Tandem PV, a semiconductor company, has raised $100M in funding for perovskite advancement in solar technology, with a focus on reaching 37% efficiency by 2030. The company plans to achieve bankability through pilot deployments with independent power producers and aims to offer a 30-year warranty with minimal module degradation. Tandem's strategy includes selling to utility-scale IPPs and potentially unbundling their product for sale, positioning themselves for growth and scalability in the solar panel market. Key backers include Eclipse Ventures, Constellation Energy, and Trellis Climate, highlighting the confidence in the progress of their technology and the importance of perseverance in achieving success in renewable energy.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
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Power plays: Tomago’s big green switch, the Big 3’s lack of ambition, and why Snowy must change its stripes
The country's biggest energy utilities, such as AGL and Origin, are focusing on transitioning to renewables, with good execution and reliability but poor future investment outlook. The biggest aluminium smelter is transitioning to 100% renewables with government funds and Snowy providing electricity. The ISP demonstrates that the NEM can run without coal or nuclear, using a mix of renewable and traditional energy sources. Major energy companies in Australia, like AGL, are urged to decarbonize and adapt to structural changes in the market to support climate solutions. Snowy is highlighted as a key player in the market for firming generation, with a need to balance supply and demand to avoid volatility and rising consumer costs.
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Fertiliser from thin air? How farmers can make their own fertiliser from air, water and on-site renewables
PlasmaLeap, an Australian company, is developing modular systems that use electricity, air, and water to produce nitrogen fertiliser on farms. This technology aims to give farmers greater control over fertiliser costs and supply while reducing emissions associated with conventional production. PlasmaLeap's approach is different from traditional fertiliser production, as it uses electricity to produce chemicals traditionally made using fossil fuels. The technology is designed to be containerised, deployed close to where fertiliser is used, and powered by renewable energy, offering farmers certainty in supply and potentially reducing greenhouse gas emissions. PlasmaLeap has received significant funding for commercial deployment and is working on manufacturing at scale and at a competitive cost to compete with the global fertilizer industry, with features like kill switches and remote sensing for safety and autonomy. Amid geopolitical turmoil and fertilizer price volatility, the technology's pitch to farmers is becoming increasingly compelling.
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In Birmingham, Alabama, a solar house is building a more resilient community
The UAB Solar House in Birmingham and the Solar House project at Huffman High School are both examples of how clean energy solutions can be integrated into everyday living and education. These projects demonstrate the benefits of rooftop solar panels, batteries, native plant gardens, and rainwater collection for generating and storing electricity. By providing hands-on training for students and creating models for sustainable living and community resilience, these initiatives empower communities to adapt clean energy technology to fit their needs. Collaboration between educators, students, professionals, nonprofits, and city leaders is crucial for effective climate solutions, with timing and inclusivity being key factors in addressing climate change.
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Why solar didn’t work for this dairy farmer, until he added a battery and put it on wheels
Dairy farmer Peter Mulheron in south-west Victoria struggled to find a suitable solar solution for his farm due to high electricity demand from dairy operations. After realizing the limitations of conventional rooftop solar, he installed a 105kW solar system with 241kWh of battery storage, allowing for a reliable power supply. The battery storage was crucial for meeting the continuous electricity demand of dairy operations, such as heating water for cleaning and food safety. The innovative solar and battery system was developed by PHNXX and has proven to be a successful solution for dairy farms with high electricity demand. The Mulheron dairy farm installed a pilot solar and battery storage system that exceeded expectations, providing $13,400 in savings and real-world data for designing a larger system. They now have a microgrid system with 105kW of solar and 241kWh of battery storage, which could reduce annual energy costs by over $22,000. The system is portable, housed in shipping containers, allowing for flexibility and easy deployment. Mulheron advises other farmers to measure their electricity demand and resources before investing in renewable energy systems to ensure efficiency and adaptability for the future.
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Solar brings connectivity to more than 2,000 communities in the Brazilian Amazon
Off-grid solar systems are being utilized in the Brazilian Amazon to provide internet connectivity to over 2,000 Indigenous, Quilombola, and extractivist communities, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting digital connectivity for education, healthcare, and territorial management. This initiative, involving over 50 partner organizations, aims to expand digital inclusion in traditional Amazon communities by training local residents to operate and maintain the solar energy and connectivity systems. By increasing community autonomy and ensuring long-term operation in remote locations, the project is a sustainable solution for bringing essential services to underserved areas while reducing environmental impact.
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Apollo Power claims certification first for lightweight flexible module
Israeli company Apollo Power has achieved Class A fire certification for its new flexible solar module, Panda Plus, offering a power output of 320 W across a 2 m2 area. This certification, a first for flexible solar panels, was achieved through improved materials and manufacturing techniques. Apollo Power is also working on an integrated solar-roofing product with a US roofing company to target residential and commercial rooftops with weight or design constraints. Additionally, the company manufactures solar charging systems for various applications, including automotive, defense, and disaster relief, with exclusive distribution agreements and partnerships to deploy flexible solar energy solutions at gas stations and on trucks and buses in the US. Apollo Power manufactures all its panels in Israel and distributes through tier-one partners and direct sales to large end users like Amazon.
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The Spark: How Neighbors Are Banding Together to Go Greener
In Marblehead, Massachusetts, volunteers like Lisa Wolf are leading a green revolution by coaching homeowners on transitioning to energy-efficient heat pumps through programs like HeatSmart Alliance. These efforts are crucial in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from home energy use, which accounts for about 20 percent of emissions in the U.S. Despite challenges in historic areas, heat pump coaches are helping homeowners navigate their options and access state rebates for green energy solutions. Additionally, initiatives like Window Dressers in Maine are providing custom window inserts to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs, with a focus on helping low-income customers. By organizing locally and providing support and resources, these volunteers are driving America's green transition at the grassroots level.
https://reasonstobecheerful.world/the-spark-green-home-energy/
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“Second roof:” Solar glass pioneer unveils big rooftop module in time to ride wave of expanded PV subsidy
ClearVue Technologies has received approval for its ClearVue-Helios integrated solar panel to be installed on Australian rooftops, delivering up to 220 watts per square meter with a Class A fire rating and long warranties. The technology allows for light transmission and electricity generation, making it suitable for building-integrated PV applications. With orders secured in the US and Australia, the focus is on commercial and industrial projects, particularly for metal roof applications to provide high energy efficiency and durability. The CEC listing and government incentives for commercial solar installations in Australia will significantly reduce acquisition costs, improving paybacks for customers and strengthening the commercial opportunity for ClearVue products.