Archives: Exclusive Articles

The role of outdoor testing and robotic cleaning to reduce LCoE

Amidst surging global adoption of photovoltaic (PV) plants in desert regions, dust accumulation poses a significant challenge to performance and reliability. Here, we explore the transformative potential of robotic cleaning systems, leveraging automation and advanced technologies to optimize maintenance practices, maximize energy production, and ensure the long-term sustainability of solar PV installation in harsh desert… Read more »

Rethinking lithium battery production for a greener future

The vision of a sustainable future, characterized by solar panels lining the roof of every home, roads bustling with battery-powered vehicles, and reduced reliance on fossil fuels, hinges on the pivotal roles played by electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage systems. This dream is refined with extended ranges for EVs, rapid charging capabilities, and… Read more »

Securing solar investments: strategies for world class performance and reliability

A recent study found that ‘solar assets are underperforming by an average of 8%’. Part of the problem is that the average photovoltaic project is designed based on standard values for climate-related losses that bear no relation to reality. PVRADAR empowers project developers to achieve world class performance and reliability, across all climatic zones, starting… Read more »

Reducing costs and protecting the environment

At Hyacintgatan 45 in the Holma district of Malmö, Sweden, there is a large residential complex which, like similar large projects before it, has now been equipped with a photovoltaic system. In the 1970s, as part of the ‘Million Programme’, numerous housing estates were built over a short period on what was then farmland in… Read more »

Maintaining PV systems with advanced AI software

PVision, a young AI startup based in Stuttgart, Germany, has developed innovative software that enables electricians to inspect photovoltaic systems for damage using drones and AI analysis. In this article, we take a closer look at the challenges faced by the industry in maintaining these systems.

Counting the cost of solar inverters

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right inverter for a solar project, including ease of installation, performance, reliability and the levelized cost of energy (LCoE). As the renewable energy industry matures, there are more elements to think about too, such as compatibility with batteries, electric vehicles and their ability to keep key… Read more »

Harness the sun

Henkel is dedicated to developing materials that offer formulations, which support sustainable practices for solar system developers. This commitment stems from its belief that the reliability of power conversion and energy storage is crucial to harnessing the advantages of solar power.

Powering tomorrow

PES spent time talking to Carlos Lopez, CRO of PV Hardware, exploring the company’s journey as a leading manufacturer of solar tracking solutions. With over 29 GW delivered worldwide and a strategic focus on international growth, it looks poised to help shape the future of solar energy.

Powering growth, innovation, and sustainability

In a revealing discussion with Lin Sun, Head of Sustainability Development at JinkoSolar, she shares the strategic decisions that led to its impressive market share in 2023. How does the company maintain quality standards, what is its global positioning, and what’s the secret to balancing sustainability with growth?

Scaling up shingle matrix technology

Shingle matrix is synonymous with superior connection technology for solar cells. It is aimed at achieving high module efficiencies, enhanced product aesthetics, and outstanding shading resilience. These are all important properties, especially in integrated photovoltaics (xIPV). The uniqueness of shingle matrix technology clearly stands out in a market with a very homogeneous product range. The… Read more »

Setting a new standard for module reliability with testing innovation

As the solar industry matures, manufacturers and project developers are becoming more and more focused on ensuring the long-term reliability of solar modules. There are inherent challenges to predicting the performance of a module over a potential lifespan of 30 years or more, but innovative approaches are emerging from leading manufacturers. PES spoke with LONGi… Read more »

Illuminating the future

The renewable energy sector in the United States is thriving, buoyed by political support and climate awareness. Soltec, a Spanish firm specializing in solar trackers, has seized opportunities in this market, demonstrating leadership through innovation and executing large-scale projects across the country.

Unveiling renewable energy innovations across continents

In a world grappling with climate change and environmental concerns, the need for sustainable energy solutions has never been more pressing. The Intersolar and The smarter E events have emerged as beacons of innovation, bringing together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from around the globe to explore, discuss, and shape the future of clean energy. As… Read more »

Agri-PV: merging solar power with agriculture

The importance of renewable energy is increasing significantly worldwide. Clear proof of this is the boom in the photovoltaic industry, which has become one of the central pillars of the global energy mix. Agri-PV, the combination of agricultural activities with solar parks, is considered an extremely promising concept in the field of renewable energies, offering… Read more »

Boosting utility-scale PV plant efficiency: the critical role of MET stations

In a discussion with PES, PowerWise SOLAR’s Founder and CEO, Carsten M. Steenberg, highlights the critical role of MET stations in monitoring the performance of utility-scale photovoltaic plants. Boasting an impressive global installation of over 10,000 units, the company is at the forefront of the industry in this domain. Fitted with diverse sensors they provide… Read more »

Sustainable solar panel selection

As solar panels increase rapidly in number, the industry faces the dual challenge of meeting immediate energy needs while safeguarding against future environmental impacts. There needs to be a shift towards innovative solutions blending efficiency, longevity, and sustainable manufacturing. Homeowners, eager to mitigate climate change play a pivotal role by choosing responsibly made solar panels…. Read more »

Powering forward

In a conversation with PES, Marcus Davies Bateman, Director, and Kaveh Etemadi, Managing Director of comanos UK discuss the company’s strides in renewable energy. Despite being a relatively new brand in the market, it boasts a seasoned team and innovative staffing solutions. It’s tailored strategies and a partnership with Cobalt giving it the competitive edge… Read more »

