Contributing to carbon-neutrality by advancing practical application of light and flexible next-generation photovoltaic modules that can be widely installed TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502), the world-leader in development of perovskite photovoltaic modules for next-generation solar power generation, has developed a new coating method for the perovskite layer that boosts power conversion efficiency (PCE) to 15.1% for… Read more »
Category: Solar
Q CELLS successfully develops, sells 50 MW Spain solar PV plant to NextPower III
Q CELLS successfully developed the Agenor project in Spain, and sold a 100% equity stake to NextPower III ESG (“NPIII ESG”), NextEnergy Capital’s international institutional solar fund, in June. Now the construction work is in full swing. [Berlin, Germany, September 9, 2021] Q CELLS’ Green Energy Solutions (GES) division has successfully developed a new 50… Read more »
Bifacial solar modules: how to measure them in production
Abstract Bifacial modules are entering the large-scale solar installation market. This article briefly describes the technology behind bifacial modules and focusses on what is needed to measure them with a sun simulator to show the extra power gain they provide. The procedures described here are based on the Technical Specification IEC 60904-1-2:2019, touching also on… Read more »
Keeping an eye on video technology
It is the nature of the beast that solar parks are often sited in remote locations and with so many valuable components, keeping them secure from theft and vandalism can be a challenge. PES had a great interview with Marc Thurn, CEO of LivEye International Group, along with his colleagues Arkadiusz Plaskowicki, CCO, LivEye International… Read more »
Prevention is better than cure
Video surveillance provides an excellent deterrent against intruders on solar farms. Just as the technology never switches off, neither does the research and production of the systems themselves, particularly when it’s in such high demand. Providing remote video monitoring for solar farms is a 24/7 operation so it’s perhaps only fitting that the production of… Read more »
Size Matters!
The photovoltaics market continues to grow: the cumulative installed PV capacity in Europe reached 151.7GW at the end of 2020. The potential for both residential and commercial applications is still huge. But the market requirements change. In addition to larger modules with higher outputs, visual aesthetics play an increasingly important role. This also influences the… Read more »
One-stop-shop solution for wiring PV plants
PV projects are divided into specific phases before the plant is finally connected to the grid. The installation phase in particular is key for success. HIS is there from the start and optimizes the project along the value chain, as well as after the COP. Whether high quality single components, pre-assembled solar cables or individually… Read more »
Thinking small to make it big
PES caught up with Dr. Daniel Faltermeier, Founder and Managing Partner of helioconsult, to see how the pandemic and its aftermath has impacted the market for small scale renewable energy systems. Could flexibility hold the key to high market demand in this sector? PES: Welcome to PES Daniel, it’s great to meet you again. Perhaps… Read more »
Well stored
As residential PV systems are becoming increasingly complex and new technologies come to market, PES was keen to hear from Thomas Haering, Managing Director of GoodWe, about its installer program and how it’s becoming a one-stop-shop for complete storage systems. PES: A warm welcome to PES Thomas, it’s lovely to have you with us. It… Read more »
Keeping clean solar on track
Balancing the ever-rising cost of raw materials against the rate of return is always precarious and never more so since the pandemic and the resulting logistics issues. PES caught up with Arturo Herrero, Chief BD Officer at GameChange to see how he’s using his experience to good effect for EPCs and developers. PES: A very… Read more »
Living in a digital world
The market for sustainable energy is growing and in today’s fast-paced, always-on world giving potential new customers the information they need, when they want it is a challenge for installers and suppliers. The answer lies beyond the online calculator tool. Things are looking good for the PV industry as more and more homeowners are considering… Read more »
Calibrate, document, design and simulate
A newly developed app from ETU Software enables quick and precise measurements of a building, by taking digital measurements based on a photo and target-oriented inputs to simulate the photovoltaic system. This allows the user to document and provide initial estimates while still on site. SimpleMeasure saves time in the bidding phase and enables the… Read more »
Bigger, better, bifacial
EKO Instruments are betting big on bifacial PV, delivering industry-leading accuracy with the most comprehensive package of bifacial and albedo measurement solutions available. Bifacial photovoltaic (BPV) technology has been around for a long time, but only since 2012, when the first cost-effective bifacial panels entered the market, has it started to attract serious market consideration…. Read more »
