25

Jul

Dr Harald Överholm is the founder and CEO of Alight, one of the EU’s leading corporate solar providers. He is also a former member of the International Energy Agency’s PVPS workgroup on solar business models. Here he gives us his take on why he thinks solar is the best renewable source of power we have at our disposal. It is clear that the energy transition is underway and moving at a positive trajectory. Our future will be driven forward by an almost 100 per cent mix of solar and wind energy coupled with battery storage - with rapid further electrification of transport and heating too. I can confidently say that this vision is perfectly feasible within the next decade. And what’s more, this future will have a very low CO2 footprint and usher in a new era of energy security and independence. One thing that is important to point out is that short-term compromises need to be accepted in order to achieve this long-term vision and endpoint.

30

Jul

The U.S. Department of Energy has launched the Cadmium Telluride Accelerator Consortium — a $20 million initiative designed to make cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells less expensive, more efficient and develop new markets for solar cell products. The new consortium was announced in Northwest Ohio, home to CdTe powerhouse First Solar and newer entrant Toledo Solar. “As solar continues its reign as one of the cheapest forms of energy powering our homes and businesses, we are committed to a solar future that is built by American workers,” said U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm. “DOE is proud to partner with leading solar researchers and companies to chart the future of CdTe technology, which presents an immense opportunity for domestic manufacturers to help ensure our nation’s security while providing family-sustaining jobs.” “To move America forward, we need an all-of-the-above strategy that propels our energy independence, lowers costs, and creates good-paying jobs. Northern Ohio has already revolutionized the field of solar technology,” said U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09). “Now, through this remarkable partnership between the U.S. Department of Energy, the University of Toledo, and First Solar – our region will become a hub of next-generation energy innovation that is built right here at home by Ohio’s workers.” The new Cadmium Telluride Accelerator Consortium will work on continued cost and efficiency improvements that will make CdTe cheaper and more efficient, and more competitive on the global market. To achieve these goals, the team has a broad research plan that includes CdTe doping strategies, characterizing and exploring new CdTe contacting materials, and work to enable a bifacial CdTe module that absorbs light from the front and back of the module. DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) will administer the consortium, whose leaders were chosen through a competitive solicitation NREL released last year. The consortium will be led by the University of Toledo, First Solar, Colorado State University, Toledo Solar and Sivananthan Laboratories. NREL will serve as a resource, support, and technical analysis center as the consortium develops a technology roadmap, conducts research to meet targets set within the roadmap, and regularly assesses the domestic CdTe supply chain for challenges and opportunities. The consortium aims to expand domestic CdTe photovoltaic material and module production, support the domestic CdTe supply chain, and enhance U.S. competitiveness. DOE’s Solar Photovoltaics Supply Chain Review Report identified CdTe as an opportunity for expanding domestic production of solar panels, up to the limit that CdTe material availability allows, with little risk of being overtaken by low-cost foreign competition. The FY22 Solar Manufacturing Incubator funding opportunity, announced last month, will support projects that ready new technologies and manufacturing proces...

07

Aug

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has announced the opening of the Solar Technical Assistance Program. This program provides technical assistance to state and local government agencies to evaluate the potential for and site solar arrays on or around government buildings. Funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, the program also offers access to technical resources and vetted contractors. “MEA is delighted to offer this program to help identify sites for solar, leveraging already developed spaces such as rooftops and parking lots,” said Dr. Mary Beth Tung, director of the Maryland Energy Administration. “Adding solar to these locations helps the state and local government achieve clean energy and greenhouse gas goals while enhancing energy independence and resiliency.” The program provides technical assistance for entities who are interested in including onsite solar generation, but do not have the expertise to evaluate potential issues for siting them. This information is needed to allow government entities to make decisions concerning the location, use (to include resiliency options) and budgeting of solar energy projects. MEA is providing $400,000 of technical assistance in partnership with the Maryland Environmental Service. To learn more about application requirements, visit the program webpage. For those interested in applying for the program or finding out more information on solar siting, contact program manager David Comis.