Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label batteries. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 29, 2026

Europe vs America / Who Is Closing the Door on Batteries and Inverters?




Tri najveća imena u industriji prijenosnih energetskih sustava – EcoFlow, Bluetti i Anker Solix – nisu prisutna na najvećem sjevernoameričkom sajmu obnovljive energije RE+ u Las Vegasu. Istodobno, ista poduzeća aktivno predstavljaju nove proizvode na europskim sajmovima, posebno na IFA-i u Berlinu. Ova istodobna odsutnost i prisutnost nije nužno samo marketinška odluka. Ona se događa u trenutku kada se američko regulatorno okruženje za strane energetsko opreme značajno mijenja.

Krajem srpnja 2026. Federalna komisija za komunikacije (FCC) proširila je svoj „Covered List“ na strano proizvedene pretvarače snage (power inverters) koji posjeduju mogućnost daljinske komunikacije. Riječ je o uređajima koji pretvaraju istosmjernu struju u izmjeničnu i koji mogu biti povezani putem Wi-Fi-ja, Bluetootha, Etherneta ili sličnih protokola. Kasnije je definicija sužena na one pretvarače koji su namijenjeni paralelnom radu s elektroenergetskom mrežom (utility-interactive inverters prema UL 1741). Samostalni, off-grid uređaji ostaju izvan izravne primjene. Međutim, gotovo svi napredni prijenosni energetski sustavi danas više nisu samo baterije u kutiji. Oni se povezuju s kućnim pametnim panelima, upravljaju opterećenjima, komuniciraju s aplikacijama, primaju firmware ažuriranja i, u nekim slučajevima, mogu se vezati na mrežu. Upravo ta povezanost čini ih osjetljivima na nova pravila.

Europa vs Amerika: Tko zatvara vrata stranim baterijama i inverterima?

Manje od mjesec dana kasnije, krajem kolovoza, potpisan je izvršni nalog kojim se proglašava nacionalna hitnost u pogledu sigurnosti američkog energetskog sustava. Nalog se usredotočuje na stranu električnu opremu, kibernetičku sigurnost, daljinski pristup i ranjivosti opskrbnog lanca, posebno kod mrežno povezanih pretvarača i sustava za skladištenje energije. Iako se ne primjenjuje izravno na male prijenosne postaje u garaži, šalje jasan signal: američka politika sve više razlikuje lokalne, izolirane sustave od onih koji mogu utjecati na širu elektroenergetsku infrastrukturu.

Ove regulatorne promjene dolaze u trenutku kada je američko tržište stambene solarne energije ionako pod pritiskom. Federalni porezni kredit od 30 posto za kućne sustave više nije dostupan za nove instalacije od početka 2026. godine. Kombinacija gubitka poticaja i pooštrenih zahtjeva za porijeklom i komunikacijskim značajkama opreme stvara okruženje u kojem strana poduzeća moraju preispitati svoje strategije.

Kibernetička sigurnost ili nacionalna sigurnost – dva različita pristupa

Rezultat je moguća podjela tržišta. U Europi se ti proizvođači agresivno šire u segment povezanih kućnih energetskih sustava – balkon-solarni moduli, plug-in skladištenje, pametno upravljanje potrošnjom i dinamičko cjenovanje električne energije. U Sjedinjenim Državama suočavaju se s pitanjima o tome gdje se oprema proizvodi, tko kontrolira softver, hoće li budući modeli dobiti potrebne dozvole i hoće li morati razvijati posebne, „američke“ verzije proizvoda s ograničenim komunikacijskim mogućnostima ili lokaliziranom proizvodnjom.

Za potrošače to može značiti manju dostupnost najnovijih modela, više cijene ili usporavanje inovacija u segmentu prijenosnih i hibridnih sustava. Za industriju to otvara prostor domaćim ili savezničkim proizvođačima, ali i rizik od smanjene konkurencije i sporijeg tehnološkog napretka. Pitanje nije više samo je li riječ o odluci o sajmu. Radi se o tome hoće li se američko tržište prijenosne i kućne energije početi razvijati u drugačijem smjeru od ostatka svijeta – smjeru u kojem nacionalna sigurnost i kontrola softvera imaju prioritet nad brzinom inovacije i cijenom.

