Author Archives: Frank Andorka

The PV Innovation Race is On

By Nathan Arbitman, Contributor

Like many of you, I’ve committed my career to the cleantech industry because of the moral imperative to accelerate the clean energy revolution, as well as the unprecedented wealth creation opportunity this transformation brings. And I’m always asking myself, how we can make this transition happen even faster?

Last December, my business, DSM Advanced Solar, announced the outcome of the latest SunRISE TechBridge Challenge, in which we partnered with a leading cleantech accelerator (Greentown Labs) and PV science institute (Fraunhofer CSE), to find and accelerate cutting-edge solar startups.

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Through this program, DSM has invested in four of the winning companies:

  • Leading Edge Crystal Technologies (Cambridge, MA). Novel manufacturing process to make high performance silicon wafers at a fraction of the cost.
  • NOMADD Desert Solar Solutions (Saudi Arabia). Low-cost waterless automated solar panel cleaning device, which significantly reduces yield losses due to dust.
  • QD Solar (Toronto, Canada). Next generation photovoltaic cells using colloidal quantum dot cell technology.
  • WattGlass Inc. (Fayatteville, AR). Anti-Reflective glass coatings that also have self-cleaning and anti-fogging properties.

    • (For any other fans out there, this episode of the Energy Gang was recorded live at our December event.)

    This is one way that we drive innovation faster – by bringing together entrepreneurs, corporates, scientists and other key stakeholders to spark novel connections and trigger needed investments. I joined DSM Advanced Solar to create opportunities just like this, because I believe that building provocative and powerful partnerships is one of the best ways to accelerate value creation from advanced technology.

    Two market enablers have struck me over my years in the solar space: 1) The key role of science-based innovations to reduce the cost of generating PV electricity and create value for downstream players; and 2) The glaring need for partnerships to make these innovations a reality. DSM is driving both.

    The stunning cost reduction of solar panels has been largely enabled by billions of dollars of investment and advancement in cells and module materials. As a science-based player with a 100-year track record, DSM develops sustainable materials that increase the efficiency of solar modules, bringing down the cost of solar energy and creating value for customers throughout the value chain.

    DSM materials are featured in over 200 million PV modules installed worldwide, representing over 50GW of power. Our first breakthrough was an Anti-Reflective coating for glass, where we remain the industry leader. We also provide a unique Anti-Soiling coating for hot, dry environments that reduces the soiling rate of PV modules and increases returns for investors; and our Endurance backsheets can enable more power generation than alternative products. Next we’ll launch a novel coating for older solar parks that can immediately increase energy yield by 3%.

    Commercializing these technologies requires a long-term commitment to investing in the solar space, a phenomenal team, and capable partners with a shared vision of success. Innovative partnerships are critical to accelerate value creation in this market—now more than ever. We all know that no one company can do this alone. That’s why we routinely work across oceans with companies large and small, from module makers to project developers to asset owners, to bring our innovations—and those of our partners—to life.

    DSM has been operating for over 116 years, but we’re just getting started. If you share our appreciation of the power of science-based innovation to create competitive advantage, then we should talk. To learn more about DSM and our offerings, contact me via LinkedIn or visit www.dsm.com/solar

    Nathan Arbitman is the Director of Strategy & Innovation for DSM Advanced Solar.

    Republicans v. Democrats: Who’s Installing More Solar?

    By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

    What Happened:A recent study by an outfit called Priceonomics reports that Republicans in California have installed more solar than Democrats.

  • While the study found that Republicans in the state have installed solar at a 5 to 1 ratio may surprise some, the study itself has some methodological flaws that make it impossible to generalize its findings beyond California.
  • It also has a couple of “Well, duh” conclusions, too.

    • study

    SolarWakeup’s View:  When you’re deciding what conclusions you can draw from any given set of data, one of the first questions you should ask yourself is: “Is this data generalizable?” If not, it may not invalidate the study – but you should be hesitant about making any grand claims about it, either.

    Such is the case with a study touted by Priceomomics, which reaches the conclusion that despite what you might think, Republicans install more solar than Democrats. OMG if true, right (not really, but you’ve already gone this far on the journey with me, so let’s keep going)?

    Well, the truth, as it often is, is far more complex and complicated than the study would have you believe. While the data is interesting, here are some cautions:

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  • Are CALIFORNIA Republicans really representative of Republicans across the country at this point? Isn’t it fair to say they are their own brand, much like California Solar & Storage Association is no longer associated with the national lobbying group? If so, it might make sense that there’s more solar in this group than is applicable across the country.
  • Solar used to be the province of the well-to-do. While that’s certainly changed in the past five years, it makes sense that those with more money have solar while those with less money do not. (Wait until community solar really takes off over the next five years and then call me.)
  • The idea that solar is a Republican or Democratic issue is a bit silly in any case, given that around nine out of every 10 Americans say they support more solar development.

    • And then there’s this:

    Our analysis shows that households’ decision to go solar is not driven by political affiliation. Instead, people who live in areas that are sunny, dry, and less dense tend to install solar panels at higher rates. And in California, the country’s top state for solar, that means you’re more likely to see solar panels in Republican bastions than Democratic strongholds.

    Really? That’s your conclusion? That’s a lot of words to spend on a conclusion I could have told you without doing a lick of study. I mean….for reals.