The future of growth and investment in Europe’s wind energy sector

In the quest for sustainability, the EU faces mounting pressure to cut carbon emissions and embrace clean energy solutions. Despite challenges like the pandemic, wind energy stands out as a reliable and expanding sector. With a projected 4% increase in usage and over 129 GW of new turbines by 2027, wind energy is a key… Read more »

Breaking new ground

 In a conversation with Aaron Dupuis, Director of Marketing at Phazebreak Coatings, we delve into the innovative solutions the company is offering to revolutionize renewable energy. With a focus on both cold and warm climate challenges, Phazebreak’s products are not only enhancing the performance of wind turbines in icy conditions but also venturing into the… Read more »

Thinking outside the box, what’s next?

To help the wind industry excel in the current energy market, we need to provide the proper protection to these vital systems, ensuring they have the longevity to make renewable energy truly sustainable.We can use new materials, build taller turbines, increase blade lengths and enhance the generators for greater outputs, but longevity of assets still… Read more »

Embracing the winds of change: five future scenarios

As we leapfrog into the 21st century’s roaring twenties, the riddle of renewable energy solutions looms larger than ever. At 4cast, we see the future through a lens of innovation, progress, and sustainable transformation. Today, we invite you to embark on an exploration through five distinct future scenarios, each depicting a world reshaped by machine… Read more »

New methods of grid integration testing

Offshore wind energy’s expansion demands high-voltage transmission systems, creating together with the offshore wind farms converter-driven grids. The electrical challenges require validated electrical models in a higher frequency range and advanced validation methods for the stability studies in a converter-driven grid. Offshore grids face complexity and new requirements, necessitating innovative testing approaches. Fraunhofer IWES is… Read more »

Effects of wind veer on turbine performance

As rotor diameters and hub heights of wind turbines continue to increase, it is common for turbines to experience significant changes in wind direction with height across the rotor plane. With more remote sensing devices being deployed, it is becoming easier to directly observe and quantify these high veer conditions. However, the direct impact of… Read more »

Achieving efficiency and control in wind operations

Maintaining consistent and effective power production continues to be a significant hurdle for those managing wind assets. The combination of older equipment, a lack of qualified personnel across the industry, supply chain pressures, rising costs due to inflation, and expanding wind energy projects puts a heavy burden on even the most seasoned operators to stay… Read more »

Energy security: a modern imperative

In the constantly changing world of energy, the idea of energy security has emerged as a critical foundation for both national and international stability. At PES Wind, we explore the complex aspects of energy security, looking into its importance, the obstacles it faces, and how renewable resources, especially wind energy, play a pivotal role in… Read more »

Capitalising on under-the-radar investment opportunities

As the global energy landscape continues to transition from fossil fuels towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the growth and innovation in the renewable energy sector are set to open a myriad of new and promising avenues for investments. And there are many long-term opportunities to take advantage of if you know where to… Read more »

The next step for offshore wind and what it will take to get there

The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the demand for clean, renewable energy sources continues to grow. Wind power, in particular, is playing a pivotal role in this transition. Floating offshore wind is a promising technology that holds significant importance in the renewable energy sector.

Optical sensing boosts the reliability of wind gearboxes and drivelines

Gearbox integrated optical sensing is redefining the way gearboxes and drivelines are monitored and measured, leading to a new era of unprecedented reliability. By precisely measuring real-time torque, and planet load sharing, optical sensing provides a complete overview of the gearbox’s health and performance. Strengthen asset management with the remaining useable life predictions of all… Read more »

Revolutionising coatings for wind turbines

Nestled in northern Germany, Bergolin GmbH & Co. KG boasts a rich legacy dating back to 1909, making it one of the oldest coating factories in the country. Initially renowned for its expertise in classical corrosion protection systems and wood coatings, the company has evolved significantly over the years. Today, under the leadership of Managing… Read more »

Empowering the future

From its humble beginnings to its current position at the forefront of technological innovation, we unravel the threads of the Dellner brand story, illuminating the path forward in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial braking and hydraulic systems. PES caught up with the new division’s Global Sales Director, Joel Cox, ahead of WindEurope in Bilbao, Spain.

Risk, cost and innovation in onshore foundation design

As innovations drive down costs in wind turbine components, foundation expenses rise. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts Balance of System costs to soar, posing a challenge. The solution lies in reimagining foundation design. Current methods fall short, risking structural integrity. Advanced modelling offers insight, with micropiles emerging as a cost-effective, efficient alternative, slashing both… Read more »

High-performance helicopters take off as a more efficient way of working

As the offshore sector continues to experience consistent expansion, the significance of establishing and fostering a readily available network of highly skilled maintenance crews has never been greater. This is crucial for addressing failures, emergencies, and maintenance services promptly. While Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) have traditionally served as the primary mode of transportation to offshore… Read more »

Unlocking the winds of change: navigating a dynamic landscape

In the world of renewable energy, the wind sector uniquely embodies both swift innovation and expansive growth. Technological breakthroughs elevate turbines to new heights and capacities, while billions in investment circulate through numerous transactions, establishing this field as a vibrant catalyst for transforming the global energy framework. In this constantly changing segment, how do industry… Read more »