Što to znači za EcoFlow, Bluetti i Anker Solix?

Usporedba EU i američkih regulativa (stanje rujan 2026.) u području pretvarača snage (invertera), sustava za skladištenje energije i povezanih energetskih uređaja:

1. Pristup nacionalnoj sigurnosti i stranim proizvođačima

SAD

  • FCC je u srpnju/kolovozu 2026. dodao strano proizvedene utility-interactive (mrežno povezane) pretvarače s mogućnošću daljinske komunikacije (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, mobilna mreža) na Covered List.
  • Novi modeli ne mogu dobiti FCC autorizaciju potrebnu za uvoz, marketing i prodaju, osim ako dobiju Conditional Approval ili ispunjavaju uvjete domaće proizvodnje (eligible za 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit ili Buy American Act s dovoljnim udjelom američkih komponenti).
  • Off-grid / non-utility-interactive uređaji (čisti prijenosni power stationi bez mogućnosti paralelne veze s mrežom) uglavnom su izuzeti.
  • Dodatno: izvršni nalog od 26. kolovoza 2026. proglašava nacionalnu hitnost za bulk power system i ograničava stranu opremu (invertere, baterije, transformatoare) koja se spaja na mrežu.

EU

  • Nema općeg zabrane uvoza ili prodaje stranih invertera na potrošačkom tržištu.
  • Od 1. studenoga 2026. projekti financirani EU sredstvima (EIB i slično) koji su ili će biti spojeni na mrežu ne smiju koristiti invertere od „high-risk“ dobavljača (primarno kineskih, npr. Huawei i slični).
  • Pristup se pomiče s čistog zemljopisnog kriterija prema individualnoj procjeni svakog dobavljača (predložene izmjene Cybersecurity Act 2). Zemlja porijekla ostaje faktor, ali nije automatska diskvalifikacija.
  • Fokus je na kibernetičkoj otpornosti, a ne na potpunoj isključenosti stranih brandova s tržišta.

Ključna razlika: SAD aktivno blokira nova odobrenja za strane mrežno povezane uređaje. EU ograničava pristup javnom financiranju i postavlja standarde, ali zadržava tržišni pristup ako se poštuju tehnički i cyber zahtjevi.

2. Kibernetička sigurnost i zahtjevi za proizvode

SAD

  • Regulatorni fokus je na rizik od daljinskog pristupa i manipulacije mrežom.
  • Postojeća autorizirana oprema može se i dalje prodavati; pravila su prospektivna.

EU

  • Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) – horizontalni okvir za sve proizvode s digitalnim elementima (uključujući invertere, BMS, PCS, EMS).
    • Od 11. rujna 2026.: obveza prijave aktivno iskorištavanih ranjivosti (24 h rano upozorenje, 72 h potpuna prijava).
    • Puna primjena od 11. prosinca 2027.: secure-by-design, upravljanje ranjivostima, CE oznaka uključuje cyber sukladnost.
  • Network Code on Cybersecurity i nacionalni grid kodovi (npr. njemački VDE-AR-N 4105:2026) pooštravaju tehničke zahtjeve za podršku mreži i imunitet na poremećaje.
  • Industrija traži da se kritične komponente BESS-a klasificiraju kao „critical“ pod CRA (stroža ocjena sukladnosti).

Ključna razlika: EU nameće jedinstvene, tehnološki orijentirane standarde svim proizvođačima (bez obzira na porijeklo). SAD koristi više nacionalno-sigurnosni filter temeljen na porijeklu i mogućnosti komunikacije.

