News

Agrivoltaics Expansion in New York and Rhode Island's Energy Storage Initiative: New York sees a rise in agrivoltaic projects, combining solar panels with agriculture. Rhode Island's new Energy Storage Systems Act aims for 90 MW of energy storage by 2026, supported by financial incentives. DOE and IRS Developments: The U.S. Department of Energy invests $9.5 million to study public attitudes on large-scale solar projects. The IRS finalizes rules under the Inflation Reduction Act for solar project wages and apprenticeships. NYSERDA's Agrivoltaic Funding and New York's Solar Advocacy: NYSERDA offers $5 million for agrivoltaic projects, promoting solar-agriculture integration. The New York Solar Energy Industries Association urges doubling the state’s distributed solar goal to 20 GW by 2035. Massachusetts Senate Advances Renewable Energy Legislation: SB 2829 moves forward to streamline solar permits, boost electric vehicle adoption, and advance renewable energy goals. Texas Launches $500 Million Solar Expansion Act: Governor Greg Abbott introduces a $500 million initiative to add 5,000 MW of solar capacity by 2028, creating jobs and enhancing Texas' renewable energy infrastructure. These updates reflect ongoing efforts nationwide to strengthen solar energy integration and advance sustainable energy solutions.

UL Solutions has launched the UL 9540B Outline of Investigation for Large-Scale Fire Test for Residential Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), enhancing fire safety evaluations specifically for residential settings. This new protocol includes rigorous ignition scenarios and stringent criteria to assess fire propagation behavior, addressing the unique challenges of thermal runaway events in residential BESS. Unlike previous standards focused on larger systems, UL 9540B complements existing UL 9540 and UL 9540A standards, providing a detailed assessment for residential applications. It aims to generate comprehensive fire data to assist fire officials, rather than replacing UL 9540A compliance testing. "UL Solutions listened to fire service concerns and developed a balanced test solution for safer, cost-effective residential BESS," said Robert Marshall, deputy chief of San Mateo Consolidated Fire Protection District. Milan Dotlich, VP and GM of UL Solutions Energy and Industrial Automation group, emphasized the company's commitment to safety in the energy transition. "UL 9540B demonstrates our dedication to providing effective safety resources for the renewable energy shift," Dotlich remarked. This new standard is a vital step in ensuring the safe deployment of residential BESS, aligning with the growing demand for renewable energy solutions.

Governor Daniel McKee signed the 2024 Energy Storage Systems Act into law on June 26, marking a major milestone in Rhode Island's clean energy journey. Championed by State Senator Dawn Euer and State Representative Arthur Handy, the Act aims to bolster the state's energy infrastructure and promote sustainable development. Key Features: Storage Targets: Goals of 90 MW by 2026, 195 MW by 2028, and 600 MW by 2033. Infrastructure Programs: Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank will develop energy storage programs. Storage Procurements: Public Utility Commission can mandate cost-effective storage system procurements. Kat Burnham of Advanced Energy United highlighted the benefits, stating that energy storage will enhance grid reliability, reduce costs, and create jobs. This Act is a crucial step in Rhode Island’s commitment to a 100% clean energy future, fostering economic growth and sustainability.

Oxford PV, a spin-off from the University of Oxford, has achieved a new world record in solar panel efficiency. Their 60-cell residential-size solar panel now boasts a conversion efficiency of 26.9%, surpassing the current leading silicon panels that are around 25%. This efficiency was independently verified by Germany's Fraunhofer CalLab, a renowned authority in solar energy testing. Oxford PV's breakthrough is due to their use of perovskite-on-silicon tandem solar cells, a technology that combines the strengths of both perovskite and silicon. These tandem cells have the potential to reach efficiencies over 43%, far exceeding the theoretical limit of less than 30% for traditional silicon solar cells. Based in Yarnton, England, Oxford PV produces these advanced solar cells at their facility in Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany. The company is planning to increase production to gigawatt volumes in the coming years, with a clear path to further improve their solar panel efficiency beyond 30%. This innovation represents a significant advancement in the solar industry, promising to make solar energy more efficient and accessible worldwide. As Oxford PV continues to develop and expand, the future of solar power looks increasingly promising.

