beyond financial gains. An analysis of thirty-two solar facilities in Slovakia found a statistically significant increase in the richness, abundance, and diversity of various bird species. The study suggests that solar facilities might offer unique wintertime habitats for birds, thanks to the shelter provided by solar panels.

As the integration of solar power facilities into rural and agricultural landscapes progresses, the potential for these installations to become integral, beneficial components of the landscape becomes increasingly apparent.

The pharmaceutical, chemical, and agricultural biotechnology company, Bayer, which is based in Germany, is putting its sustainability goals into practice with two large-scale solar installations in the U.S.

In Woodland, California, Bayer enlisted Enel North America as developer of the 2.7 MW solar and 1 MW / 2 MWh energy storage system at its vegetable research and development site. Enel is the owner and operator and 100% offtaker, having signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Bayer.

The Woodland solar installation occupies approximately 10 of the 210 acres of the company’s property. The ground-mount system is expected to provide 70% of the site’s electrical energy demand, and avoid approximately 44,732 metric tons of carbon dioxide over the project’s lifetime. In addition, the battery bank will store excess energy for use when the system is not generating power, such as nighttime or in the event of a power outage.

Bayer also plans to have eight electric vehicle chargers installed for employee use later this year. And between the rows of solar panels, flowering cover crops, such as wildflowers, will be planted for pollinator habitat, soil remediation and aesthetic purposes.

“With this new installation, the Woodland site is the most onsite solar-powered operation within Bayer globally,” says Enrique Wehlen, head of sustainability, safety, health & environments (SSHE) North America at Bayer.

The second recently completed project is at Bayer’s main U.S. offices in Whippany, New Jersey. For this project Bayer partnered with DSD Renewables to complete a 1.7 MW ground mount solar installation that is expected to offset approximately 25% of the Whippany site’s total annual usage. The tracker-based installation is comprised of 3,600 modules.

The installation was designed to preserve the surrounding landscape, which involved shifting a fence line, limiting tree removal, adding river rock to match the site’s aesthetic, and coordinating closely with the team at Bayer to ensure its on-site bee colony at Whippany, which is used for tree pollination, was not disrupted.

“This installation is the perfect example of our approach to solar development, engineering, construction, and financing,” says Dan O’Brien, vice president of Commercial Origination at DSD.

Both projects align with Bayer’s sustainability commitments to reach carbon neutrality by 2030 and to achieve net-zero waste across its entire value chain by 2050. A key strategy is to purchase 100% sustainable renewable electricity by 2030. Bayer is embracing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

“These solar installations are a strong signal to our employees, customers and communities where we live and operate of our commitment to GHG emission reduction,” says Delf Bintakies, global head of sustainability, safety, health & environments (SSHE) at Bayer. “Bayer sets specific criteria for its own procurement of green energy. This includes the proximity of energy production facilities to Bayer sites, the use of new sources of generation and a focus on wind and solar power.”

From pv magazine global

Industrial conglomerate Johnson Controls introduced a water-to-water screw heat pump intended for use in small commercial buildings and district heating.

The company said its new York YVWH Water-to-Water Dual Variable Speed Screw Heat Pump is the first of its kind using the R-1234ze refrigerant in North America.

“R-1234ze is a refrigerant with an ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) of 1, enabling the YVWH to go considerably beyond the refrigerant regulations that go into effect starting January 1, 2025, as currently proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,” the company said in a statement.

The new product is currently available in a version with a 200-ton cooling capacity. It offers 703 output for cooling and 1,186 kW for heating.

The company said the system has a combined coefficient of performance of 4.1. It may also use the R-515b refrigerants and can reportedly provide a water temperature of up to 176 F or 80 C, which the manufacturer is the highest ever reached for screw heat pumps.

“At that temperature, the unit can provide 4,050 thousand British thermal units (BTUs) per hour of heating while simultaneously providing 200 tons of chilled water cooling at 5 C,” the manufacturer said. “The YVWH also features variable-speed drive and has excellent turndown that allows it to run with as low as 25% of the design-heating load.”