3. Potpore i porezni poticaji

SAD

  • Federalni stambeni kredit od 30 % (Section 25D) prestao je za sustave stavljenje u pogon nakon 31. prosinca 2025.
  • Komercijalni i storage sustavi i dalje imaju putove preko Section 48E, uz stroge FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) i domestic content zahtjeve.
  • Snažan poticaj za domaću proizvodnju (45X kredit).

EU

  • Nema ekvivalentnog naglog ukidanja velikog stambenog poticaja.
  • REPowerEU, nacionalni programi, sniženi ili nulti PDV na solar + storage u više zemalja, te razni rebate programi i dalje podržavaju tržište.
  • Fokus na monetizaciji fleksibilnosti (dinamičke tarife, VPP, grid services) uz uvjete kibernetičke sigurnosti.

Sažetak utjecaja na prijenosne i kućne energetske sustave

AspektSADEU
Novi mrežno povezani invertere stranih proizvođačaJako ograničeno (Covered List)Dozvoljeno uz standarde; ograničeno u EU-financiranim projektima
Čisti off-grid / portableUglavnom izuzetoCRA se primjenjuje ako ima digitalnu povezivost
Kibernetička sigurnostFokus na isključivanju rizikaObvezni secure-by-design + reporting za sve
PoticajiSnažno smanjeni za stambeni segmentStabilniji i raznolikiji
Strategija proizvođačaLokalizacija proizvodnje ili povlačenje naprednih modelaPrilagodba standardima + fokus na europsko tržište

SAD ide putem restriktivnijeg, sigurnosno orijentiranog isključivanja stranih (posebno kineskih) mrežno povezanih sustava i poticanja domaće proizvodnje. EU ide putem standardizacije kibernetičke otpornosti za sve proizvode i uvjetovanja javnog financiranja, uz zadržavanje šireg tržišnog pristupa. Zbog toga se kod istih proizvođača (EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker Solix i slični) vidi aktivnije lansiranje naprednih povezanih rješenja u Europi, dok se na američkom tržištu suočavaju s većim regulatornim neizvjesnostima za nove generacije proizvoda.

Željko Serdar, Hrvatski Centar Obnovljivih Izvora Energije ( HCOIE )




Europe vs America: Who Is Closing the Door on Foreign Batteries and Inverters?

Three of the biggest names in the portable power industry – EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Anker Solix – are absent from North America’s largest renewable energy trade show, RE+, in Las Vegas. At the same time, the same companies are actively launching new products at European trade shows, particularly IFA in Berlin. This simultaneous absence and presence is not necessarily just a marketing decision. It is happening at a moment when the U.S. regulatory environment for foreign energy equipment is changing significantly.

In late July 2026, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded its “Covered List” to include foreign-produced power inverters that have remote communication capabilities. These are devices that convert direct current to alternating current and can connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or similar protocols. The definition was later narrowed to those inverters intended for parallel operation with the electric utility grid (utility-interactive inverters under UL 1741). Standalone, off-grid devices remain outside the direct scope. However, almost all advanced portable power systems today are no longer just batteries in a box. They connect to home smart panels, manage loads, communicate with apps, receive firmware updates, and in some cases can connect to the grid. It is precisely this connectivity that makes them sensitive to the new rules.

Cybersecurity or National Security – Two Different Approaches

Less than a month later, in late August, an executive order was signed declaring a national emergency regarding the security of the U.S. energy system. The order focuses on foreign electrical equipment, cybersecurity, remote access, and supply-chain vulnerabilities, particularly for grid-connected inverters and energy storage systems. Although it does not apply directly to small portable stations in a garage, it sends a clear signal: U.S. policy is increasingly distinguishing between local, isolated systems and those that can affect the broader power infrastructure.

These regulatory changes come at a time when the U.S. residential solar market is already under pressure. The federal 30 percent tax credit for home systems is no longer available for new installations starting in 2026. The combination of lost incentives and stricter requirements on the origin and communication features of equipment creates an environment in which foreign companies must reassess their strategies.