Energy Support Services, a subsidiary of New Energy Equity, has introduced an innovative solution for vegetation management at a DSD Renewables solar project in Winchester, Virginia. The 1.8-MW solar installation at The Village at Orchard Ridge (TVOR) retirement community faced challenges due to its rocky terrain, making traditional mowing impractical. In response, Energy Support Services partnered with Katahdin Acres, a member of the American Solar Grazing Association (ASGA), to use sheep and pigs for effective and eco-friendly vegetation control. Conrad Gross, General Manager of Energy Support Services, highlighted the collaboration: "By utilizing the solar grazing association’s directory and partnering with Katahdin Acres, the Winchester community is generating renewable energy in an otherwise challenging location. We are proud to have found a solution that supports both DSD and the retirement community." Residents initially had concerns about the welfare of the grazing animals. To address this, Katahdin Acres organized a "meet-and-greet" event, allowing residents to interact with the kunekune pigs and sheep. This event provided reassurance about the animals’ diet, shelter, and protection from wildlife. David Eisenbud, Senior Director of Origination at DSD, emphasized the benefits: "Using sheep and pigs for vegetation management not only helps maintain the grounds but also provides a safe environment for the animals. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to innovative, carbon-reducing solutions in the communities we serve." The project has already seen significant benefits. Maintenance costs have been reduced to 60% compared to traditional mowing, and the forage profile has improved from the initial weedy growth. Additionally, the birth of lambs this spring indicates a thriving ecosystem. This successful project highlights the potential for sustainable and cost-effective solutions in renewable energy maintenance, setting a new standard for similar initiatives nationwide.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has launched a new large-scale renewable energy initiative aimed at providing clean electricity throughout the state. This solicitation, part of New York’s 10-Point Action Plan, seeks proposals for significant land-based renewable energy projects. These projects are expected to generate billions in clean energy investments and create thousands of well-paying jobs, driving the state's green economy forward. Governor Hochul emphasized the initiative’s importance in meeting New York's environmental goals. "New York is committed to building a clean energy economy that reduces emissions and creates thousands of good-paying jobs while boosting economic growth," she said. "The selected projects will help us provide affordable, reliable, zero-emission electricity for all New Yorkers." This effort is a crucial step towards achieving the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act goal of sourcing 70% of New York's electricity from renewable sources by 2030. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will manage the solicitation, incorporating key elements from previous procurement rounds such as inflation indexing, labor requirements, stakeholder engagement, climate resiliency in project designs, and commitments to disadvantaged communities and agricultural land preservation. These measures aim to ensure an equitable and sustainable energy transition. The proposal submission process will occur in two stages, with eligibility requirements due by July 15, 2024, and final proposals due by August 8, 2024. Conditional award notifications are expected in September 2024. More information is available on NYSERDA’s Large-Scale Renewables Solicitation page. This initiative reaffirms New York’s commitment to a sustainable and prosperous future, positioning the state as a leader in the transition to clean and reliable energy.

The Zen Center of Denver (ZCD) has launched a new 9.7-kilowatt solar installation in partnership with RE-volv, marking a significant step towards sustainability. Founded in 1974 and relocated in 2019, ZCD celebrated the commissioning of their solar array on June 15, emphasizing their commitment to environmental responsibility. This initiative is set to save ZCD nearly $80,000 in electricity costs over the next 20 years and drastically reduce their carbon footprint by moving away from coal and natural gas. Joyce McLaren, a ZCD board member, expressed enthusiasm: "I am thrilled to support our solar initiative, which aligns with our values of sustainability and community service." Through RE-volv, ZCD will benefit from a 15% reduction in monthly electricity expenses compared to traditional utility bills. The installation by Bluecore Solar underscores their commitment to quality and expertise. Andreas Karelas, Executive Director of RE-volv, highlighted the collaboration's significance: "RE-volv is proud to partner with ZCD in their solar transition, reflecting our shared commitment to sustainability." The inauguration included an open house with solar education sessions, food trucks, and discussions aimed at inspiring others to adopt renewable energy solutions. With Colorado's supportive solar policies and abundant sunshine, ZCD sets an example for nonprofits and businesses alike, contributing to a greener future.