Sustainability through team work
As the effects of climate change continue to be felt around the world, the need for sustainable resources to dampen the effects of our environmental impact becomes ever greater. PES had some more questions for Alessandro Anderlini Business Manager responsible for the EMEA markets in Coveme’s PV Solar and Specialty Films Divisions and Steve Davies… Read more »
Best in show State-side
As exhibition season dawns in a new post-pandemic era with all that it may still entail, there’s a packed programme of events to look forward to. Our first show preview comes from New Orleans, where plans for Solar Power International, Energy Storage International and Smart Energy Week 2021 are in full swing. Solar Power International… Read more »
Renewed energy for the world of solar
Intersolar Europe Restart 2021 looks set to be full of energy from October 6th to 8th. PES takes a look at what innovations, products and solutions you can expect to see. If social life has been largely at a standstill since the beginning of the corona pandemic, this does not apply to the new energy… Read more »
Modernizing control system for absolute cavity radiometer
Accurate measurements of broadband solar irradiance require radiometers with proper design and performance characteristics, correct installation, and documented operation and maintenance procedures, including regular calibration. With any measuring tool, calibrations must be traceable to a recognized reference standard. For direct normal irradiance (DNI) measurements of broadband solar radiation, the World Radiometric Reference (WRR) is the… Read more »
Appropriate PV module over ratio can increase in power generation
What is PV module/inverter DC-AC over ratio? In a typical design of a photovoltaic system, the capacity of the PV modules (total DC power) exceeds the capacity of the inverter (AC power): this is called the DC-AC over ratio. This approach of over ratio is increasingly widely used. Reasonable over ratio design can optimize the… Read more »
Using thermal laser separation to cut solar cells in half-cells or stripes
Over the past years, cutting solar cells into half-cells has grown to become a mainstream strategy in PV manufacturing. Significant gains in both power rating and mechanical strength at module level are demonstrated by using these technologies. It is also one of the key developments that has allowed the recent switch to larger cell formats… Read more »
Swift solar PV additions in developing economies help APAC continue to lead globally till 2030, says GlobalData
The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has been the global leader of cumulative solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity. Therefore, solar PV plants need to be deployed rapidly in developing countries like India and Vietnam which are expected to help the APAC region maintain the dominance in the global solar PV market, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics… Read more »
Wholesale power prices expected to remain high for the winter season
The latest Cornwall Insight forecasts suggest winter wholesale power prices are to remain at their high levels, with the potential for price spikes in periods of high demand and low wind, as margins look tight for the winter ahead. The key driver of power prices will likely be gas prices dictated mainly by short-term supply… Read more »
FIMER means business with first Australian renewable energy microgrid to power an industrial estate
Western Australia’s Peel Business Park is powering over 50 percent of its site through an innovative solar, battery and microgrid solution, with an expected annual output of over 3 GWh that will reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 2,100 tons per annum. Developed in conjunction with owner / operator client Peel Renewable Energy and Avora Energy,… Read more »
Ingeteam makes its largest supply of solar inverters in the US
This is the first supply contract that Ingeteam has signed with Swinerton Renewable Energy, one of the leading EPC companies in the USA. The 350 MW supply is divided into two photovoltaic plants, 100 MW and 250 MW, that the company is building in California. Ingeteam Inc. Milwaukee, WI. September 7, 2021. Ingeteam Inc., a… Read more »
Sandvik Celebrates First Full Reference Order for Sanicro® 35 Super-Austenitic Grade
Breakthrough alloy will bridge gaps to new opportunities for major Gulf Coast refinery SANDVIKEN, SWEDEN, September 7, 2021 Sandvik Materials Technology a developer and producer of advanced stainless steels, special alloys, and other high-performance materials, has received the first full order for its unique Sanicro® 35 grade that bridges the performance gap between stainless steels… Read more »
Tesvolt expands its operations on four continents
Wittenberg, Cape Town, São Paulo, 07/09/2021 – Tesvolt, a manufacturer of battery storage systems for commercial and industrial use, has posted strong growth in the first half of 2021. Alongside high demand for intelligent energy storage systems in Germany, international business is a key engine for growth. Over 40% of Tesvolt’s turnover now comes from… Read more »