What Does This Mean for EcoFlow, Bluetti, and Anker Solix?

The result is a possible market split. In Europe, these manufacturers are aggressively expanding into the segment of connected home energy systems – balcony solar modules, plug-in storage, smart load management, and dynamic electricity pricing. In the United States, they face questions about where the equipment is manufactured, who controls the software, whether future models will receive the necessary approvals, and whether they will have to develop special “American” versions of products with limited communication capabilities or localized production.

For consumers, this could mean reduced availability of the latest models, higher prices, or slower innovation in the portable and hybrid systems segment. For the industry, it opens space for domestic or allied manufacturers, but also carries the risk of reduced competition and slower technological progress. The question is no longer just whether this is a trade-show decision. It is about whether the U.S. portable and home energy market will begin to develop in a different direction from the rest of the world – a direction in which national security and software control take priority over the speed of innovation and price.

Comparison of EU and U.S. Regulations (as of September 2026) in the Area of Power Inverters, Energy Storage Systems, and Related Energy Devices

1. Approach to National Security and Foreign Manufacturers

United States

  • In July/August 2026, the FCC added foreign-produced utility-interactive (grid-connected) inverters with remote communication capabilities (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, cellular) to the Covered List.
  • New models cannot obtain the FCC authorization required for import, marketing, and sale unless they receive Conditional Approval or meet domestic production requirements (eligible for the 45X Advanced Manufacturing Tax Credit or Buy American Act with a sufficient share of U.S. components).
  • Off-grid / non-utility-interactive devices (pure portable power stations without the ability to operate in parallel with the grid) are largely exempt.
  • Additionally: the executive order of August 26, 2026, declares a national emergency for the bulk power system and restricts foreign equipment (inverters, batteries, transformers) that connects to the grid.

European Union

  • There is no general ban on the import or sale of foreign inverters on the consumer market.
  • From November 1, 2026, EU-funded projects (EIB and similar) that are or will be connected to the grid may not use inverters from “high-risk” suppliers (primarily Chinese, e.g., Huawei and similar).
  • The approach is shifting from a pure geographic criterion toward individual assessment of each supplier (proposed amendments to Cybersecurity Act 2). Country of origin remains a factor but is not an automatic disqualification.
  • The focus is on cyber resilience rather than complete exclusion of foreign brands from the market.

Key difference: The U.S. actively blocks new approvals for foreign grid-connected devices. The EU restricts access to public funding and sets standards but retains market access if technical and cyber requirements are met.

2. Cybersecurity and Product Requirements

United States

  • Regulatory focus is on the risk of remote access and grid manipulation.
  • Existing authorized equipment can continue to be sold; the rules are prospective.

European Union

  • Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) – a horizontal framework for all products with digital elements (including inverters, BMS, PCS, EMS).
    • From September 11, 2026: obligation to report actively exploited vulnerabilities (24-hour early warning, 72-hour full notification).
    • Full application from December 11, 2027: secure-by-design, vulnerability management, CE marking includes cyber conformity.
  • Network Code on Cybersecurity and national grid codes (e.g., German VDE-AR-N 4105:2026) tighten technical requirements for grid support and disturbance immunity.
  • Industry is calling for critical BESS components to be classified as “critical” under the CRA (stricter conformity assessment).

Key difference: The EU imposes uniform, technology-oriented standards on all manufacturers (regardless of origin). The U.S. uses a more national-security filter based on origin and communication capability.

3. Support Schemes and Tax Incentives

United States

  • The federal residential 30% credit (Section 25D) ended for systems placed in service after December 31, 2025.
  • Commercial and storage systems still have pathways under Section 48E, with strict FEOC (Foreign Entity of Concern) and domestic content requirements.
  • Strong incentive for domestic manufacturing (45X credit).

