US developers added nearly 10 GW of utility-scale PV in first 10 months of 2021
US solar developers built almost 10 GW of new utility-scale solar in the United States in the first 10 months of last year, which is a record for that time frame.
Bringing dead lithium back to life to boost battery lifespans
Researchers at Stanford University and the US Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have explored the potential recovery of lost capacity in lithium batteries by using an extremely fast discharging step to reconnect an island of inactive lithium with the anode. Adding this extra step slowed the degradation of their test battery and increased its lifespan by nearly 30%.
GAF Energy launches Timberline nailable solar tile
GAF Energy manufactures its Timberline solar tiles at a new facility in California. It claims that the Timberline Solar roof system is unique because it directly integrates solar technology into traditional roofing processes and materials.
Koch Investments unit invests $150 million in GameChange Solar
Koch Strategic Platforms, a subsidiary of Koch Investments Group, has invested in GameChange Solar, a commercial and utility-scale solar racking provider, in a clear divergence from its earlier anti-solar strategies.
Bluetti launches sodium-ion solar generator
Bluetti’s NA300 sodium-ion solar generator offers thermal stability, fast-charging capacity, low-temperature performance, and integration efficiency.
Enphase enters EV charging market
The completed acquisition of ClipperCreek launches Enphase Energy into the fast-growing market for electric vehicle charging systems.
NASA telescope deploys solar array
NASA sent the world’s most powerful telescope into space on Dec. 25. It deployed and powered a related PV array 30 minutes after launch.
CPIA pushes back against US ban on solar imports from Xinjiang
The China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) has criticized the adoption of the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act by the United Stats Congress, which bars all imports from China’s Xinjiang region, and urged the country to stop spreading harmful rumors.
Lightsource BP closes $376 million in financing, breaks ground on two massive US projects
The 293MW Sun Mountain solar project, set to be located in Pueblo, Colorado, and the 173MW Bellflower solar project, set to be constructed east of Indianapolis will each be among the largest in their respective states.
PV and energy storage expected to comprise 62% of US capacity additions 2022-23
The US is expected to add 78GW generating capacity over the next two years, 49GW of which is expected to be large-scale solar and energy storage.
