Accurate solar irradiance data is crucial for designing, operating, and maintaining solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. Solar projects use various methods to gather this data, including Typical Meteorological Year datasets, satellite estimates, and ground-based measurements. The latter provide detailed insights for planning and monitoring. Instruments like pyranometers and pyrheliometers measure irradiance to optimize solar systems. Innovations… Read more »
The cost of solar and renewable energy has plummeted over the past decade, with the trend looking set to continue. In many countries, the solar industry is already subsidy-free and out-competing traditional fossil fuel sources such as gas and coal. However, success is never without its challenges. Grid constraints and planning remain troublesome, and ecological… Read more »
Smart cities are transforming urban landscapes with technology and sustainable practices, fostering economic growth and social inclusivity. As urban areas become more complex, technology plays a crucial role in optimizing these operations. The integration of battery storage technologies into urban energy systems has the potential to revolutionize the way cities manage and utilize electricity. This… Read more »
GameChange Solar, the third-largest solar tracker company in the US and fourth- largest globally in 2023, attributes its success to innovation and customer- centric approaches. PES heard from President & COO Phillip Vyhanek about the company’s strategy so far, and how it’s not stopped yet on its global adventure, with plans for new factories, training,… Read more »
The Al Shamal Cement Plant PV power project in Sudan, designed by Mustakbal Clean Tech, is a landmark in renewable energy. With a capacity of 54.1 MW of photovoltaic power, it’s the world’s largest PV-diesel hybrid power plant, demonstrating the transformative potential of renewable energy. Integrating diesel generators and a massive PV array posed significant… Read more »
Green energy development seeks to create a sustainable, clean planet but must not compromise on CO₂ emissions or ecological damage in the rush to expand capacity. Renewable energy must continuously prove its low-carbon efficacy, protect biodiversity, and harmonize with industries like agriculture. Achieving this requires committed investments in technical innovation and transparent, traceable manufacturing from… Read more »
Justin Kolbe, Director of Marketing Strategy for Henkel’s Power Conversion and Industrial Automation Division, talks to PES about the current status of renewable energy. What are the key drivers in power conversion and energy storage that make alternative energy both economically viable and practical for widespread implementation, especially in the solar and electric vehicle sectors?… Read more »
If you’re looking for a way to save money on energy bills or reduce your carbon footprint, just look up. The sunshine could be your most powerful ally. Let’s take a look at the six simple rules you can follow to get your solar system performing at its best. Rule 1: Place your solar system… Read more »
Hukseflux Thermal Sensors has grown to become the market leader in solar radiation measurement. More and more PV power plant owners and asset managers prefer using its pyranometers, not only because of their phenomenal measurement accuracy, but also because of their lowest total cost of ownership. With the recent launch of its industrial series of… Read more »
L:TEC means unmatched stability and safety for solar trackers, even in 400 kph winds or severe hail. The ever-evolving renewable energy landscape demands solar tracking systems to meet new regulatory requirements and engineering challenges. Increasingly frequent extreme weather and terrain flexibility are the most complex and pressing design concerns. Over the last 15 years, IDEEMATEC’s… Read more »
In a conversation with Dirk Tegtmeyer, co-founder of Ingenieurbüro Mencke & Tegtmeyer GmbH, we discuss the exciting developments of the company amidst a rebranding to IMT Technology GmbH. Aside from a new name, what are the latest advancements in Si sensors and what are the plans for seamless transition and global market penetration? PES: Welcome… Read more »
The European solar market is developing dynamically. For the third year in a row, the market grew by 40% or more, to around 56 gigawatts (GW) in 2023. According to a market survey by the European solar association SolarPower Europe, 2023 was the best year for solar power in 20 of the 27 EU member… Read more »
PES joins Dr. Wolfram Palitzsch of LuxChemtech, Dr. Charly Lemoine from CEA, and Dr. Ana Maria Martinez of SINTEF for a discussion about the latest groundbreaking advancements in solar panel recycling, and how the PHOTORAMA project is pioneering robust technological solutions to recover and recycle valuable materials from end-of-life PV panels. PES: We are looking… Read more »
Our roofs are our solar power plants of the future. To ensure that photovoltaic systems are equipped for the weather events caused by climate change, they need a reliable base. Premium Mounting Technologies (PMT) combines robust construction and easy installation with its innovative PMT X118. Fifty-two percent of electricity consumption in Germany is already covered… Read more »
In a world where sustainability and energy efficiency have become undisputed priorities, the photovoltaic self-consumption market faces both challenges and exciting opportunities. In this context, tracking consumption and production plays a crucial role, and this is where Pylon Data emerges with its photovoltaic monitoring software for self-consumption. The global emphasis on renewable energy usage is… Read more »
In an era where major players are vying for supremacy with ever-new technological solutions, one company is beginning to stand out with a new module that boasts 29% efficiency. We are talking about Tenka Solar. With European headquarters nestled in the innovation hub of Munich, Germany, this company is not just participating in the renewable… Read more »
The solar industry, after a decade of rapid growth, is transitioning to a slower expansion phase, with a greater focus on operational efficiency and performance. As demand stabilises, industry experts recommend optimising existing installations through precise weather and environmental monitoring. Critical factors such as solar irradiance, temperature, wind, and humidity significantly impact solar photovoltaic (PV)… Read more »
PES was excited to catch up with Agnieszka Schulze, ESG Chairperson at REC Group, to hear about its experience and expectations on sustainability in the solar industry. We’ll look at the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in the solar industry and ask how the Group is navigating this transformative landscape. REC… Read more »