European Union

  • No equivalent sudden cancellation of a major residential incentive.
  • REPowerEU, national programs, reduced or zero VAT on solar + storage in several countries, and various rebate programs continue to support the market.
  • Focus on monetizing flexibility (dynamic tariffs, VPP, grid services) subject to cybersecurity conditions.

Summary of Impact on Portable and Home Energy Systems

AspectUnited StatesEuropean Union
New grid-connected inverters from foreign manufacturersHeavily restricted (Covered List)Allowed subject to standards; restricted in EU-funded projects
Pure off-grid / portableLargely exemptCRA applies if digital connectivity is present
CybersecurityFocus on risk exclusionMandatory secure-by-design + reporting for all
IncentivesStrongly reduced for residential segmentMore stable and diversified
Manufacturer strategyLocalization of production or withdrawal of advanced modelsAdaptation to standards + focus on the European market

The United States is taking a more restrictive, security-oriented path of excluding foreign (especially Chinese) grid-connected systems and promoting domestic manufacturing. The EU is taking the path of standardizing cyber resilience for all products and conditioning public funding, while retaining broader market access. As a result, the same manufacturers (EcoFlow, Bluetti, Anker Solix, and similar) are more actively launching advanced connected solutions in Europe, while facing greater regulatory uncertainty for new product generations on the U.S. market.

Zeljko Serdar, Croatian Center of Renewable Energy Sources ( CCRES )

Monday, August 11, 2025

The Battery Breakthrough





As demand for clean energy grows, so does the need for smarter storage solutions. Lithium-ion batteries are leading the charge, but they don't last forever. That creates a big problem: what do we do with all the dead batteries? 


Thanks to a new method developed by researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), we may finally have an answer. This scalable and eco-friendly recycling technique transforms old batteries back into high-performing, next-gen components, with minimal environmental impact. 

Let's break down how this innovation works and why it matters for a sustainable energy future.

The WPI researchers have developed a promising closed-loop recycling process for lithium-ion batteries, addressing the growing challenge of battery waste as clean energy demand surges. Here's a breakdown of the innovation and its significance based on available information:

How It WorksProcess Overview: 


The method, led by Yan Wang at WPI, uses a hydrometallurgical approach to recover valuable materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel from spent lithium-ion batteries. Unlike traditional recycling, which often involves energy-intensive smelting or produces significant waste, this technique employs water-based solutions with biodegradable acids (e.g., citric acid) to extract metals.

Key Steps:Battery Disassembly: 

Spent batteries are collected and dismantled to access the cathode and anode materials.

Material Extraction: 

A low-temperature, water-based process dissolves the battery components, recovering metals in the form of salts.

Regeneration: 

The extracted materials are processed into precursors for new cathode materials, such as lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC). These are then used to manufacture fresh batteries.

Closed-Loop System: 

The process minimizes waste by reusing chemicals and water, reducing environmental impact.

Scalability: 

The method is designed to be cost-effective and scalable, with a continuous recycling system that can handle large volumes of batteries. WPI's team has demonstrated this at a pilot scale, producing hundreds of kilograms of regenerated cathode materials.

Why It MattersEnvironmental Impact: 

Traditional recycling methods, like pyrometallurgy, burn batteries at high temperatures, emitting greenhouse gases and toxic byproducts. WPI’s process is eco-friendly, using biodegradable chemicals and producing minimal waste, aligning with sustainable energy goals.

Resource Scarcity: 

Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are finite and often mined in environmentally or ethically problematic ways. Recycling reduces reliance on new mining, with WPI’s method recovering up to 98% of key metals.

Battery Performance: 

Tests show that batteries made with recycled materials perform as well as, or better than, those made with virgin materials, maintaining capacity and cycle life critical for applications like electric vehicles (EVs) and grid storage.

Economic Viability: 

The process cuts costs by simplifying steps and reusing materials, making it attractive for industrial adoption. WPI’s spin-off, Ascend Elements, has raised significant funding (e.g., $542 million in 2023) to commercialize this technology, aiming for gigawatt-scale recycling facilities.

