A new crop of solar panels is the U.S.’s best hope of catching China
United States solar manufacturers are racing to develop a new crop of solar panels that could generate 25 percent more energy than most existing devices. Producers say they are on the cusp of a technological breakthrough centered on tandem solar panels, which incorporate a second light-absorbing layer. This new generation of panels represents the best hope for the domestic industry to challenge China's dominant grip on the global solar market, though the long-term durability of the technology remains a critical question for the industry.
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- ✓ Producers of solar panels in the United States say they are on the cusp of a technological breakthrough that could upend the industry and even threaten China's grip on it.
- ✓ Manufacturers are racing to develop new kinds of panels that can generate 25 percent more energy than most such devices.
What changed
U.S. solar panel producers are advancing a technological leap with tandem panels designed to generate significantly more electricity and challenge international dominance.
Live updates
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U.S. Solar Panel Makers Chase China With New Technology
United States solar manufacturers are racing to develop a new crop of solar panels that could generate 25 percent more energy than most existing devices. Producers say they are on the cusp of a technological breakthrough centered on tandem solar panels, which incorporate a second light-absorbing layer. This new generation of panels represents the best hope for the domestic industry to challenge China's dominant grip on the global solar market, though the long-term durability of the technology remains a critical question for the industry.
Why it matters
China has maintained dominance in global solar manufacturing, leaving U.S. companies looking for technological leaps to regain ground. Tandem PV from Silicon Valley and other manufacturers are attempting to leapfrog standard silicon technology into the mainstream. A successful transition could shake up the global energy industry and boost domestic manufacturing capabilities.
What is confirmed
- Producers of solar panels in the United States say they are on the cusp of a technological breakthrough that could upend the industry and even threaten China's grip on it.
- Manufacturers are racing to develop new kinds of panels that can generate 25 percent more energy than most such devices.
Still unconfirmed
- A second light-absorbing layer could shake up the solar energy market if the panels last.
What to watch next
- Commercial scaling and market deployment of tandem solar panels by U.S. manufacturers.
- Evidence regarding the long-term durability and lifespan of the new panels.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (17)
- www.cnn.com — Breaking News, Latest News and Videos | CNN
- www.nbcnews.com — NBC News - Breaking Headlines and Video Reports on World, U.S....
- www.foxnews.com — Fox News - Breaking News Updates | Latest News Headlines | Photos...
- The New York Times — US Solar Panel Makers Try to Catch China With a Big Leap in Technology
- PV Tech — Tandem PV wants to ‘leapfrog’ perovskite from Silicon Valley to the mainstream
- Baton Rouge Business Report — A new technology could challenge China’s solar dominance
- ZME Science — A New Generation of Solar Panels Could Produce 25% More Electricity and Shake Up the Global Energy Industry
- The Seattle Times — A new crop of solar panels is the U.S.’s best hope of catching China
- www.iowapublicradio.org — Breaking News & Latest Headlines From Iowa Public Radio | Iowa Public Radio
- flipboard.com — A New Crop of Solar Panels Is the U.S.’s Best Hope of Catching China
- flipboard.com — The US said China was priming a trade superweapon. Then it vanished
- www.acton.org — A Biblical Perspective on Environmental Stewardship | Acton Institute
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