With the UK solar sector seeing a 52.9% increase in 2023 and ambitious government plans to triple solar power, the timing is perfect for Recom Technologies to introduce its high-quality, EU-manufactured solar products. This move is consistent with its core values of sustainability, reliability, and ethical business practices. Jon Camp, UK Managing Director, explains to… Read more »
Photovoltaic (PV) inverters play a crucial role in solar energy systems, converting direct current into alternating current for use in homes, businesses, and the grid. PES sat down with Yao Qu, President, Europe, at Sineng Electric, to look at its strategic approach to market demands, its commitment to sustainability, and how its products stand out… Read more »
Sitetracker’s Director of Product Marketing, Energy and Utilities, Emily Obenauer, sheds light on the challenges solar developers face across project phases, from permitting complexities to construction coordination. PES wanted to ask her how Sitetracker’s platform streamlines processes, centralizes data, and integrates AI, fostering efficiency and sustainability in solar development. PES: It’s good to talk to… Read more »
In the sun-drenched landscape of Puerto Rico, a shift towards sustainable energy is illuminating the path to a greener future. As the island grapples with the dual challenges of building environmental resilience and recovering from extreme climate events, policymakers are spearheading initiatives to harness the abundant solar potential. On the island, it all comes down… Read more »
As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the traditional electricity grid model has shifted. Historically, power flowed from a few large centralised plants to consumers in a one-way system. Now, consumers can also be producers who both use and contribute electricity. This shift introduces complexity for grid operators managing stability, requiring feed-in management to ensure… Read more »
In the rapidly evolving field of renewable energy, repowering solar inverters has emerged as a strategic solution to enhance the performance, efficiency, and longevity of photovoltaic (PV) systems. In simple terms, repowering involves upgrading or replacing components of existing solar system setups to adapt to technological advancements, mitigate operational issues, and comply with evolving regulatory… Read more »
Why is safety a priority for the solar industry? Why are meticulous handling methods and installation procedures of the smallest components in photovoltaic systems so important? PES wanted to find out more about this topic by talking to Dominic Buergi, Global Head of Services Renewable Energy at PV connector market leader Stäubli. PES: Thanks for… Read more »
In the context of sustainable development, addressing the widespread integration and consumption of new energy is crucial for achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals. Integrating new energy sources into the power grid is a key focus of the power industry. However, the intermittent nature of new energy poses challenges, potentially impacting the stability of regional… Read more »
The Global Energy Perspective 2023 explores scenarios for a sustainable energy future, emphasizing electrification to reduce global emissions. With solar and battery technologies needing significant scaling, companies like tesa offer innovative adhesive solutions for automotive and industrial sectors, overcoming bottlenecks and supporting the shift toward green, carbon-neutral power generation. The global energy landscape is undergoing… Read more »
WiSEu Network (Women in Solar Europe) has become a driving force for gender equality since its creation in February 2023. With over 1,000 members across more than 15 countries and supported by leading organisations in the industry, the network focuses on supporting career development for women in the solar and energy storage industry. In this… Read more »
Through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) PV project planning is significantly accelerated. That means even more time-savings for planners. The planning software K2 Base, provided free of charge by the globally active mounting system specialist K2 Systems, is constantly being optimized with new products, new functions and adaptations for new requirements. No wonder it… Read more »
PES met with Daniel Flanigan, Chief Marketing & Product Officer at Erthos, to find out more about the simplicity, performance, and economics of earth-mounted solar, and why their technology is poised to upend the utility-scale market.
In the ever evolving world of solar energy, staying ahead requires constant innovation. One groundbreaking stride in this journey is the integration of Sub 1 GHz communication technology into microinverters. Hoymiles explores its benefits and possibilities for elevating communication in solar panel systems.
In the realm of solar energy and atmospheric research, pyranometers play a pivotal role. These instruments are essential for accurately measuring solar radiation at a specific location, a key factor in optimizing the design and efficiency of solar energy systems. Pyranometers, classified under various accuracy categories, are not only crucial in the planning stages of… Read more »
Solar meteorological data is only as useful as it is accurate. The quality control process is critical to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data used in solar energy analysis, forecasting and system operation. Solar power plant performance monitoring is essential to maximise return on investment, extend the lifespan of the system, ensure safety… Read more »
In 2023, the photovoltaic power installed in Europe was estimated at about 56 GW according to the latest Solar Power Europe report. That is a growth of more than 40% compared to 2022. With 14 countries among the 27 member states exceeding 1 GW of annual installations in 2023, Europe continues to show great dynamism… Read more »
In this exclusive PES interview, Andrea Viaro, Global Head of large-scale systems at PV connector market leader Stäubli Renewable Energy, provides valuable insights into development since he joined the company, as well as wider trends in the field of photovoltaics. The company is famous for its Original MC4 electrical connectors, a staple in the solar… Read more »
Michael Geiger, Senior Vice President Energy Solutions, and Jos Theuns, Senior Director Strategy and Partnership Energy Solutions at Exide Technologies, talk to PES about the company’s transition from lead-acid to advanced lithium-ion solutions, and towards a net-zero future. How does the business innovate to meet the diverse industry needs, advancing renewable energy integration and grid… Read more »