Broader ImplicationsCircular Economy: 

This innovation supports a circular battery economy, where materials are reused indefinitely, reducing waste and environmental degradation. It’s a critical step as EV adoption grows—global EV battery demand is projected to hit 3,500 GWh by 2030, generating millions of tons of spent batteries.

Energy Transition: 

Reliable, sustainable battery recycling ensures a steady supply of materials for clean energy storage, stabilizing supply chains and reducing geopolitical risks tied to mineral sourcing.

Challenges Ahead: 

While promising, scaling this technology requires infrastructure investment, regulatory support, and efficient battery collection systems. Standardizing battery designs could further streamline recycling.

My Thoughts:

This is a game-changer for the clean energy transition. The WPI method tackles the battery waste problem head-on with a practical, green solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Its scalability and low environmental footprint make it a strong candidate for widespread adoption, especially as battery production ramps up. However, success hinges on building robust collection networks and incentivizing recycling over landfilling. If Ascend Elements can deliver on its commercial promises, this could set a global standard for battery recycling, making clean energy truly sustainable. Zeljko Serdar, CCRES. 


Tuesday, November 8, 2022

CHANGE IS HAPPENING IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

 

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EV-Evolution Europe is an industry-leading Electric Vehicle (EV) company offering complete EV conversion kits, EV components, EV education, training courses, and technical build support. 


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EV-Evolution Europe can convert your fleet to electric power, build your custom EV, or get any shop the parts and training they need in order to complete EV conversions themselves. EV-Evolution Europe is working to ensure the transition to Electric Vehicles does not mean we have to lose the cars we love and the auto shops we trust.


EV Public Charger 3-22kW Assembly and Activation (part 2)

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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

News and Events by CCRES




President Obama Sets Goal to Cut Oil Imports by One-Third

President Barack Obama outlined his energy security plan on March 30, calling for a variety of energy efficiency and renewable energy measures designed to reduce U.S. oil imports by one-third by 2025. The president said that when he took office, the United States was importing 11 million barrels of oil a day. Now, he believes that in little more than a decade, that amount can be cut substantially. The roadmap to achieving that goal is contained in the administration's "Blueprint for a Secure Energy Future," which was also released on March 30.

As part of his strategy, the president cited an array of clean energy avenues worth pursuing. He noted that expanding biofuels markets and commercializing new biofuels technologies, such as promising cellulosic and advanced biofuels technologies, could help trim oil imports. To support that, the administration has set a goal of breaking ground on at least four commercial-scale cellulosic or advanced bio-refineries over the next two years. He endorsed setting new fuel economy standards, like the one for model years 2012-16 which will raise average fuel economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. As part of that effort, the administration in July will finalize the first-ever national fuel economy and greenhouse gas emission standards for commercial trucks. Additionally, the federal government will lead by example and make the 600,000-vehicle federal fleet vehicles more fuel efficient. The president called for administrative action directing agencies to ensure that all new vehicles purchased by 2015 will be alternative-fuel vehicles, namely hybrid or electric vehicles (EVs). Finally, he stressed promoting investments in energy efficiency for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The administration, he said, is on track to weatherize 600,000 low-income homes through American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, and pursuing a series of policies that will increase efficiency across sectors.

He reiterated that he has set a goal of having one million electric vehicles on U.S. roads by 2015. To reach this target, the government has created incentives for companies to develop these vehicles, and for consumers who want them to buy them. Already, clean energy investments, such as competitive grants for companies to develop the next generation of batteries for EVs, have helped to create a new U.S. high tech battery industry. Overall, the president said the United States must focus on expanding cleaner sources of electricity to build a clean energy economy.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com


Major Corporate Fleets Align to Reduce Oil Consumption

Surrounded by cutting-edge vehicles, from all-electric trucks to hydraulic hybrids, President Obama announced on April 1 the National Clean Fleets Partnership, an initiative of DOE's Clean Cities program, at a UPS fleet facility in Landover, Maryland. This public-private partnership will draw on the expertise of DOE to help large companies reduce diesel and gasoline use in their fleets by incorporating electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and fuel-saving measures into their operations.

