Category: Solar Systems

ROME — Italy’s rightwing government on Monday banned the installation of ground-based solar panels on agricultural land, just days after Rome committed to triple installed renewable energy capacity by 2030. “We put an end to the wild installation of ground-mounted photovoltaic panels,” Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida said at a press conference following the cabinet meeting. The ban covers photovoltaic systems placed on the ground in areas classified as agricultural, but does not refer to agrivoltaic projects, where solar panels are installed above fields of crops, Lollobrigida said. ADVERTISEMENT Projects benefitting…

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A European consortium including Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE is researching suitable crop and PV system combinations, conducting tests under Nordic conditions, and developing software to expedite adoption. May 6, 2024 Valerie Thompson Since early this year, a European team has been working on a two-year research project with a budget of €2 million ($2.05 million) to investigate agricultural crop yield, PV production, and water consumption with a plan to apply the findings in new models and software. The research, which includes a pilot plant to test solutions under conditions in the…

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The largest solar panel system of SM Supermalls in SM City Santa Rosa has recently received a Certificate of Compliance by the Energy Regulatory Commission.  Manila, Philippines – SM Supermalls has recently unveiled the company’s largest self-used rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system to date at SM City in Santa Rosa, Laguna, installed across over 2 hectares of the mall’s building. With this recent milestone of scaling the company’s efforts towards energy efficiency, SM Prime reaffirms its commitment towards building for a sustainable future as it progresses towards its Net-Zero Ambition…

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According to EnergySage, a solar carport system has a typical price of $3.31 per watt (before subtracting incentives). Solar carport installations qualify for the 30% solar federal tax credit, which reduces your net cost, and additional incentives may be available from the local government or power company.

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Yes, there are benefits to using the most efficient solar panels. The efficiency of your solar panels affects the amount of electricity they generate, which is why more efficient solar panels can save you more on utility bills. High-efficiency panels generate more energy with fewer panels, which is especially beneficial to homeowners with limited roof space.

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Most solar panel companies offer two or more financing options. Each option affects your installation total, solar incentive eligibility and return on investment (ROI). Here’s a breakdown of the typical solar financing options available through solar providers.  Cash Purchases A cash purchase is the most straightforward payment option. You pay for your solar system up-front, eliminating interest rates, loan fees or credit score checks. Considering solar panels last 25 to 35 years, making a cash payment is equivalent to prepaying for your solar energy. The downside is that you need…

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By Jim Hilton Forest Ink I was encouraged about the news last week that the Ulkatcho First Nation was proceeding with the construction of one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. Not only will this project reduce the diesel use by millions of litres it may be the catalyst to introducing other forms of bio energy that could compliment the solar system. I have been experimenting with solar power for 10 plus years starting with six solar panels to supply power at my recreation property. While I still…

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By Jim Hilton Forest Ink I was encouraged about the news last week that the Ulkatcho First Nation was proceeding with the construction of one of the largest off-grid solar projects in Canada. Not only will this project reduce the diesel use by millions of litres it may be the catalyst to introducing other forms of bio energy that could compliment the solar system. I have been experimenting with solar power for 10 plus years starting with six solar panels to supply power at my recreation property. While I still…

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As of the beginning of May, telemarketing has been banned from the long-running Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) and Solar Homes programs. First to the VEU, which helps Victorians cut power bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing rebates or discounts to upgrade inefficient appliances. Supported products include eligible: Clothes dryers Fridges and freezers Heating and cooling Home energy rating assessments Hot water systems In-home displays Insulation Lighting Pool pumps Shower heads Televisions Weather sealing Window glazing Some of the VEU incentives are quite generous. For example, $3,600 can be…

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While one of the most common myths about solar panels is that renters can’t use them, the truth is that, yes, you can put solar panels on a balcony. However, you’ll want to take a few things into consideration before doing so. You should start by checking local building codes and zoning laws, which vary greatly between cities and states. In most locations, you’ll need a permit before installing solar panels, even on a balcony. Once you have all of that in order, you’ll want to take a look at…

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