    One out of one authors of this piece say go ahead and read the study, but don’t leave your skepticism at its mother’s house, especially if you’re trying to spot national solar trends.

    More:

    Are Republicans or Democrats More Likely to Go Solar?

    Americans Tell Gallup: Develop More Solar, Please

    @DrVox On Climate Policy: “Go As Hard And Fast As Possible, Forever And Ever. Amen.”

    By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

    What Happened: I’ll tell you all what: David Roberts, aka Dr. Vox, knows how to capture your attention. Last I saw him, he was claiming battery storage had a “dirty secret,” about which we, well…you might say we disagreed. But he’s back, and this time I agree with him.

  • The key takeaway: “So the only rule of climate policy that really matters is: go as hard and fast as possible, forever and ever. Amen.” (As a retired Catholic, I couldn’t resist adjusting the punctuation a bit.)
  • In today’s piece, Dr. Vox discusses how humanity can save itself from the scourge of climate change with a four-point plan, followed aggressively.
    • Vox

    What our world will look like not that long from now (in the grand scheme of things) if we don’t attack climate change aggressively, like yesterday.

    SolarWakeup’s View:  Hey, when Dr. Vox is right, he’s right.

    David Roberts, also known by his Twitter handle @drvox, penned an overview article today on three recent studies on climate change and discussed ways humanity might save Earth from actually becoming the burnt-out hellscape so many people already think it is.

    First, Roberts dispenses with the idea that we can simply wait for carbon extraction technologies – technologies that will manage to capture carbon from the air and bury it – to become a thing. Right now, those technologies aren’t even in the infant stages, and we simply can’t wait. Failure, as they say, is not an option.

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    Here are the four strategies Roberts, based on his reading of three different studies, believes can help save Earth from the human race:

  • Radically increase energy efficiency.
  • Radically increase renewable energy. (obviously my personal favorite)
  • Electrify everything.
  • Then maybe some minor carbon capture work.

    • The whole piece is a fascinating read, but I can’t emphasize enough the most important part of Roberts’ article, the phrase all of us climate warriors should have tatooed on the inside of our left arm:

    “So the only rule of climate policy that really matters is: go as hard and fast as possible, forever and ever. Amen.”

    Amen.

    More:

    What genuine, no-bullshit ambition on climate change would look like

    Nice Headline, Doctor – But That Doesn’t Make It True

    Connecticut Catastrophe, Part 3: Ugly? Solar Is NOT Ugly – But The Battle In The CT Legislature Is

    By Frank Andorka, Senior Correspondent

    What Happened: The Connecticut Senate voted on the horrifically anti-solar SB 9 yesterday and passed it. It now moves on to the House today, with a vote scheduled for tomorrow.

  • This is our last chance to stop this monstrosity, so get on your phones TODAY and call a Connecticut House member to urge them to vote against this bill.
  • But let’s focus today on the blatant hypocrisy of Democratic Rep. Lonnie Reed, who had no problem taking solar’s shine when it suited her, but called solar “ugly” during yesterday’s debate.

    • Part 3

    SolarWakeup’s View:  Here’s Part 3 of our ongoing series on “The Connecticut Catastrophe.”

    See that tweet up there? That is Democratic Representative Lonnie Reed, back when she supported the solar industry on April 26.

    “Honored to speak before amazing Rally of Solar Workers at capitol,” Rep. Reed said way back two weeks ago. “Working with Solar Pros to fix SB 9 – making it a bill that helps Solar flourish – bringing clean air, job growth, more economic opportunities.”

    Someone should have reminded her that the Internet is forever before she went on to trash the industry ahead of today’s House debate on the bill, one in which she will play a vital role or, as we like to call it, Part 3.

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    I’m going to quote extensively from the CT News Junkie because Reed’s words are breathtaking in their hypocrisy:

    Rep. Lonnie Reed, D-Branford, who watched the debate and co-chairs the Energy and Technology Committee with Winfield, said the solar industry is exaggerating the changes the bill makes.

    Reed said net metering is back in the bill, which would allow homeowners to sell any unused portion of the energy they generate back to the grid.

    “We protected net metering,” she said. “Otherwise why would you do it? I mean they’re ugly.”

    She said some of the smaller solar installers are nervous because “it’s different and they can’t stand change.”

    I’ll give you a minute to let that reductive, smug garbage sink in to your veins for a moment. So this woman who was supposedly “honored” to speak before a rally of solar workers two weeks ago now thinks solar modules are “ugly” and that solar installers are just being sore losers who “can’t stand change.”

    As the solar industry takes the knife out of its back, I’d like to say something to Rep. Reed: I hope all that sweet utility cash, or cushy post-political job, or whatever the utilities/fossil-fuel interests paid for your vote is really worth compromising any principles you might have claimed. I mean, Sweet Mother of God, it’s only been two weeks, for crying out loud.

    OK, so now that the sting of her words is subsiding, get out your phones and make the calls. Here is a list of all the Connecticut representatives voting on this tomorrow.

    Go make some calls – the future of Connecticut solar is at stake. Only we can stop Part 3 from being the unseemly end of solar in Connecticut.

    UPDATE: Our friends at Sunrun also have a link that allows you to take action. Please do it now.

    More:

    Energy Bill Heads To House, Solar Installers Object

    Connecticut Catastrophe, Part 2: Solar Consumers Are NOT Utilities

    How To Screw Up Solar With One Horrid Bill (Connecticut Edition)