Andrew Ponec

PVcase’s Jake Anderson recently reminded me of something important: Data quality in renewable energy has had quite an exciting evolution. That’s one of the big points Jake made during a QuickTalk on data risk at #REplus24 in Anaheim. Decades ago, it was incredibly difficult to collect data for solar projects. It came in bits and pieces. That got better over time. But even in the past few years, getting certain data has still been like pulling teeth. Today, the landscape is fundamentally different. We have waves of data coming in. It has become far more accessible and transparent. The analysis and organization of data have also changed with time. Previously, this was done manually – requiring significant time and introducing human error. Now, the industry has shifted towards automation, reducing soft costs and improving accuracy. Developers are choosing platforms that integrate as much data as possible in one place. As Jake explained during his talk, “When you have that baseline of the data, you're able to do deeper analysis than you ever were able. You're allowing your performance engineering team to not just focus on this harmonization piece, but focus on higher value evaluations.” In sum, more integrated data means higher-performing renewable projects. So what’s next in the data quality evolution? As Jake noted, as data becomes more available and transparent, we also need to protect it. Data breaches can hurt projects and the success of the industry. It’s one of the biggest issues our clients ask about. Here at PVcase, we aim to be one step ahead of the data evolution. Since our start, we’ve been making products that collect, organize, and integrate an enormous amount of data. And we take many steps to protect sensitive data. We’ll keep innovating to be at the forefront of this evolution. 🚀 🙌 #DataRisk #Solar #SolarIsTheFuture #Software #EnergyTransition

119

1 Comment

Going #electric at home may appear daunting and costly. However, with state and federal incentives, this shift becomes more feasible. DSIRE's (screenshot below) platform simplifies identifying available state incentives for renewable energy and efficiency initiatives. Companies like Rock Rabbit, EnergySage, Encentiv Energy, Opower, Rebate Bus, Sense, Enervee, Powerley, and others are demystifying these incentives, making them more accessible to homeowners. Learn more in Climate People's latest #1MinuteClimateSnippet: https://buff.ly/3KyG3Nz .

22

1 Comment

For anyone who will be at IEEE Power & Energy Society T&D Conference feel free to stop by our panel session on #EVs and #gridreliability. Will be an interesting cross-sector discussion including technology provider, independent system operator, and utility perspectives among others. E-mobility is driving the blending of Transmission and Distribution system planning, design, and operations. Particularly with the growing prevalence of distributed energy resources, IoT and grid-edge technologies, and virtual power plants (#VPPs).

15

Monroe Capital’s managed fund is focused on helping small and medium-sized auto manufacturers transition to electric vehicle production. #renewables #power #energy #wind #offshore #onshore #solar #hydropower #floating #nuclear #geothermal #efficiency #transition #susteinability #circular #economy #esg #clean #decarbonization #electrification #climate #hydrogen #mobility #greensteel #ammonia #transportation #storage #fuelcell #smartgrid #der #powersystem #generation #transmission #distribution #electricity #machines #motors #drives #sensors #iot #education #engineering #innovation #entrepreneurship #creativity #technology #digitalization #cybersecurtity

1

💡 The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered grid operator PJM Interconnection to plan for future transmission needs, a necessity for the advancement of solar, wind, and storage projects. 💡 Over 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects are awaiting interconnection studies by PJM due to the lack of transmission capacity. 💡 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has proposed plans for a major “national interest” transmission corridor in the PJM region for a clean energy grid. As changes in the world of solar power pave the way for a greener future, the FERC has called for a transmission planning process that will satisfy the future needs of our ever-growing energy grid. With an impressive 167 GW of large-scale solar, wind, and storage projects currently awaiting interconnection studies, the need for a well-organized plan is clear. This step will ultimately support the rising momentum of solar home usage. As a consumer, you stand to gain from these advancements in the form of better reliability and lower costs. The DOE's plans for a major transmission corridor in the PJM region ensures a streamlined transition towards a clean energy grid catering for future growth. Despite some apprehension, PJM has shown a readiness to adapt to the unique circumstances and regional demands to fully implement FERC’s order. Together, these shifts indicate an encouraging future for those considering solar power. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising sector. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com. 🌞

