If you’re looking for solar energy news, you’ve come to the right place. Solar power inputs are at 10-year highs and the world’s largest solar power market is growing rapidly. In the past decade, solar power production efficiency has increased by 0.5% a year, thanks to manufacturing innovation. While the market is still in its early stages, there are a number of important developments that can impact the industry.
One of the most exciting advancements in solar cells is the development of perovskites, a type of solar cell material. These cells are inexpensive and can be controlled wirelessly with a rechargeable battery. The material is inspired by plants, which use perovskites to convert light energy into electricity. The new material is also extremely efficient. It has the potential to reduce the size of solar cells and increase efficiency, despite their low cost.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that solar industry has been dominated by Chinese players. With a reduction in support from the central government, Chinese players may decide to withdraw from the market. Also, the new rules for solar energy projects need to include measures to ensure responsible recycling. For example, the government needs to ensure that the companies producing the panels have to take responsibility for recycling the first wave of waste.
Increasingly, solar panels are being installed in unusual places. A 70-metre solar road in Amsterdam, for instance, generated 3,000 kilowatts in six months – enough to power the homes of one person for a year. Another example is an abandoned golf course that has been converted into a solar power farm. In addition to these developments, more stores, including Target and IKEA, are building solar-powered carports.
Another recent breakthrough in solar energy is the development of a new passive cooling system that relies on evaporation and radiation to reduce the temperature inside buildings. This system has the potential to save water, energy, and even carbon emissions. This system is already able to reduce the temperature inside a building by 19 degrees Fahrenheit (9.3 degrees Celsius) and could help prevent disasters from happening.
As solar panels grow in popularity, farmers are becoming more interested in using solar arrays for farming. In fact, the federal government recently released a request for information about the availability of domestic solar PV panels. Renewable equipment provider Rute Foundation Systems is working on testing a system for rigging solar panels nine feet off the ground.
Floating solar projects are a growing trend. According to a study published in Nature, covering 10% of the world’s hydropower reservoirs with floating solar panels could generate as much electricity as fossil fuel plants worldwide. This technology is being developed by several countries, including Germany, India, and South Korea. In fact, floating solar farms are now a common sight around the world, especially in Asia.
The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has recently scaled back its proposed fee structure for rooftop solar panels. The CPUC’s original plan would have eliminated consumer fees and lowered the rate utilities pay homeowners for power they supply to the grid. The CPUC’s plan to lower electricity prices has fueled criticism from solar advocates and the governor.
