North America

The US module maker plans to start shutting down production in Hillsboro in March. Around 170 employees are affected by the closure. At the same time, however, Sunpower is examining other options for continued operation.

Researchers from the U.S. Department of Energy have shown that urban landscapes and man-made aerosols have the potential to accelerate the formation of hail storms – a clear threat for PV arrays.

A new paper from scientists in China and Canada examines the recent progress in the development of perovskite-silicon tandem cells, finding a technology that’s poised for rapid commercialization, with a few research challenges still to overcome. These are primarily related to ensuring the perovskite layer can match the lifetime of the silicon cell underneath.

Agrivoltaics could result in more food, more energy, lower water demand, lower carbon emissions, and more prosperous rural communities, says an Oregon State University researcher. He plans to build a farm to prove the point.

Xcel Energy wants to build solar projects of at least 75 MW that interconnect to the existing infrastructure at its Sherco plant in Minnesota.

Polaron formation in perovskite solar cells has been indicated in scientific research as a possible factor for making this kind of cell particularly efficient, although the mechanism behind polarons’ action is completely unknown. A U.S. research group has now observed how polaron distortions form and grow.

Scientists in the United States claim that further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of kinetic stabilization strategies to increase cell voltage in redox flow batteries and bring them closer to commercial viability.

The renewable energy division of the Portuguese power company has concluded a $684 million deal with Canadian investment group Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure for a wind and solar portfolio in the United States.

Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure unit previously acquired a 30% stake in Arlington Valley Solar Energy II as part of the acquisition of three PV projects from LS Power in November.

The economic feasibility of plant factories has been questionable because of energy costs. Now, customers of one containerized farm provider in the United States can opt for 100% clean energy with a subscription service.