1

I always enjoy reading Andre's Climate Substack from André Meurer. Today I learned a ton about Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWH) and the HWH replacement process. TL;DR (But seriously you should read it, it's funny and packed with great advice) ➡️Efficiency: Heat pump water heaters (HPWHs) are significantly more energy efficient than traditional gas or electric models, offering long-term cost savings and environmental benefits. ➡️Installation: Upgrading to a HPWH can be complex, requiring electrical work and careful consideration of sizing (first-hour rating). Choosing an experienced contractor is crucial. ➡️Cost: While initial costs are higher, HPWHs pay for themselves through reduced energy bills and potential rebates. ➡️Additional Benefits: HPWHs dehumidify and slightly cool the surrounding area, which can be beneficial in humid basements. ➡️Considerations: HPWHs might be slightly noisier than traditional models and may require larger tanks to match the hot water output of gas heaters. Sign up for Andre's Climate! https://lnkd.in/e2HzZizE

5

The company is struggling to add carbon-free energy fast enough, CSO Kate Brandt told GreenBiz. #renewables #power #energy #wind #offshore #onshore #solar #hydropower #floating #nuclear #geothermal #efficiency #transition #susteinability #circular #economy #esg #clean #decarbonization #electrification #climate #hydrogen #mobility #greensteel #ammonia #transportation #storage #fuelcell #smartgrid #der #powersystem #generation #transmission #distribution #electricity #machines #drives #sensors #iot #education #engineering #innovation #entrepreneurship #creativity #technology #digitalization #cybersecurtity #metering

9

2 Comments

🔋 Grid Forming Update - ERCOT Proposal ERCOT and Electranix Corporation presented the initial proposal for "Advanced Grid Support Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Functional Specification and Test Protocol" that includes a set of 11 tests (9 of which are "pass/fail") using four (4) test bench systems. These tests go well beyond the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) GFM Functional Specifications and Test Procedures because they are seeking to test core GFM functions but also controls stability, compatibility in series compensated networks, etc. The requirements and test protocols would become part of the modeling and study requirements for future BESS projects within ERCOT. Another example of how advanced electromagnetic transient (#EMT) modeling is being integrated into the interconnection study process. Renewables developers will need to prepare ahead for their interconnection requests to ensure their proposed facility meets these additional requirements (once approved and integrated into protocols) along with ERCOT Model Quality Tests. #batteries #BESS #IBR #GFM #gridforming #gridstability #energytransition #gridreliability #ERCOT #EMT #modelingandstudies

244

16 Comments

Power grids –our core energy infrastructure– are leaky buckets. For all the good (or fake) decarbonization efforts, we keep throwing massive amounts of energy out of the window when the grid cannot handle it! The industry's answer has always been to throw more capex to the problem – add more production capacity to the grid, along with naive switches to cut it off when consumption is not there. SMPnet has been building intelligent grid management software to autonomously manage the network, balancing things out to optimise power distribution and minimise loses for every participant. We are excited to share that its platform will now be deployed live in Northern Power Grid, a leading UK grid operator, as part of an effort to set a new standard for coordinated grid management. This is the first time software will allow real-time flexibility management of the power grid worldwide and we believe it opens up exciting opportunities for the energy industry!

