Here’s a fun fact about solar panels: The technology behind solar panels, known as photovoltaics, was first discovered in 1839 by Alexandre Edmond Becquerel, a French physicist, when he observed the photovoltaic effect in a conductive solution exposed to light. However, it wasn’t until much later, in 1954, that Bell Labs in the United States developed the first practical photovoltaic (PV) cell, which eventually led to the creation of the solar panels we use today.
Maintaining the site vegetation is part of a regular operation for PV Solar Asset Managers with large ground mounts. Typical management includes grass cutting and weed abatement. Using landscapers and grassmowers to maintain the site has been industry standard. However, a new creative green solution for controlling the vegetation on site is using sheep. The sheep graze on grass and weeds across the entire site. They require little oversight and management. They require no gas or electricity to power. And they are competitively cost-effective when compared to mowing. Sheep maintenance may not be the right solution for every solar array, but it creates a solution in a growing solar industry.
There was a recent development in the science of solar panels. A new paper thin solar cell was developed by researchers, and although it is still in its preliminary stages, the technology presents a myriad of possibilities and applications. Imagine installing this paper thin solar cell on your cell phone to charge it. Perhaps these paper thin solar cells could be stitched into articles of clothing to charge your devices while you are on the go. One proposed idea was installing these solar cells onto a ships sail in order to power the onboard electronics. Or even installing these cells into the shingles of your house. Whatever this technology is used for it offers us new possibilities for localized energy.
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is one of NASA’s latest telescopes that hopes to better understand the universe. But how does the JWST stay on? The JSWT utilizes solar panels to power its internal systems. Satellites were one of the first uses for Solar Panels, and the Vanguard 1 satellite was one of the first to be powered by solar energy. The JWST consists of (5) solar panels that make up a 2kW system, but its still enough to power the onboard systems. The use of solar panels has allowed us to look further into the universe and learn more about ourselves. See the articles below for more information about the solar panels on the JWST, or to see breathtaking photos captured by the telescope.
When the Gordian Energy Systems brand was created, we recognized the complexity of solar projects for our clients, particularly private, commercial clients.
Our job is to cut through the Gordian knot challenges of commercial solar projects and solve complex issues for our clients and partners.
Recently, the commercial solar opportunity, and the complexity that comes with it, has only intensified. The Inflation Reduction Act has provided more incentives and opportunities for renewable energy projects, perhaps even more opportunities than can be implemented.
At the same time, our team needs to monitor supply chain challenges, pricing variations, unclear incentives with new regulations attached, tariffs, and import trade regulations. All are elements that are vastly more complicated today.
At Gordian, our job is to keep pace with all the changes and “cut the Gordian Knot” to make things easier for our clients.
Know that as the expansion of renewables continues, your team at Gordian Energy Systems will be there to deliver a great project of clean, renewable energy.
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) includes a number of energy and climate provisions. At the same time, the legislation increases the opportunity to save facility costs and lower the impact of rising energy expenditures. Elements of the IRA include:
Extending and modifying credits for energy produced by renewable sources, including but not limited to solar array systems.
The list of qualified energy properties now includes energy storage technologies.
Provisions affecting tax-exempt entities, including an opportunity to participate in tax credits.
Now combine all this with state incentives, and the prospect of commercially deploying solar has never been more enticing.Gordian Energy Systems is here to help!