October 2020 |
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New solar panel design could lead to wider use of renewable energy
A new study has discovered that solar panels placed in checkerboard lines increase their ability to absorb light by 125 per cent. This design breakthrough paves the way to producing thinner, lighter, and more flexible solar panels that could not only power more homes but also be used in a wider range of products.
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US funds Maine offshore wind roadmap
The US Secretary of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has awarded a grant of over $2m to the Maine Governor’s Energy Office to develop a roadmap for establishing an offshore wind power industry in the state. This $2.166m grant will be matched with $267,624 in state funds and $112,457 in local funds, and enables further innovation, helps Maine grow its expertise in wind energy, and brings more economic opportunities in the renewable sector.
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Solar advocates say Massachusetts pro-utility legislation would drive out independent solar installers
Recently, a coalition of clean energy advocacy organizations sent a letter to Massachusetts Senate President Karen Spilka and House Speaker Robert DeLeo strongly opposing a legislative provision that authorizes utilities to construct, operate, and own solar projects. The provision would dramatically expand utility-owned solar in Massachusetts and effectively overturn the long-standing prohibition against utilities owning power plants―and may diminish business growth for independent solar installers.
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How the coronavirus pandemic has impacted US solar so far
Though it’s only been a few (very, very long) months, solar developers, financiers, and installers have pivoted to new ways of selling and funding projects. With an end to the pandemic nowhere in sight, those changes look to be enduring. Some have even benefited the industry.
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