63

4 Comments

Ever wonder if solar will continue to get cheaper? The National Renewable Energy Laboratory just updated its Best Research-Cell Efficiency Chart. A new record was just set for for perovskite-based solar cells at 33.9% by a Chinese manufacturer LONGi Solar and the 27.09% efficiency set by a heterojunction back contact solar cell. This work surpasses the 23.64% efficiency achieved in March by First Solar and again raises the global bar for solar cell efficiency. Certainly there is quite a bit of work to do before these cells could be produced at scale, but it continues to show that all the efficiency gains have not been optimized away and there is a huge amount of innovation happening to drop the cost of solar. Can we drop rooftop solar installation costs by 50% in the U.S.? ______________ I'm Grant Gunnison Click my name + follow + 🔔 to learn how to get off gas and electrify P.S. If you'd like early access to our platform, repost this! #emissions #decarbonization #heatpumps #incentives

15

11 Comments

If you are not following Eduardo Pelegri-Llopart's new Substack, it focuses on quality, independent research (by a brilliant researcher) on California's progress in energy production, distribution, and integration with home solar production. California is the worst at evaluating unintended consequences before legislating change, (let's talk about mandating HOA's to allow artificial grass), but they have the most money and the most demand for energy and they could be a testbed for how advancements will progress worldwide. Follow him here: https://lnkd.in/eseshCqw

5

1 Comment

FERC has approved interconnection reform - and this is *generally* good for the energy transition. That said the devil in in the details of how states and utilities implement these changes. Some improvements like penalties assessed against utilities for tardy studies, trying to clean out queue squatters, and expressly identifying certain technical flexibility into interconnection design are good. However, we have specifically seen "Cluster Studies" and higher financial security requirements stymie development and create very costly and endless loops of re-studies in many markets (utility and DG). Calling on American Clean Power Association (ACP) Solar Energy Industries Association and importantly state level advocacy and watch dog groups to closely watch and actively participate as the implementation of these changes occur at the state level PUCs and DPUs - ensuring proper accountability and fair play. https://lnkd.in/ewehaH52 NYSERDA New York Solar Energy Industries Association MID-ATLANTIC RENEWABLE ENERGY COALITION Renewable Energy Vermont American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) Smart Electric Power Alliance NECEC Cleantech Leaders Roundtable

44

2 Comments

☀️ Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the groundbreaking fusion of perovskite and silicon solar cells, or Tandem PV technology, that promises a 40% power output increase. ✅ Tandem PV technology blends perovskite materials and silicon-based solar cells, absorbing different sunlight wavelengths to enhance light capture and conversion to electricity. ✅ A substantial power output increase by 40% results in lower labor costs for installation, lesser land-acquisition costs, and a reduced total cost of ownership. ✅ Tandem PV technology, despite having had durability concerns in the past, now offers equivalent durability to years-long projected use, making them an excellent choice for your home's solar array. Summary: In the hunt for more efficient solar power, innovation is constant, with the merging of perovskite materials and silicon-based solar cells being one of the most significant recent developments. Referred to as Tandem PV technology, this advancement offers an impressive power output increase of 40%. The design layers a thin film perovskite on top of a crystalline solar cell, with each material absorbing different wavelengths of sunlight, enhancing light capture and conversion. Significantly increased power output results in reduced labor costs for installations and less land-acquisition costs. Fantastic durability equivalent to many years' projected usage gives Tandem PV technology added appeal for homeowners considering solar. For more information on selling solar virtually across the USA visit www.tstpros.com.

4

2 Comments

First Solar opened its new $1.1 billion fully integrated thin-film solar factory in Lawrence County, Alabama. This move adds a substantial 3.5 gigawatts (GW) of solar manufacturing capacity to the US market and is anticipated to generate more than 800 jobs. Supported by the #InflationReductionAct, this initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering the country's renewable energy sector. One key feature that sets First Solar apart is its full vertical integration in thin-film PV solar panel manufacturing. With the capability to transform glass into a functional solar panel in just four hours, the company relies heavily on US-sourced materials, including locally-sourced glass and steel within a 25-mile radius of the factory. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R-AL) expressed optimism, stating that this production facility is poised to make a substantial impact in the US #renewableenergy landscape. #solarenergy

4