The U.S. energy storage market achieved a record-breaking first quarter in 2024, installing 1,265 MW of capacity—a remarkable 84% increase from Q1 2023. The "US Energy Storage Monitor" report from Wood Mackenzie and the American Clean Power Association (ACP) highlights this milestone, with the grid-scale segment leading at 993 MW. Nevada, California, and Texas contributed 90% of this new capacity. John Hensley, Vice President of Markets and Policy Analysis at ACP, emphasized the significance of this growth in addressing energy demand and grid stress due to variable weather. He noted, "The rapid expansion of the energy storage industry is critical as it addresses increasing energy demand and variable weather conditions that stress the grid." The residential segment also set a record with 250 MW installed, driven by California's 24% quarterly increase. This growth represents an 8% increase from the previous record in Q4 2023, showcasing the expanding adoption of residential energy storage solutions. Despite a 43% decline in the community, commercial, and industrial (CCI) segment, future deployments are expected to rise with new projects in the pipeline. California's stagnation and slower quarters in New York and Massachusetts contributed to this decline, but the transition from NEM 2.0 to NEM 3.0 in California is anticipated to boost future deployments. Projections for 2024 suggest the grid-scale segment will reach 11.1 GW, with Texas expected to surpass California in new capacity due to price volatility and expanding renewable energy sources in its less regulated market. This represents a 45% year-over-year increase, indicating strong growth potential. Overall, the U.S. energy storage market is poised to deploy 12.9 GW in 2024 and 75 GW by 2028, indicating a strong future for the industry. The five-year grid-scale forecast has increased by 5% quarter-on-quarter, driven by a robust pipeline of announced projects, bringing the cumulative volume of new additions to 62.2 GW by 2028.

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability, Nunavut, Canada’s northern territory, is launching a pioneering wind energy project. This initiative aims to reduce the region’s heavy reliance on diesel fuel, combatting greenhouse gas emissions in the Arctic. Designed to withstand extreme Arctic conditions, specialized 15-meter turbines are being developed through collaboration between Polar Knowledge Canada and the Canadian High Arctic Research Station in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut. These turbines are tailored to harness the region’s powerful winds effectively, ensuring reliable energy generation without excessive height requirements. Jill Hass, engineer and clean energy manager at Polar Knowledge Canada, expressed confidence in wind energy as a viable alternative for Arctic communities. The project targets replacing diesel-powered generators in all 25 Nunavut communities, currently consuming 55 million liters (14.5 million US gallons) annually. This shift is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions while enhancing energy security in remote areas. Beyond installation, the research teams are committed to knowledge sharing, empowering other Nunavut communities to adopt sustainable energy solutions. This collaborative effort not only promises environmental benefits but also fosters local energy independence and resilience. As Nunavut leads the charge towards sustainable energy in the Arctic, the implementation of wind turbines marks a crucial step in mitigating climate impact and promoting a cleaner future for Canada’s northernmost communities.

The United States solar panel manufacturing sector has achieved an unprecedented 71 percent increase in capacity during the first quarter of 2024, adding 11 gigawatts (GW) of new capacity. This growth sets a new record for the US solar industry. US Solar Capacity Soars The US Solar Marketing Insight report by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and Wood Mackenzie reveals that the nation's solar panel manufacturing capacity now exceeds 26 GW annually. Additionally, the US has already installed 11.8 GW of new solar capacity this year, pushing the total installed capacity to over 200 GW. Continued Growth in 2024 Wood Mackenzie projects an additional 40 GW of solar projects for 2024, reflecting the robust health of the US solar industry. “This quarter proves that new federal investments in clean energy are revitalizing American manufacturing and strengthening our nation’s energy economy,” said Abigail Ross Hopper, President and CEO of SEIA. Leading States in Solar Expansion Texas and Florida led the way in utility-scale solar growth in the first quarter, with Ohio and New Mexico also making significant contributions. Bright Future for US Solar Manufacturing The rapid expansion in solar manufacturing and installation showcases the effectiveness of recent federal policies promoting renewable energy, driving job creation, and contributing to a sustainable energy future.