solar panels
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China’s role complicates US solar energy boom
The Biden administration’s push for renewable energy is complicated by a trade battle with China, which supplies cheap solar panels and threatens US manufacturers.
In short:
- China’s overproduction of solar panels, fueled by subsidies, has slashed prices but threatens the U.S. solar industry.
- U.S. manufacturers argue that Chinese dominance could stifle domestic production and lead to eventual price hikes.
- Lobbying efforts by industry groups argue that limiting Chinese imports could hurt solar industry growth and climate goals.
Key quote:
“Consumers need to understand that when they buy solar panels from China, these are being made using coal-fired power plants.”
— Tim Brightbill, U.S. solar panel trade lawyer
Why this matters:
China produces 80% of the world’s solar panels, raising concerns over U.S. energy independence and environmental impacts. The ongoing trade war may shape the future of both the US solar industry and global clean energy goals.
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Credit: Andreas Gücklhorn/Unsplash
The US plans solar panels over canals on tribal land in Arizona
A pilot project on tribal land in Arizona will cover a half-mile of the Casa Blanca Canal with solar panels, aiming to generate clean energy and reduce water evaporation.
In short:
- The Casa Blanca Canal project will be the first U.S. solar-covered canal, generating 1.3 megawatts of power.
- The project, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, aims to demonstrate benefits like reduced evaporation and algae growth.
- If successful, it could pave the way for similar installations nationwide, potentially generating 25 gigawatts of clean energy.
Key quote:
“Canal solar allows for greater power production per land size, cleaner water, less power transmission losses, and significant reduction in evaporation.”
— Ben Lepley, founder of Tectonicus
Why this matters:
Solar panels over canals offer a dual benefit of producing renewable energy and conserving water. This innovation could significantly contribute to the U.S. clean energy goals while addressing environmental concerns.
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Credit: ep_jhu/Flickr
Churches are plugging into solar power
There's a rise in churches turning to solar power so they can preach sustainability along with their doctrines.
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Photo by Nuno Marques on Unsplash
Republicans and Democrats want community solar. Why won’t Michigan legislators enable it?
Advocates say big utilities wield their influence in Lansing to maintain control over renewable energy.
Could Biden’s clean energy push be a victim of its success?
Thanks to the president’s signature legislation, solar energy manufacturing is booming in Georgia, a key state in the 2024 election. But the industry now worries that it could be too much and too fast.
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Floating factories of artificial leaves could make green fuel for jets and ships
Cambridge University scientists develop a device to ‘defossilise’ the economy using sunlight, water and carbon dioxide.
The ultra-efficient farm of the future is in the sky
Take a tour of a rooftop laboratory where scientists show how growing crops under solar panels can produce both food and clean energy.
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