Vast majority of new homes in England must have solar panels

Ministers in the UK are poised to confirm that the “vast majority” of new build homes in England will need to have solar panels on their roofs, claiming the policy will cut household energy bills. Leila Nathoo and Christina McSorley discuss latest developments in an article on the BBC News website. Most new build … Continue reading Vast majority of new homes in England must have solar panels →

Blog by Jane Marsh – Equitable access to solar energy: community solar programs

Despite a significant decrease in market valuation, solar energy remains unattainable for many people. Installing rooftop solar panels has high initial costs, even with federal tax credits, state incentives and manufacturer rebates. Meanwhile, low-income households may not have suitable roofs for solar panel systems, especially if they rent. This leaves millions of U.S. households behind … Continue reading Blog by Jane Marsh – Equitable access to solar energy: community solar programs →

EU to probe subsidies to Chinese solar panel manufacturers that have distorted European market

Nikolaus J. Kurmayer writes on the Euractiv website about whether subsidies allowed Chinese firms to submit unfair bids for the construction of a Romanian solar panel park. The probe reflects a hardening stance in Europe towards cheap Chinese imports, which the EU’s solar industry has blamed for the heavy losses and plant closures of several … Continue reading EU to probe subsidies to Chinese solar panel manufacturers that have distorted European market →

Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024

In all the important climate and energy news this week, two developments stand out. In a case that has lasted 12 years, this week the climate scientist Michael Mann won his defamation lawsuit against two conservative writers who compared his depictions of global heating to the work of a convicted child molester. “I hope this … Continue reading Energy in Demand News, February 11, 2024 →

European solar panel manufacturers are “poised to shut down manufacturing lines” unless the EU takes emergency measures to save the sector

As part of its ‘Green Deal Industrial Plan’, the EU wants to boost the domestic production of key technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps, in order to reduce dependence on China. By 2030, the European Commission wants to see 40% of the European demand for solar panels being produced in Europe, … Continue reading European solar panel manufacturers are “poised to shut down manufacturing lines” unless the EU takes emergency measures to save the sector →

Large majority of EU member states will hit 2030 solar targets ahead of schedule

New data from the SolarPower Europe lobby group shows that a large majority of EU member states will hit their 2030 solar targets ahead of schedule. Victor Jack discusses the results in an article on the Politico website. EU blindsided by ‘spectacular’ solar rollout Explosive growth in solar power means most EU countries will … Continue reading Large majority of EU member states will hit 2030 solar targets ahead of schedule →

Wartime solar power in Ukraine

Michael Birnbaum writes on the Washington Post website that a growing number of Ukrainian hospitals, schools, police stations and other critical buildings are racing to install solar panels ahead of what many expect will be another hard winter. A less carbon-intense, decentralised energy system is emerging as a key element of Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. “Before … Continue reading Wartime solar power in Ukraine →

Solar is now growing much faster than any other energy technology in history

Andrew Blakers, Professor of Engineering, Australian National University, writes on The Conversation website arguing that the rise and rise of cheap solar is our best hope for rapidly mitigating climate change. Do you agree? Despairing about climate change? These 4 charts on the unstoppable growth of solar may change your mind Last year, the … Continue reading Solar is now growing much faster than any other energy technology in history →

Benefits of agrivoltaic farming

Joshua M. Pearce, John M. Thompson Chair in Information Technology and Innovation and Professor at Western University in Canada writes on The Conversation that crop yields increase when the crops are partially shaded with solar panels. How shading crops with solar panels can improve farming, lower food costs and reduce emissions If you have … Continue reading Benefits of agrivoltaic farming →

Blog from Jane Marsh: How to retrofit a building for climate change

Global warming is creating suitable conditions for climate change. In response, worldwide industries have sought ways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and overall carbon footprint. Retrofitting buildings has proven effective in enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Across the board, green innovations have enabled the optimization of existing structures for the United States … Continue reading Blog from Jane Marsh: How to retrofit a building for climate change →