Weekend Read: New turf for thin films
Thin-film technologies have long promised to make a major impact on the solar industry but have largely been constrained to niche applications and research labs if they were not shredded by the market. After several false starts, current trade dynamics and promising research programs may help solar thin films find their place in the sun.
The Hydrogen Stream: US could get 13% industrial heat from hydrogen by 2050
Deloitte says blue and green hydrogen could supply 13% of US industrial process heat by 2050 with strong policy incentives, carbon pricing, and hydrogen supply targets as primary policy variables.
California proposes income-based fixed electricity charges
California is looking to implement fixed monthly charges on utility bills, but the potential impact on residential solar remains unclear.
Robotic pile driver faster than manual versions, says US startup
Built Robotics says its RPD 35 autonomous robotic pile driving system is three to five times faster than manual pile driving platforms.
Enel finalizing site for 3 GW solar panel and cell factory in Oklahoma
The U.S. manufacturing site will start with 3 GW of production capacity, with plans to double to 6 GW.
Carrier to buy Viessmann’s heat pump business
Carrier, a US-based heating specialist, is set to acquire Germany’s Viessmann Climate Solutions in a €12 billion ($13.27 billion) deal. The acquisition will see Viessmann’s heat pump business fall into the hands of one of the leading market players in the United States, as Carrier looks to expand its reach in the rapidly growing European heat pump market.
SunPower paid customers via app to support grid at peak demand
SunPower customers can earn rewards by managing electricity use during peak electricity demand hours, as part of a virtual power plant partnership with OhmConnect.
Solar can promote biocrust formation in deserts
Biocrusts are microbe-rich deposits in soil that are crucial to ecosystem sustainability in arid environments. US researchers are restoring biocrusts with the help of shade from solar.
Biden to maintain US solar tariff pause with veto
US legislators are moving to restore tariffs for the shipment of solar components from four major Southeast Asian nations, but US President Joe Biden will veto the move and maintain the pause on tariffs.
US government commits $250 million to domestic heat pump production
The US authorities will offer new funds under the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) to build a clean energy economy, create new manufacturing jobs, and help families to save money on their energy bills.
