Author: solarenergy
Scientists in Korea have manufactured a solar charging device that can reportedly achieve a power density of 2,555.6 W kg and an energy efficiency of 63%. The system uses nickel-based compounds to improve the electrochemical performance of the electrodes. January 9, 2025 Emiliano Bellini Researchers at the Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST) in South Korea have developed a faradaic supercapacitor that can reportedly achieve high energy and power density thanks to transition metal-based electrode materials. To build these electrodes, the scientists used a nickel-based carbonate and hydroxide composite material, which is said to optimize their conductivity and…
The Chilean Association for Renewable Energy and Storage (Acera) says 3 GW of energy storage projects have gotten off the ground and another 15 GW are in the environmental permitting phase. January 9, 2025 Luis Ini Chile’s first solar-plus-storage project. Image: oEnergy / Huawei By ESS news According to the latest renewable energy figures published by Acera, Chile had 3 GW of energy storage projects operational, tested or under construction as of November 2024. Another 15 GW of various types of energy storage projects were undergoing environmental assessment or had obtained permits in a year that saw a record $5.7…
Techno-economic analyzes conducted by NREL researchers have shown how perovskite-silicon tandem solar panels are currently barely cost-competitive with existing PV panels. Manufacturing costs for U.S.-made tandem products were found to range between $0.29/W and $0.42/W, with module efficiencies ranging from 25% to 30%. January 9, 2025 Emiliano Bellini Photovoltaic modules based on perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells could be produced in the United States at a minimum sustainable price of $0.35/W, according to a techno-economic analysis conducted by researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). US Department of Energy. . “Our work is based on data we collected over the…
UGE announced that it has reached commercial operation (COD) on six new solar projects totaling 16 MW. The projects include UGE’s first two community solar projects in Maryland; its first community solar project in Oregon, a second municipal PPA project in Texas; and two community solar projects in Maine. With the completion of these six projects, UGE’s operating portfolio now stands at 24 MW, with projects operating across six states. The Maryland, Oregon, and Maine projects will all join their respective states’ community solar programs, bringing cheaper, cleaner electricity to households and businesses that aren’t able to install solar on…
A consent decree is expected this year. Image: RES RES has submitted a planning application for a proposed 100MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Planning documents indicate that the Shaneragh development is likely to consist of 116 battery storage containers, in addition to a 110kV BESS substation and a 110kV Distribution Network Operator (DNO) substation. In addition, a number of biodiversity improvements have been proposed for the site, including the planting of native hedgerows and grasslands. According to RES, the site was chosen primarily for its proximity to the Dromore substation, which it will connect…
The Michigan-based manufacturer supplies solar polysilicon used in the production of monocrystalline blocks and wafers used in solar cells. January 9, 2025 Anne Fischer By pv magazine USA The U.S. Department of Commerce awarded Hemlock Semiconductor (HSC) up to $325 million in direct funding under the CHIPS Incentives Program’s Funding Opportunity for Commercial Fabrication Facilities (CHIPS and Science Act). Hemlock Semiconductor is one of the few U.S.-based manufacturers of hyperpure polysilicon for the semiconductor and solar industries. Earlier this month, REC Silicon, a potential leader in polysilicon manufacturing, announced that this is the case discontinuation of polysilicon production at the…
The Fengning pumped storage plant, the world’s largest plant of its kind, became fully operational with the commissioning of the last variable speed unit on December 31. The plant, located in Fengning County, Hebei Province, near Beijing and Tianjin, is a key part of China’s renewable energy infrastructure, supporting a nearby 10 GW wind and solar power base in nearby Zhangjiakou. The project, developed by State Grid Xinyuan Group Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of the State Grid Corporation of China, represents a total investment of CNY 19.24 billion ($2.6 billion). Construction started in May 2013 and took more than eleven…
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) has released a final decision to allow virtual power plants (VPPs) to compete directly with large-scale generators in the energy market, expected to launch in 2027. January 9, 2025 Ev Foley By pv magazine Australia The AEMC has released a final decision making this possible VPPs to compete directly with large-scale producers in the Australian energy market, to the benefit of all consumers through significant cost savings, lower emissions and better energy prices. The reforms will create efficiencies by allowing VPPs and commercial and industrial demand response and aggregated batteries to compete directly with…
The government of the Canadian province of Ontario will launch an energy rebate program later this month, offering up to 30% off the cost of residential rooftop solar panels, heat pumps and residential battery storage. January 9, 2025 Patrick Jowett The government of Ontario, Canadalaunches a new discount scheme for renovations and improvements to the energy efficiency of homes. The Home Renovation Savings Program, which launches on January 28, will cover up to 30% of the cost of new heat pumps, rooftop solar panels and battery storage, as well as new windows, doors and insulation. Later this year, the program…
On January 7, the Treasury Department and the IRS were released final rules for the Clean Electricity Investment and Production Tax Credits – also known as the Technology Neutral Credits – in tax code sections 45Y and 48E. The Clean Electricity Credits encourage innovation by allowing new zero-emission technologies to develop over time, while also providing sustainable incentives for companies to invest in clean energy technologies that are already contributing to clean energy investment and boom in production. The final rules provide important clarity and certainty about which clean electricity and zero-emission technologies are eligible for the credits – including…