solar energy
Newsletter
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Reimagining energy: The rise of free solar power
A solar revolution is underway, with experts predicting that by 2030, solar power could be effectively free during daylight hours in many regions.
In short:
- Solar energy capacity saw an 80% increase in 2023, now providing nearly 6% of global electricity, with expectations to become the dominant source by the 2030s.
- The cost of solar panels has dropped dramatically, making solar the cheapest new electricity source for 95% of the world.
- The future may bring industries that adjust operations based on solar availability, with a growing focus on energy storage and transmission.
Key quote:
“The next tenfold increase will be equivalent to multiplying the world’s entire fleet of nuclear reactors by eight in less than the time it typically takes to build just a single one of them.”
— The Economist
Why this matters:
With fewer fossil fuels being burned, we could see a dramatic drop in pollution-related illnesses, cleaner air, and a significant cut in carbon emissions. The challenge now is to figure out how to harness this potential. Read more: Solving the climate crisis requires more than switching to renewables—everyone needs equal access.
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Solar power cuts costs and improves lives for salt farmers in Gujarat
Solar-powered pumps have reduced costs for salt farmers in Gujarat's Little Rann of Kutch, transforming their livelihoods and easing their challenging working conditions.
In short:
- The Gujarat government subsidized solar pumps for salt farmers, cutting production costs by two-thirds and reducing their reliance on diesel.
- Solar energy has allowed farmers to save money, leading to improved living conditions, better education for children, and increased mobility.
- Concerns are rising over groundwater depletion, as farmers dig more wells to extract additional water for salt production.
Key quote:
“Solar-powered pumps have reduced the cost of salt farming to one-third of what it was.”
— Purshottam Sonagra, area manager of nonprofit Vikas Centre for Development
Why this matters:
Solar power has not only made salt production more affordable but also improved the overall quality of life for the agariyas. However, the environmental impact of increased water extraction could pose new challenges.
Related:
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Wyoming hesitates to embrace solar energy despite its potential
Wyoming has the ideal conditions for solar energy, yet its development lags behind due to political and economic ties to fossil fuels.
In short:
- Wyoming receives ample sunlight, but only two utility-scale solar farms currently operate in the state.
- The state's economy and policies are heavily influenced by the coal industry, creating barriers to solar energy adoption.
- Four large solar projects are in development, potentially increasing the state’s solar capacity significantly.
Key quote:
“There is economic development happening at a really large scale in surrounding states that is much reduced here.”
— Scott Kane, solar company co-founder
Why this matters:
Expanding solar energy in Wyoming could diversify its economy, reduce dependency on coal and bring significant environmental and financial benefits to the state.
Related EHN coverage:
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Wildlife faces new challenges with large-scale solar energy projects
Researchers are studying how utility-scale solar developments in New Mexico impact pronghorn and other wildlife to find ways to mitigate negative effects.
In short:
- Wildlife researchers are capturing and collaring pronghorn in New Mexico to track their movements and study the effects of large-scale solar projects.
- Solar development is expanding in the Four Corners region, often overlapping with wildlife migration corridors, but data on its impact on large mammals is scarce.
- The study aims to inform future solar projects to ensure they are developed with minimal harm to local wildlife populations.
Key quote:
“We can’t make the same mistakes over and over again with our policies. I just felt like we were doing that by saying, ‘We’ll figure it out later; all that matters is we get green energy.”
— Aaron Facka, senior wildlife biologist at Wildlands Network
Why this matters:
Solar farms, with their extensive fencing and altered landscapes, can disrupt migration routes and access to vital resources. Researchers are meticulously studying these impacts to devise strategies that could help mitigate the negative effects on pronghorns and other wildlife. Early findings suggest that simple adjustments, such as wildlife-friendly fencing and strategic placement of solar arrays, could make a significant difference.
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Credit: Derek Sutton/Unsplash
A family farm in China thrives with solar energy investment
Shi Mei and her husband in Shandong Province diversified their farming income by investing in rooftop solar panels, earning $10,000 annually from generating electricity.
In short:
- The Shi family installed 40 solar panels on their roof in 2021, significantly boosting their income.
- China aims for 20% of its power to come from renewables by 2025, leading to an oversupply of solar energy in some areas.
- Efforts are underway to improve grid flexibility and energy storage to handle the excess power.
Key quote:
“China has the great potential and opportunity to make its power sector achieve its carbon peak by 2025.”
— Grace Gao, climate and energy senior campaigner at Greenpeace in China
Why this matters:
By turning their rooftops into mini power plants, the Shi family reduces their carbon footprint and promotes sustainable energy practices within their community.
This initiative emphasizes the potential for renewable energy to transform livelihoods, especially in regions like Shandong Province where sunlight is abundant. For other farmers, Shi Mei's success story could serve as a powerful example of how embracing green technology can provide both economic stability and environmental benefits.
Some more good news from EHN’s Brian Bienkowski in this 2019 piece: Global renewable energy has quadrupled over past decade.
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Biden announces $7 billion for solar energy in low-income communities
President Biden's new initiative allocates $7 billion to support solar energy in underprivileged areas, aiming to reduce energy costs and emissions.
In short:
- The Solar for All program will fund solar and battery installations in low-income neighborhoods, benefiting approximately 900,000 households.
- Funding will be managed by state, municipal and tribal governments along with nonprofits, with implementation slated for the summer.
- The initiative will help achieve the administration's clean energy goals and reduce energy expenses for families by an average of $400 annually.
Key quote:
“Low income families can spend up to 30 percent of their paychecks on their energy bills. It’s outrageous.”
— U.S. President Joe Biden.
Why this matters:
As President Biden noted, many low-income families spend a significant portion of their income on utility bills. Solar energy can drastically reduce these costs, easing financial burdens and increasing disposable income for other essential needs.
Black, Indigenous and people of color and low-income communities bear the brunt of climate change's negative impacts but renewable energy technologies like solar cells primarily benefit wealthy and predominantly white communities.
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Eclipse puts US power grid to the test
As the U.S. prepares for a solar eclipse on April 8, the event poses a unique challenge for the nation's solar-powered energy grid, potentially affecting millions.
In short:
- The eclipse will dramatically reduce solar power production across a wide swath of the US, impacting areas with a combined population exceeding 31 million.
- Power grid operators have planned meticulously to manage the sudden drop and subsequent surge in solar energy, ensuring a steady electricity supply.
- The situation is particularly critical in Texas, where recent hail storms damaged solar installations, adding another layer of complexity to managing the grid during the eclipse.
Key quote:
"ERCOT has analyzed the ramping challenges posed by the eclipse and will continue to monitor this aspect of the eclipse as updated weather forecasts are received."
— ERCOT spokesperson
Why this matters:
For solar-dependent regions, eclipses serve as a reminder of the variability of renewable energy sources and the importance of having a diverse energy portfolio. Despite the temporary disruption, solar eclipses are predictable events, allowing for advance planning to mitigate their impact on solar power generation.
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