Climate Change Solutions Update

Tag: California

  • Perovskite tandem PV for agrivoltaics

    Researchers from Cornell University conducted a life-cycle assessment on integrating advanced perovskite tandem PV into agrivoltaic lettuce production in the US, comparing different technologies with conventional silicon PV. The study evaluated greenhouse gas emissions, water impacts, and potential benefits of agrivoltaics, showing that retrofitting US lettuce farmland with agrivoltaics could have significant environmental benefits. Next-generation agrivoltaics have the strongest potential in water-scarce regions like California's Southern Desert and Arizona, with responsible design transforming farmland into a platform for integrated food production, clean energy generation, and water conservation. The research, presented in a paper titled "Advancing Food-Energy-Water Sustainability with Scalable Perovskite Tandem Agrivoltaics" published in Nexus, highlights the potential of agrivoltaics to simultaneously produce food, generate clean electricity, reduce emissions, conserve water, and ease land-use competition.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/17/perovskite-tandem-pv-for-agrivoltaics/

  • World Record Set For Silicon Solar Module With Perovskite

    Persistent innovation in the global solar industry has led to new efficiency records being set for solar modules made with triple III-V germanium cells and tandem perovskite-silicon cells. The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Germany reported a record 34.2% conversion efficiency for a module made of triple III-V germanium cells, achieved through a new technique connecting cells directly to each other. Chinese firm Trinasolar also set a world record with a 29.2% conversion efficiency for its tandem perovskite-silicon solar module. California-based Tandem PV is making strides in the field as well, with their perovskite-silicon solar panels reaching 29.7% efficiency. The market is demanding higher performance and domestic capability in solar energy solutions, with companies like Tandem launching demonstration factories to produce high-power density, durable, and cost-effective solar panels.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/14/world-record-solar-efficiency-perovsite-silicon-trinasolar/

  • 1M+ customers have connected solar to PG&E’s grid

    PG&E, the largest utility in the U.S. in terms of solar interconnections, has focused on modernizing the grid for safe and reliable two-way power flows, with a recent emphasis on virtual power plant deployment. Their investments in grid automation, advanced forecasting, streamlined interconnection, and the integration of solar paired with battery storage have positioned California as the top state for residential solar and overall solar capacity. Customers in California have access to rebates and credit rates for solar generation, with solar plus storage systems offering backup power during public safety power shutoffs. This has led to increased interest in solar and resiliency options in the state.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/a-million-customers-have-connected-solar-to-pges-grid/822676/

  • Sonoma Clean Power aims for 1,000 no-cost smart thermostats amid VPP push

    Sonoma Clean Power is launching a project to install smart thermostats for up to 1,000 income-qualified customers at no upfront cost, funded by a $4.99 million grant from the California Energy Commission. This initiative is part of a broader effort to expand a multi-resource virtual power plant and increase participation in automated demand response programs among lower-income customers. SCP is also partnering with community organizations for multilingual outreach to help low-income customers reduce energy bills. The utility company's Virtual Power Plant aims to strengthen customer relationships, improve grid efficiency, and potentially reduce wholesale power costs by getting people more interactive with the grid.

    https://www.utilitydive.com/news/sonoma-clean-power-aims-for-1000-no-cost-smart-thermostats-amid-vpp-push/822515/

  • Waymo Sending Used EV Batteries to Community Clean Energy

    Waymo and B2U Storage Solutions have partnered to repurpose old EV batteries for grid-scale storage systems, aiming to cut CO2 emissions and pollution while supporting clean energy growth in California and Texas. By extending the use of these batteries, they are maximizing their economic and environmental value, showcasing the potential for EV batteries to contribute to a circular economy and help meet increasing energy demand. This initiative highlights Waymo's commitment to sustainability and maximizing the positive environmental impact of its all-electric fleet, demonstrating the potential for repurposed EV batteries to play a key role in climate solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/06/07/waymo-sending-used-ev-batteries-to-community-clean-energy/

  • The Hydrogen Stream: Toyota demonstrates its liquid-hydrogen racing prototype

    Toyota Racing, the University of California Riverside, and Orlen are all making strides in the development and implementation of hydrogen fuel solutions. From public demonstration drives of liquid hydrogen-fueled prototypes to testing vans with hydrogen combustion engines, these initiatives are paving the way for a more sustainable future. Additionally, partnerships between companies like Protium Green Solutions and ITM Power are working towards developing green hydrogen production plants. The e-SMF Early Movers Initiative is also providing funding for e-fuels in shipping, showcasing a collaborative effort towards reducing emissions. With refueling times as quick as five minutes for passenger cars and 15 minutes for buses, hydrogen fuel is proving to be a viable and efficient solution for combating climate change.

    https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/06/05/the-hydrogen-stream-toyota-demonstrates-its-liquid-hydrogen-racing-prototype/

  • The Spark: Banishing Cars With a Block Party

    Pop-up events like the one in Berkeley, California, are proving to be effective in gathering feedback and advocating for safer streets for cyclists and pedestrians. By organizing temporary installations, organizations can demonstrate the potential of alternative street designs and gather data to support funding applications for long-term projects. In rural areas, volunteer-run ride programs like Free Wheelin' are providing non-car transportation options, but there is still a need for improved infrastructure to support active transportation. Conducting walk audits can help identify areas for improvement and lead to significant changes in a community's walkability. Overall, these initiatives are crucial in advocating for sustainable transportation solutions and creating safer streets for all road users.

    https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-transportation/

  • EDF and Masdar sign 15-year PPAs for BigBeau output

    The BigBeau Solar+Storage Project in Kern County, California, US, began operating in December 2022, with EDF power solutions North America and Masdar signing 15-year power purchase agreements for the 128MW solar installation and 40MW/160MWh battery energy storage system. This project, supplying power to Southern California Edison, can power up to 64,000 households and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 315,000t annually. Part of a larger collaboration between EDF and Masdar, this initiative aims to develop renewable energy sites in the US with a total capacity of 1.1GW, contributing significantly to climate solutions and the transition to clean energy.

    https://www.power-technology.com/news/edf-masdar-sign-15-year-ppas-bigbeau-output/

  • California — Lowest Wholesale Electricity Prices in USA

    California has achieved the lowest wholesale electricity prices in the US, with no blackouts since 2020, thanks to the success of solar, wind, and water power. WindWaterSolar has met over 100% of the California ISO grid's electricity demand for an average of 4.9 hours a day in 2026, showcasing the potential of renewable energy. Despite high retail electricity prices for other reasons, the abundance of cheap wholesale electricity from sources like sunshine, wind, and water is a key factor in keeping prices low. This renewable energy success in California is a significant win for clean energy solutions.

    https://cleantechnica.com/2026/05/30/california-lowest-wholesale-electricity-prices-in-usa/

  • Beyond Washington: Nine examples of local governments taking climate action

    State and city governments across the United States are taking bold climate action, leading the way in renewable energy expansion, ecosystem protection, and regenerative agriculture promotion as federal leadership falters. California and Vermont have set ambitious goals for renewable energy sourcing, while Chicago is transitioning to clean energy and carbon neutrality by 2050. States like Oregon and Massachusetts are implementing innovative conservation and food waste reduction policies, aligning with the One Earth Solutions Framework to combat climate change. These local efforts demonstrate the tangible results of determined action and serve as a blueprint for national and global climate solutions, emphasizing the importance of starting meaningful change at the local level.

    https://www.oneearth.org/nine-examples-of-local-governments-taking-climate-action/