Whether you are interested in the future of solar energy or already have an interest in it, there are a number of ways to keep abreast of the latest developments. There are solar energy news articles that cover everything from new solar panel technology to solar-powered vehicles. These articles can provide you with some helpful information on how to get started in solar energy.
Costs associated with buying and installing solar panels have fallen by 70% from where they were in 2011
Buying and installing solar panels is a relatively inexpensive way to generate your own electricity. This is largely thanks to improved manufacturing techniques and supply chain competitiveness. It is also due to incentives, such as federal and state tax credits. The price of solar energy will continue to decrease as manufacturers increase their scale.
In 2011, a hypothetical consumer purchased and installed a solar panel system at a cost of $42,800. That consumer generated about 12,000 kilowatts of energy.
The cost of solar panel installation has dropped by more than 70 percent since that time. That means the average American household will save about $30,000 over 20 years.
Conversion efficiency of solar panels has improved by as much as 0.5% each year
During the last 10 years, conversion efficiency of solar panels has improved by as much as 0.5% per year. This is significant because solar energy has the potential to reduce a significant fraction of non-renewable electricity demand globally. However, current studies do not take into account many environmental factors.
One of the most important factors affecting solar PV conversion efficiency is the microclimate of the location in which the panel is installed. The microclimate is affected by the wind, humidity, and air temperature.
Another factor affecting solar PV conversion efficiency is the angle of the panel. The optimal angle depends on the time of year and latitude.
Agrivoltaics involves planting pollinator habitat in and around solar panels
Introducing pollinator habitat to solar photovoltaic sites can be a great way to maximize the biodiversity of the area. The habitat can also help local agriculture and improve pollination services to nearby crops.
Some states are even offering incentives for solar installations that focus on pollinator habitat. These installations can be placed on existing parking lots or degraded lands. In order to benefit from pollinator habitat, farmers should consider the conditions of the area, the climate, and the types of plants that will be grown in the area.
Supply chain shortages and delays
Whether you are a solar developer, an energy company, or a utility, you need to understand the potential impact of supply chain shortages and delays on your project. These factors can have a number of short- and long-term impacts.
One of the major issues facing solar developers is the lack of available shipping containers to ship solar panels and components across the country. This has led to significant shipping delays, especially in the cities where there have been wide-spread shutdowns.
The good news is that the power sector is taking steps to overcome this problem. They are working to improve communication with suppliers and improve the flow of information between the parties.
Sunspot AR3089 may eject a powerful X-class solar flare
X-class flares are the most powerful types of flares. They are 10 times stronger than M-class flares. They may trigger a powerful geomagnetic storm, which can damage infrastructure. They may also interfere with electromagnetic communication systems.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that there is a 5% chance of an X-class flare hitting Earth. If this does happen, it would be a geomagnetic storm that could damage satellites, infrastructure, and electromagnetic communication systems.
There is also circumstantial evidence that suggests that the sun is ejecting coronal mass ejections. These mass ejections shoot blobs of charged particles into the sky, causing auroras. These blobs are accelerated by the sun’s magnetic field and interact with the atmosphere. These particles can disrupt radio communications, low-frequency navigation signals, and electromagnetic communications systems.
Low-resolution commercial satellite imagery makes it hard to recognize solar panels
Using commercially available satellite imagery to detect small solar panels may be a dud. These panels typically measure less than 0.3 meters in size and produce less than 100 W of power. In fact, most of the global population using off-grid solutions are using SHS under 50 W.
The National Reconnaissance Office, responsible for spy satellites in the United States, has a mandate to acquire commercial imagery for federal agencies. In June, the agency issued a draft solicitation for the electro-optical commercial layer (EOCL), a competition for satellite imagery products. The program is expected to launch in the coming months.
Floating solar energy plant in California generates 4.8 megawatts of electricity
Floating solar energy plants are gaining popularity in the U.S., especially in expensive areas. These systems use unused bodies of water to collect solar energy. The cooling effect of water helps lower the temperature of the solar panels, which increases power production.
Floating solar is not as expensive as land-based systems. In fact, floating solar systems have lower operational and management costs. By 2050, NASA says floating solar is a key technology for decarbonizing economies.
White Pine Renewables, a California-based company, completed the largest floating solar farm in the U.S. in northern California. This 4.8 megawatt facility will deliver power to the city of Healdsburg under a 25-year power purchase agreement. It features 11,600 solar panels. This facility will supply 8% of Healdsburg’s annual electricity needs.