The heat pump can be operated for heating or cooling separately or for simultaneous heating and cooling.

From pv magazine Global

An eager grad student recently asked me, “How do you handle all the seemingly bad news for solar and difficult pathways to get it all done?” I have a simple answer: you just have to be willing to run through a few brick walls.

Having recently attended the second annual AgriVoltaics Europe conference, in Amsterdam, I am realizing that the United States has run through enough brick walls with regards to agrivoltaics in the last three years to almost be caught up with Europe, at least in terms of policy.

The United States has responded tremendously to agrivoltaics in recent years. There is now a 1.3 GW agrivoltaic array in northern Indiana, in New York state, which will deliver its first specialty crop array in 2024 and the Shines program, in Illinois, has more than 50 projects which are choosing to include agricultural production within half of their arrays. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) says that there is nearly 6 GW of agrivoltaic generation capacity operating in the United States, ranging from solar panels on grazing pasture to crop fields. In Amsterdam I was unable to get a concrete answer about how many megawatts of agrivoltaic capacity there is in Europe and the United Kingdom, so kudos is due to the NREL for aggregating the data at a national scale for the United States.

Small-scale

I would expect the small-scale, “distributed generation” programs in Illinois, New Jersey, and Maryland alone to increase their generation capacity by a gigawatt over the next 18 months and there are many more gigawatts in the pipeline at the utility scale.

In Europe, there may be more specialty-crop and commodity-crop installations but countries in the European Union are still struggling along without an overarching definition of agrivoltaics. This is leaving nations to develop their own definitions and to do more work than necessary to develop technical specifications. The United States is in a similar spot but has an opportunity to clarify the definition of agrivoltaics at the federal level through the cross-party Baldwin-Grassley Protecting the Future of Farmland Act. At Lightstar, we are hopeful that a definition of agrivoltaics will be included in the 2023/24 Farm Bill. A definition would supercharge the agrivoltaics market in the United States and streamline many questions that remain at a local level.

Europe is dealing with an increasing energy cost burden and there is a similar position in the United States because both markets still rely on a natural gas supply that is deeply vulnerable to political and economic unrest. One remark that stood out at the AgriVoltaics Europe conference was, “the end of incentives for solar in Europe is here.” That reality is driving more off-the-shelf racking to be deployed and such projects don’t look dissimilar to many configurations already used in the US utility and distributed-generation markets. I was consistently told by attendees in Amsterdam that the opportunity to scale agrivoltaics further lies in momentum, in the United States, for using two-in-portrait solar panel configurations, although, Italy did just approve €1.7 billion ($1.84 billion) in incentives for agrivoltaics.

Working at height

That will go a long way because Italy maintains flexible design standards and will award incentives to projects that are a minimum of 6 ft 8 in off the ground. The height of two-in-portrait arrays in the United States is typically at least seven feet. Italy is incentivizing smart solar design without increasing materials costs dramatically.

Obviously the United States has more farmland than Europe but the fact remains that each US state is land constrained because of the finite amount of electric grid interconnection capacity and productive farmland.

It was also incredibly helpful to see large European energy companies such as RWE and EDF doing distributed-generation projects in northern Europe – that region has the same solar yield as the middle of Quebec. With our more generous solar yields, south of Canada, we know that we can grow food and produce solar at the same time. In fact, we can do it at scale. That is, provided the industry and local decision makers have sufficient courage.

The United States has utilized the last 15 years of research built up in Europe to correctly size agrivoltaics for the United States market. In my final presentation at the conference in Amsterdam, I joked that Europe may have started it but we’ll do it faster – and bigger. That’s the American way.

About the author: Lucy Bullock-Sieger is vice president of strategy at Lightstar Renewables and works with advocacy organizations, industry colleagues, legislators, and administration officials to advocate for sustainable, equitable solar policy. She is an expert in, and advocate for community solar and agricultural land use issues and has advanced United States solar-plus-agriculture policies. As committee chair for the Coalition for Community Solar Access New Jersey, she leads efforts to inform and realize solar policy across the state.