Green certificate prices continue to rise amid BEIS proposals
The latest research from Cornwall Insight’s ‘Green certificate survey’ shows Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs) prices have risen significantly in recent months, with average reported prices of £1.35/REGO for Fuel Mix Disclosure (FMD) 2021-22 and £1.41/REGO for FMD 2022-23. This is 228% and 214% higher, respectively, than reported prices in the April 2021 survey…. Read more »
EXUS WINS CIP ASSET MANAGEMENT CONTRACT FOR 477MW FIGHTING JAYS SOLAR FARM
Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners appoints renewables investment and O&M expert for asset management and financial services at one of Texas’ largest solar projects Pittburgh, September 6th, 2021 – Exus Management Partners (Exus), a leading expert in powering sustainable investments through operational excellence, has been chosen by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) as asset manager for the 477MWdc Fighting Jays… Read more »
Power Cut emergency number reaches fifth birthday
Five years ago today, in 2016, Britain’s electricity network operators joined forces to launch a three digit telephone number – 105 – to make it easier for their customers to contact them during a power cut and to report damage to power lines and other electricity infrastructure. Electricity network companies are aware of the vital… Read more »
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics (VIPV): Flexible solar modules deliver 30 percent more power
Berlin, 02.09.2021 – Solar panel manufacturer OPES Solutions and Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP have developed a flexible standard solar module for vehicle integration. SolFlex is based on crystalline solar cells and achieves around 30% more power per square meter than current flexible modules that use thin-film technology. Its bending radius of up to… Read more »
Energy supplier consolidation expected to continue
The UK’s energy supply market has been undergoing a period of consolidation, with the number of fully licensed suppliers falling to under 50 from a high of 62 in 2018, according to a report commissioned by Shoosmiths and produced by Cornwall Insights – Consolidation in the domestic energy market. Not only is consolidation expected to… Read more »
University of Konstanz successfully takes legal action against patent infringements in the field of solar cell production and wins initial case
The University of Konstanz has reached an agreement with a German equipment manufacturing company on the protection of patent rights relating to their patents on LID regeneration of solar cells. With the support of TLB GmbH from Karlsruhe, Germany, a mutually beneficial agreement was reached. The foundation for this was laid by a successful lawsuit… Read more »
The US company has purchased solar panels manufacturing facilities in Europe to provide a fast and reliable supply.
AIONRISE Holding Inc. (Delaware, USA) has purchased fully automated solar panels manufacturing located in Georgia, Europe in March 2021. The main target markets for a brand are the USA and Europe. The factory was built by Swiss and German PV technology companies and started operation in 2019 with an annual capacity of 500MW. AIONRISE solar… Read more »
Green light for The smarter E South America in October
August 9, 2021: With 45.4 million people (21.4% of the population) fully vaccinated so far overall in Brazil, and 106.8 million people (50.5%) having received their first dose, the reopening of the economy has been given a green light by the authorities starting August 17, 2021. The severe water supply crisis currently facing Brazil makes it… Read more »
Maximum flexibility: The new IBC AeroFix G3 flat roof mounting system
Roof-penetration-free mounting system now offers even more options for covering roofs individually and economically with PV modules Bad Staffelstein / Germany, August 31, 2021 – IBC SOLAR AG, a global leader in photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy storage, presents the latest development of its aerodynamic flat roof mounting system IBC AeroFix. The new AeroFix G3… Read more »
FIMER AND DOLOMITI ENERGIA TEAM UP TO DELIVER MAJOR CARBON SAVINGS FOR ITALIAN HOTEL
Vital Hotel Flora, a 4-star spa hotel located in the Dolomite Valleys in Trentino, Northern Italy has worked with EPC, Dolomiti Energia Solutions, and tier one inverter supplier, FIMER, to install a 64KW rooftop solar PV system, which will produce an estimated 75,000 kWh of clean energy and save 48 tonnes of carbon emissions each… Read more »
Q CELLS makes Grid Equity investment into portfolio of Amped Solutions projects
– Q CELLS accelerates its complete energy solutions for customers and partners with a new financing structure to maximize project value and bankability [Irvine, United States, August 26, 2021] Today Q CELLS North America, a leading manufacturer of PV modules and provider of complete energy solutions, announced that it closed on an investment into a… Read more »