Charter members of this partnership include AT&T, FedEx Corporation, PepsiCo, UPS, and Verizon Communications. These companies represent five of the nation's 10 largest fleets and collectively operate over 275,000 vehicles. They are committing to deploy more than 20,000 advanced technology vehicles that are expected to save more than 7 million gallons of fuel per year. It was exciting for Clean Cities coalitions and stakeholders to see the Obama Administration's support for our work and the efforts of participating companies.

The Partnership is focused on major fleets because these work vehicles can use much more petroleum than the typical driver. While an average American drives about 12,000 miles a year, a fleet vehicle, like a delivery truck, may travel more than twice as far. When the petroleum and emissions reduction potential for that single truck is multiplied across a fleet of thousands, it adds up to a tremendous social, economic, and environmental benefit. Helping fleets reduce their petroleum use through options such as electric drive vehicles, biofuels, natural gas, propane, idle reduction, and fuel economy improves America's energy security while reducing carbon pollution and other harmful emissions.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

DOE to Award $112 Million in SunShot Projects to Advance PV Manufacturing

DOE announced on April 5 its selection of three recipients for up to $112.5 million in funding over five years to support the U.S. development of advanced manufacturing processes for solar photovoltaic (PV) modules. DOE's SunShot Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships will assist the solar power industry to overcome technical barriers and reduce costs for PV installations, help the United States regain the lead in the global market for solar technologies, and provide support for clean energy jobs. By engaging multiple companies across the PV supply chain, the SunShot Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships program is designed to have broad impact on the U.S. solar industry. Selected projects will create organizations designed to bring PV companies together in a coordinated environment to address common technology needs.

The selected projects are: the Bay Area PV Consortium (BAPVC)—managed by Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley—which will fund industry-relevant research and development to impact high-volume PV manufacturing using a competitive selection process open to all universities; SVTC Technologies in San Jose, California, which will create a fee-for-service PV Manufacturing Development Facility that will enable start-ups, materials suppliers, and other PV innovators to eliminate a major portion of their up-front capital and operating costs during product development and pilot production, with a focus on silicon solar cells; and the U.S. Photovoltaic Manufacturing Consortium, managed by SEMATECH, will coordinate an industry-driven research and development initiative to accelerate the development, manufacturing, and commercialization of next-generation copper indium gallium selenide, or CIGS, thin-film PV manufacturing technologies, driving down the cost and risk of bring them to market.

The investments are part of DOE's SunShot Initiative, which aims to reduce the total costs of photovoltaic solar energy systems by about 75% so that they are cost competitive at large scale with other forms of energy without subsidies by the end of the decade. Achieving this goal, equivalent to approximately $1 a watt or roughly 6 cents per kilowatt-hour for utility systems, would allow solar energy systems to be broadly deployed across the country.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.


U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011 Team Uses Appalachian Mountain History to Model Home

In honor of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon 2011—which challenges 20 collegiate teams to design, build, and operate solar-powered houses that are cost-effective, energy-efficient, and attractive—we are profiling each of the 20 teams participating in the competition. For our second profile, we spoke with Appalachian State University's faculty advisors Jamie Russell and Chad Everhart about The Solar Homestead, their team's entry into the competition. Both Chad and Jamie are professors from the university's Building Science program in the Department of Technology. Chad provided guidance for the architecture and design portions of the project, while Jamie helped with the engineering side of things.

Chad told us that the original idea for The Solar Homestead was created in the fall of 2009 by a group of eight graduate students who put together a design proposal for entry into the Decathlon. The team, he says, was inspired by the pioneer spirit of the early settlers in the mountain region of North Carolina near the school's current location.More info at http://solarserdar.blogspot.com.

CROATIAN CENTER of RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES ( CCRES )