Author: solarenergy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today invested $9.5 million in four new projects to support social science research that examines the ways in which siting practices can influence public attitudes toward and permitting of large-scale solar energy facilities. The research will provide actionable insights that improve outcomes for host communities – especially those that are underserved – and the solar industry. This work supports DOE’s goal of achieving 100% clean electricity by 2035, which will require hundreds of gigawatts of solar capacity over the next decade. “Solar energy can support regional sustainability goals, unlock stronger economies, and increase access…
Two solar panel brands have today achieved the strict sustainability criteria of the Global Electronics Council (GEC), making them a reality EPEAT registered products. Qcells’ Q.TRON and Q.PEAK DUO crystalline silicon module lines and First Solar’s Series 6 Plus and Series 7 TR1 cadmium-telluride thin-film panels are the first in the industry to achieve the EPEAT designation. EPEAT is a globally recognized eco-label that includes independent validation and allows the easy identification of environmentally friendly products from socially responsible companies. EPEAT focuses on the entire life cycle of a product, including the management of substances in the product, energy and…
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) discussed the financing landscape for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) and mechanisms to accelerate the energy transition at the 4th United Nations International Conference on Small Island Developing States. June 4, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Rick Jamison, UnsplashIRENA has issued a call to support the deployment of renewable energy sources in SIDS with a minimum investment of $10 billion by 2030.IRENA’s SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) held a session at the UN’s 4th International Conference on SIDS (SIDS4) in Antigua and Barbuda this week to identify financing mechanisms to support SIDS’s sustainable energy goals.The speakers…
Finlay Colville speaking at the UK Solar Summit in London this morning. Image: Solar Power Portal The Solar Power Portal team is attending the UK Solar Summit 2024 in London today (4 June). Our rolling coverage of the event can be found here. This article will be updated throughout the day as the event progresses. An ‘absence of decision-making’ in government has been holding back the development of Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) in the UK. Gareth Phillips, partner at Pinset Masons, said that there are currently 35 NSIP projects registered with the Planning Inspectorate amounting to around 15GW of…
Researchers from the US and South Korea have developed a method to make high-quality perovskite films at room temperature. The film was tested in a conventional perovskite solar cell architecture and the result was an energy conversion efficiency of more than 24%. June 4, 2024 Valerie ThompsonAn international research team has developed a method to make high-quality perovskite films at room temperature for applications in perovskite solar cells. The new process avoids thermal annealing and additional post-treatments.The team selected a perovskite compound known as (CsX(FA0.92MA0.08)1−xPb(i0.92Br0.08)3), which was converted to a-FAPbI3 at room temperature. Further conversion was promoted by the addition…
Researchers in South Korea have successfully demonstrated the use of free ambient air as a fuel, using a sodium-based solid electrolyte to tackle the carbonate problem holding back the rollout of metal-air batteries. Their sodium-air battery cell has demonstrated high efficiency, increased energy density and a wide voltage range. June 4, 2024 Marija Maisch Battery diagramImage: Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Nature Communication, Common License CC BY 4.0From pv magazine ESS news placeMetal-air batteries, using lithium or sodium, have been of great interest because of their exceptionally high theoretical gravimetric energy densities. These batteries rely primarily on the…
The PDR revision removes the 50 kW upper limit for permitted solar rights on roofs of domestic and non-domestic buildings. Image: SolarEdge The Scottish Government’s review of Permitted Development Rights (PDRs) for rooftop solar has officially come into effect, eliminating the need for planning permission. The long-awaited legislation is expected to have a “real significant benefit for business and commercial rooftops to help reduce energy costs”, according to Solar Energy UK, with the PDR revision removing the 50 kW upper limit for permitted rooftop solar allowances on domestic and non-urban area. domestic buildings. Solar Energy UK also announced that the…
The European Commission says it has started work on a new pilot mechanism, and Italy has agreed to expand cooperation with Austria and Germany, while supporting cooperation between Italian companies and Finland’s Wärtsilä. June 4, 2024 Sergio Matalucci Kadri SimsonImage: EC – Audiovisual service, Jennifer Jacquemartthe European Commission has started work on a pilot mechanism to collect, process and make accessible information on the supply and demand of renewable, low-carbon hydrogen and derivatives, to support the continent’s hydrogen market. “The new mechanism has been created under the recently adopted low-carbon gases and hydrogen package And aims to accelerate investments by…
It’s quite something to unexpectedly find yourself in the eye of the storm. One day I was CEO in a niche sector, the next day I was in the middle of a heated public debate. My sector, the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM), and my former organization work with carbon credits and set standards for their generation. Over the 25 years I have worked with carbon credits, I have witnessed the evolution of perceptions about this once small but innovative climate solution becoming increasingly polarized – with market stakeholders arguing that carbon finance is diverting critical funding to important mitigation efforts…
American farmers reported increased interest in leasing land for solar energy production, according to the monthly magazine Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer Table of contents. In addition, views on agricultural land values also saw a boost thanks to clean energy production at agricultural sites. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted May 13-17.The index shows that interest in leasing agricultural land for solar energy production is increasing, according to recent research results. In both April and May, about 20% of respondents (compared to just 12% in March) discussed leasing agricultural land for solar energy production in the past…