Weekly Digest

Aug 26, 2021

Updated: Sep 23, 2021

August 26, 2021

Solar power in trucking's forecast as fleets find energy, cost savings

Marten Transport, Mesilla Valley Transportation and Rush Enterprises

are just a few industry players betting on the power of the sun.

DOE grants aim to drive down inverter costs, advance PV fire prevention tech

Several of the projects also aim for lower costs for PV module materials or PV racking,

as well as for lower defect rates on module assembly lines.

Nine projects won grants totaling $14 million from a Department of Energy program aimed at boosting the U.S. solar manufacturing industry. Descriptions of the nine solar manufacturing projects supported by DOE grants:

Related Topic

The Department of Energy further describes

all of the funded projects here:

Battery storage is on a growth spurt that's about to get even bigger, EIA says

If battery storage hasn't arrived yet, it's about to.

Battery storage is on the cusp of a major growth spurt. Declining costs are driving increased adoption of battery storage outside of regions that have been early adopters, such as PJM Interconnection and the California Independent System Operator. The combined capacity of U.S. battery storage projects could grow by 10 times beyond the 2019 figure between 2021 and 2023.

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Battery Storage in the United States:

An Update on Market Trends

Release date: August 16, 2021

Growth across U.S. electric power market regions

Small-scale battery storage

Lower installed costs

More direct support from solar power

Additional accelerated growth

Download full report in PDF:

Battery Storage in the United States: An Update on Market Trends

Floating like the wind to a clean energy transition

To a casual observer, the energy transition seems to be in full swing:

Many governments and companies across the world are pledging to reduce their carbon emissions to zero over the coming decades, meaning that for the most part fossil fuels will have to be replaced by renewable energy. To meet these net-zero targets,

however, and pivot from fossil-based fuels to low-carbon energy, renewable energy sources need to be developed urgently.

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An open letter from the wind energy industry

to G20 and world leaders:

It’s time to get serious about renewables

Philadelphia Energy Authority opens next phase of Solarize campaign, includes new financing options

At the kick off the 3rd annual Philadelphia Solar Week, Mayor Jim Kenney said “Philadelphia must do everything we can to fight climate change, which is most greatly affecting our most vulnerable residents. Solarize Philly helps put solar on roof and create jobs for our youth, year after year.”

Solarize Philly is a citywide program to help all Philadelphians go solar.

The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) launched Solarize Philly to make the process of installing solar as easy and affordable as possible, while also supporting solar training at the School District of Philadelphia and improving access to clean energy for all neighborhoods.

Aug 12, 2021

Updated: Sep 23, 2021

August 12, 2021

Medical supply company sees efficiency

in switching to solar power

Medical supply company , Medline Industries sees efficiency in switching

to solar power via Sky Power, Evergreen Energy and Solar Edge.

Senate passes $1 trillion infrastructure bill after months of intense bipartisan talks

The US Senate passed a historic, sweeping $1.2 trillion bipartisan package to shore up the nation's crumbling infrastructure. This funding will cover $65 billion to rebuild the electric grid, $39 billion to modernize and expand transit systems and $7.5 billion to build a national network of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles;

among other priorities.

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Here's what's in the bipartisan infrastructure bill

The latest version of the agreement, according to the CBO report,

an updated fact sheet provided by the White House.

READ: Bipartisan infrastructure plan 2,700-page bill.

U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm

on climate change

The bipartisan infrastructure bill that cleared the Senate Tuesday represents the largest investment in green energy in United States history. But it faces a tough road ahead in the House of Representatives, where some progressive Democrats say it's not enough to address the climate crisis. U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm joins William Brangham to discuss.

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California's Aliso Canyon review could offer key lessons on transition from natural gas, analysts say

The state's consideration of whether to wean itself from one of the country's largest natural gas storage facilities could be a model, whether it succeeds or fails.

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Utilities say they can meet the anticipated growth in electricity demand,

but supply-chain issues could hamper U.S. auto manufacturers, some analysts say.

President Joe Biden's goal for half of all new passenger vehicle sales in the United States to be electric vehicles by 2030 is achievable, transportation experts say, but it will require industry and government to develop supply chains for raw materials and grow investment in charging infrastructure.

Jul 29, 2021

Updated: Sep 23, 2021

June 29, 2021

DOE Announces $42.3 Million and New Industry Partnerships to Decarbonize American Manufacturing

During “Manufacturing Week” DOE Launches New Funding Opportunity and Selects Industry Partners to Pilot Clean, Efficient Technologies in Real-World Conditions

California state licensing board votes to allow only

C-10 contractors to install solar and storage projects

In 90 days, the C-46 license holder will no longer be allowed to install a solar and energy storage system in the state of California.

SunPower Joins Market For Solar-Fueled EV Charging, Teaming With Wallbox

Tesla helped kick off the market for solar-fueled EV charging, but it's quickly expanding as battery vehicle sales grow.

The auto market’s quick shift to electric vehicles is increasing the need for charging infrastructure. SunPower is working with Spain’s Wallbox to integrate EV chargers into customers’ homes and businesses.

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Sunrun Partners with Ford

to Provide Seamless Installation of 80-amp Ford Charge Station Pro and Home Integration System for the All-Electric Ford F-150 Lightning.

Booming demand for renewable energy financing could result in tax equity shortage, experts say

Overall demand for renewable energy project financing continues to grow, potentially outstripping financiers' ability to keep up. Utility-scale and residential solar deals are popular with investors.

Senate votes to move forward on $1 trillion infrastructure bill

The bill would provide $73 billion for electric power infrastructure upgrades, including new transmission lines to facilitate the expansion of renewable energy. The compromise of major projects which includes $7.5 billion in funding for deployment of electric vehicle chargers along highway corridors.

“The clean power industry is committed and working to help get this important legislation to the President’s desk” said Heather Zichal, CEO of the American Clean Power Association.