SunPower’s losses continue during Q1
The high-efficiency solar manufacturer is still bleeding red ink, as it begins shipping its lower-cost P-Series modules and continues its restructuring.
U.S. researchers say solar micro-grids can help military facilities prevent cyber and physical threats
A U.S. research team from the Michigan Technological University is assessing the technical and economic viability of military microgrids run on solar power.
California grid operator gets ready for August eclipse (with graph)
With California getting a higher portion of its electricity from solar than any non-island nation, the stakes are high with this summer’s eclipse. Fortunately, Europe has already been down this road.
Minnesota’s solar market is growing fast (with chart)
Minnesota installed 203 MW-DC of solar during the first quarter, adding to 207 MW deployed in 2016. The state is expecting to reach more than 800 MW of installed capacity by the end of this year.
Kontrol Energy Corp to purchase 20 MW of solar power assets
The Canadian provider of energy efficiency and technology solutions has signed a letter of intent to acquire a number of solar power generation sites across Ontario.
Tesla scales down solar deployment in Q1, readies Solar Roof
The first full quarter since Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity shows a 30% fall in watts of solar deployed, as the company focuses on preparations for the roll-out of its Solar Roof and Model 3 electric vehicle, including expanded battery production.
U.S. utilities try new tactics to discourage solar, but still aren’t getting what they want
The latest NCCETC report on state solar policies finds some new twists as part of an ongoing attempt by utilities to weaken the economics of customer-owned solar, but regulators still mostly aren’t on board.
U.S. power company NRG continues moving into solar during Q1
Despite a challenging financial environment, NRG continues its solar expansion, including an increasing presence in community solar.
Natcore achieves 20.7% efficiency on silver-free back contact cell
The latest efficiency milestone for Natcore’s Foil Cell is verified by the NanoPower Research Lab at Rochester Institute for Technology. The result was achieved on the Natcore Foil Cell, which utilizes a lasering process and novel metallization strategy, eliminating the need for costly silver.
Dutch pension fund PGGM invests €200 million in SolarCity’s project portfolio
The Dutch fund will invest in a portfolio of solar projects of Tesla’s solar unit. The projects are spread across 21 U.S states and have a combined capacity of 275 MW.
