Author: solarenergy
A new protocol to improve the sustainability of flexible solar technology Flexible photovoltaic devices, or FlexPVs, are emerging as key solutions in applications ranging from wearable technology and smart textiles to drones and space systems. Despite significant improvements in efficiency, FlexPVs still face challenges related to the lack of standardized testing protocols for durability and flexibility, hindering their practical application. In response, the Universitat Rovira i Virgili (URV) led an international team of 23 experts from 12 countries to develop a uniform testing protocol for flexible solar cells and panels. The initiative, published in Nature Energy, focuses on mechanical performance…
The two research institutes used silver nanowire lattices as an alternative to indium tin oxide for the cell’s transparent electrodes. They claim this is the first time a metal nanostructure has delivered photonic gain in a solar cell. December 4, 2024 Emiliano Bellini Researchers from the Dutch research institute AMOLF and the German Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) have developed a tunnel oxide-passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell that uses silver nanowire (Ag NW) grids as transparent electrodes. Due to their optoelectronic and mechanical properties, Ag NW networks are considered a valid alternative to indium tin oxide (ITO)…
Swiss energy company CKW says its new tariff, which calculates prices based on kilowatts, rather than just kilowatt hours, will encourage more targeted use of solar energy during the day. December 4, 2024 Patrick Jowett CKW, a subsidiary of Switzerlandestablished energy company Axpowill introduce a new type of electricity tariff in 2025. The tariff offers incentives to customers to spread their electricity consumption over the day as much as possible to avoid power peaks in the grid. Axpo said in a statement on its website that high and low electricity prices for day and night consumption no longer apply. It…
Voltiris has launched its latest greenhouse pilot project, installing the new wavelength-selective PV system on a vegetable farm in the canton of Baselland. December 4, 2024 Valerie Thompson Swiss-based agrivoltaic specialist Voltiris is offering a new solution based on a patented under-roof dichroic mirror concentrator system that integrates tracking systems and silicon PV panels. The system is specifically intended for greenhouses to improve metrics for heating, electricity costs and CO2 emissions, while maintaining crop yields. The latest pilot project is being carried out in collaboration with the Swiss utility company Genossenschaft Elektra Bazelland (EBL)that offers a solution for leafy green…
RAP will install an 800 kW string array solar solution consisting of 1,455 panels spread over 14,450 square meters. Image: RAP renewable energy sources. RAP Renewables, a supplier of industrial components and renewable energy solutions based in the north of England, has been awarded a contract to install a solar power plant on the roof of a warehouse owned by Cleveland McIver. RAP will install an 800 kW string array solar solution consisting of 1,455 panels spread over 14,450 square meters. The company said it was selected for its competitive nature and offering a full range of services, from an…
China-based HUEG has launched a new mounting system with a patented clamp design. The system, made of Zn-Al-Mg coated steel, supports concrete and pile foundations. December 4, 2024 Lior Kahana HUEG, the Chinese manufacturer of solar mounting systems, has released a new C-shaped mounting system for ground installations. The C-profile Zn-Al-Mg coated steel solar mounting system is made of steel coated with zinc-aluminum-magnesium (Zn-Al-Mg). “This material is known for its excellent corrosion resistance and self-healing properties,” the company said. “This advanced material ensures the system performs reliably, even under harsh conditions, and offers a service life of more than 35…
PV Hardware USA (PVH), a manufacturer of solar trackers, has developed Diffuse Control, a solar tracking algorithm designed to increase solar energy production during cloudy conditions, potentially increasing production by 20% on some days increased compared to traditional sun tracking algorithms. Credit: PVHardware USA “Sun tracking is usually based on pure geometry, tracking the position of the sun by moving the trackers perpendicular to the main direction of the rays,” says Oscar Cabrero, PVH electronics and controls manager. “However, we know that energy can be collected around the photovoltaic modules. When diffuse light predominates in the environment, our advanced algorithm…
Trina Storage will provide its Elementa solution for the project. Source: Trina Storage. Trina Storage, the energy storage unit of Trina Solar, will deliver a 50MW/100MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) in the Scottish Highlands. Trina Storage has signed construction contracts with investment manager Temporis Capital and Clarke Energy, who will provide the EPC wrap for the project, called the Boat of Garten BESS. Tom Harada, investment director of Temporis Capital, noted that this is the company’s first BESS project, one of three being developed with its funds. The location is expected to be put into use in the first…
Panasonic has launched a solar hydrogen fuel cell project at its factory in Cardiff, Wales, with the microwave assembly now running on renewable energy. December 4, 2024 Lior Kahana Panasonic has launched a new system at its microwave assembly plant in Cardiff, Wales, powered entirely by renewable energy. The system integrates hydrogen fuel cell generators, PV generators and batteries. The company plans to add an energy management system (EMS) to monitor electricity demand and weather fluctuations by March 2025. “We have installed 21 units of 5 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell generators as part of a distributed system optimized for…
Indigenized Energy, an indigenous capacity building organization that works directly with Tribes to build sustainable solar energy systems, has announced an in-kind donation of more than 2,000 solar panels from JinkoSolar. The modules are the largest donation of its kind to date and will provide more than 800 kW of energy to tribal nations in the Midwestern United States. JinkoSolar’s first tribal donation was 300 kW to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in 2019. The first tribes to benefit from the donation are the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, the Chippewa Cree Tribe of Montana and the Oglala Sioux Tribe…