Solar Power: The Silver Linings of Ditching Silver

Solar Power: The Silver Linings of Ditching Silver

Why wouldn’t everyone invest in solar? Well, for that reason exactly: it’s an investment. Although it’s praised for its low maintenance costs and long-term savings, it is still a hefty investment in terms of individual finance cost, manufacturing, and installation. The production of solar panels requires expensive raw material, such as high-grade silicon, and silver for the wiring and cells.

If the industry could just get the cost of materials down, the climate and environmental benefits would extend far beyond the energy sector.

An Australian organization called SunDrive solar recently made headlines for their use of copper wiring in solar cells, opening up the opportunity for solar production costs to plummet and increase global solar adoption.

We are joined by PV Magazine Founding Editor Jonathan Gifford to examine this achievement, and what it could mean for solar.

They also explore supply chains issues, tackling NIMBYism and together they predict the Next Big Things in solar tech.

The Interchange is brought to you by Schneider Electric. Are you building a microgrid? With a microgrid you can store electricity and sell it back during peak times. Keep your power on during an outage. Integrate with renewables. Control energy on your own terms. Having built more microgrids in than anyone else, Schneider Electric has the expertise to help.

The Interchange is brought to you by Bloom Energy. Bloom’s onsite energy platform provides unparalleled control for those looking to secure clean, reliable 24/7 power that scales to meet critical business needs. It eliminates outage and price risk while accelerating us towards a zero carbon future. Visit Bloom Energy to learn how to take charge today.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episoder(342)

Uncertainty isn’t good for domestic solar manufacturing. How are suppliers and utilities managing it?

Uncertainty isn’t good for domestic solar manufacturing. How are suppliers and utilities managing it?

The US is projected to add an additional 26 GW of solar capacity in 2025. Solar has been one of the energy transition’s biggest success stories, but there are dark clouds gathering. Uncertainty is the...

25 Mar 202521min

Is the world giving up on green hydrogen? | Hydrogen energy is having an identity crisis but who’s to blame?

Is the world giving up on green hydrogen? | Hydrogen energy is having an identity crisis but who’s to blame?

In 2025, the US will consolidate its position as a blue-focused hydrogen market, driven by policy developments under a second Trump administration. A surge in blue hydrogen investment – with at least ...

11 Mar 202532min

The US needs nuclear energy now, more than ever | Are permitting and regulations set up for rapid deployment?

The US needs nuclear energy now, more than ever | Are permitting and regulations set up for rapid deployment?

Former President Biden's final days in office involved signing an US$840 million energy contract with Constellation - a statement of intent for the US’s largest nuclear supplier. Since then, what’s ch...

25 Feb 202540min

What needs to happen to strengthen climate resilience in the US? | Balancing climate mitigation with adaptation is getting harder and harder

What needs to happen to strengthen climate resilience in the US? | Balancing climate mitigation with adaptation is getting harder and harder

The fires in Los Angeles of January 2025 were devastating. They were also made about 35% more likely due to climate change.This is true all over the world; a recent study authored by Research Fellow P...

11 Feb 202542min

Meeting energy demand requires long-term solutions. What do they look like?

Meeting energy demand requires long-term solutions. What do they look like?

How a major US utility plans for sustainable growth.The US is on track to see over 25% growth in annual clean energy installations this year, despite uncertainty around permitting and grid connections...

29 Jan 202540min

The energy analysts' view on what’s ahead in 2025

The energy analysts' view on what’s ahead in 2025

The trends, challenges and breakthroughs.Clean energy in 2025 will face challenges from rising electricity demand, inflation-driven costs, and political pressures. How can these challenges be solved? ...

14 Jan 202551min

Is US solar growth truly unstoppable?

Is US solar growth truly unstoppable?

In conversation with Abigail Hopper Policy changes which will impact US solar – both manufacturing and demand - are on the horizon. To discuss the current state of the solar industry in the wake of t...

17 Des 202434min

What does a second Trump term mean for US solar?

What does a second Trump term mean for US solar?

Could the potential repealing of the IRA halt the progress of solar manufacturing?A second Donald Trump presidency will have a big impact on the energy transition. The Biden administration’s landmark ...

3 Des 202432min

Populært innen Business og økonomi

stopp-verden
lydartikler-fra-aftenposten
dine-penger-pengeradet
rss-penger-polser-og-politikk
e24-podden
rss-borsmorgen-okonominyhetene
pengepodden-2
tid-er-penger-en-podcast-med-peter-warren
pengesnakk
livet-pa-veien-med-jan-erik-larssen
utbytte
stormkast-med-valebrokk-stordalen
morgenkaffen-med-finansavisen
lederpodden
rss-markedspuls-2
rss-sunn-okonomi
rss-pa-konto
finansredaksjonen
stockup
boligbobla