Robust growth in the global renewable energy sector driving expansion of Florida’s solar industry

The solar industry in Florida has gained in strength over the years as interest in solar power has increased throughout the US. Five years ago, the sector was installing 3,000 megawatts of solar capacity annually. In 2017, the market grew by as much as 10,000 megawatts. The tariffs put in place by the Trump administration … Continue reading Robust growth in the global renewable energy sector driving expansion of Florida’s solar industry →

India’s energy transition sees some “gathering clouds”

G Seetharaman writes on the Economic Times website about some concerns that the growth in the deployment of renewable energy technologies may have some bumpy times. The roadblocks in India's efforts to be world's greatest solar energy success story It would be hard to be more bullish than India has been on solar power. … Continue reading India’s energy transition sees some “gathering clouds” →

Small Greek island to become first in the Mediterranean to run exclusively on wind and solar power

The first time in Greece, I was amazed how little solar and wind power were used. Now, the energy transition is truly underway. A news item from Associated Press on the CBC website explains about the latest developments on the island of Tilos. If any of you have been there, please let us know what … Continue reading Small Greek island to become first in the Mediterranean to run exclusively on wind and solar power →

Italian firm wants to be global player in solar energy

The Italian utility Enel is taking on the challenge to be a major player in manufacturing solar panels by betting on an advanced, commercially untested system. Stanley Reed and Keith Bradsher explain in an article in the New York Times. In Shadow of Mt. Etna, Europe Makes a Last Stand for Solar The enormous … Continue reading Italian firm wants to be global player in solar energy →

Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency

Sam Davis writes on the Power Electronics website about the use of silicon-perovskite to boost solar-cell efficiency. After decades of research and investment, silicon-based solar cells are close to their maximum theoretical efficiency. Will perovskite be the go-to material solution? Scientists Use Silicon-Perovskite to Boost Solar-Cell Efficiency Scientists on both sides of the Atlantic … Continue reading Silicon-based solar cells close to their maximum theoretical efficiency →

China testing feasibility of solar panels integrated in their roads

Keith Bradsher explains in an article on the New York Times website about efforts in China to embed solar panels in highways. He also explains why it is less likely to work in the United States Free Power From Freeways? China Is Testing Roads Paved With Solar Panels On a smoggy afternoon, huge log carriers … Continue reading China testing feasibility of solar panels integrated in their roads →

Giant step by California to require solar power systems on all new homes

We need more jurisdictions to show the leadership that we are seeing in California. It is encouraging to see how the state plans to significantly increase the use of solar power. Ivan Penn explains in an article in the New York Times. California Will Require Solar Power for New Homes Long a leader and … Continue reading Giant step by California to require solar power systems on all new homes →

Solar industry needs to take broader perspective for long-term success

Varun Sivaram writes a good article on the Washington Post website arguing that solar power could be the star of a clean power revolution, rising to become the world’s largest source of electricity but only if it realises that it might not push for the policies needed for solar and other clean power sources to … Continue reading Solar industry needs to take broader perspective for long-term success →

Canadian companies react to tariffs imposed by USA on solar panels

There have been lots of concerns about the tariffs on solar panels that the Trump Administration imposed recently. Dan McCue writes on the Renewable Energy Magazine website on the reaction of some solar companies in Canada. Canadian Solar Companies Sue Trump Administration Over Tariffs The White House slapped steep tariffs on imported solar panels … Continue reading Canadian companies react to tariffs imposed by USA on solar panels →

Smarter subsidies and not tariffs are a better way to sustain the US solar industry

There are many concerns about current policies from the Trump Administration on almost all aspects of the low-carbon energy transition. Edward Barbier, Professor of Economics and Terry Iverson, Associate Professor of Economics at Colorado State University provide their own alternatives to the tariffs imposed on imported solar panels. There are better ways to foster … Continue reading Smarter subsidies and not tariffs are a better way to sustain the US solar industry →