There’s always a lot going on in the solar industry. We want to keep our Urban Design Solar customers informed of the latest and greatest solar news. Here’s our roundup of the biggest solar news this week!

A Renewable Energy Journey in the Pacific

Island communities in the Pacific are exploring the environmental benefits of clean energy. This article lays out a detailed map that may help island communities on their journey toward clean energy solutions.

Tesla Completes Hawaii Storage Project That Sells Solar at Night

Tesla’s newest project uses batteries to sell solar power at night. It’s one of the company’s largest solar power projects to date. What’s more, it shows that Tesla has much bigger clean energy plans on the horizon.

US solar market sets record breaking year in 2016, says new report

According to a new report from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the US installed more than 14 gigawatts of solar power this year! Solar energy costs are at an all-time low, while installations are on the rise.

Environmentally friendly, almost electricity-free solar cooling: Also serves as a heat pump — ScienceDaily

Two companies in Finland and Germany are testing a new program with global potential. This project aims to create the cleanest and most efficient cooling system possible using solar energy.

Scientists use solar power to produce hydrogen from biomass

At Cambridge University, scientists are working on a new clean energy solution. Their goal is to convert biomass into clean hydrogen by using solar power.

Google: 4 out of 5 US homes have solar power potential

Over the last two years, Google’s Project Sunroof has surveyed over 60 million buildings in the US. As it turns out, 79% of all US rooftops are viable candidates for solar panels!