Author: solarenergy

University of Virginia’s AI model improves grid reliability as renewable energy sources dominate As renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power expand, managing the reliability of the electricity grid becomes increasingly challenging. Researchers from the University of Virginia have introduced an advanced artificial intelligence model that addresses the uncertainties of renewable energy generation and the growing demand for electric vehicles, improving the reliability and efficiency of the electric grid. Introducing Multi-Fidelity Graph Neural Networks for Grid Management The model uses a novel approach based on multi-fidelity graph neural networks (GNNs) to improve power flow analysis, which is critical…

From pv magazine 24/10 The administration of outgoing US President Joe Biden has put infrastructure financing and job creation in the manufacturing sector at the center of its policy messages. The government is beginning to see the fruits of its labor in the form of legislation such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Creating Useful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors Act, and the 2022 IRA move from interpretation to action. The IRA created both supply and demand side incentives for clean energy producers, and global investors have taken notice. Clean energy projects installed in the United States that source at least…

An increase in the number of battery storage installations is evident from installer data from the British accreditation body MCS. While 2024 is comfortably the best year on record, Alex Hughes, head of MCS Scheme, tells ESS News she would like to see even more solar installers gain storage accreditation. October 28, 2024 Matthew Lynas By ESS news It has been a record year for accredited battery storage facilities in Britain. September 2024 was the best month ever according to data collected by the UK certification body MCS, with 1,193 registered certified installations. Certification is not required to install battery…

Researchers in China and Malaysia simulated a new structure for copper-zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) cells with a tungsten oxide buffer layer and a field kesterite layer on the back surface. A device simulated with this configuration achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.2 V and a fill factor of 83.37%. October 28, 2024 Valerie Thompson A group of researchers from China and Malaysia have proposed a new structure for copper-zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) thin-film solar cells in an effort to improve efficiency and use more environmentally friendly materials. The team chose tungsten oxide (WO3) as the buffer layer based on the…

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) are financing a 99 MW solar project in southwestern Croatia with a total investment of €62 million ($67.2 million). Construction will start next year and commissioning is scheduled for 2026. October 28, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Michael Wilson, Unsplash The EBRD and the EIB have signed loan agreements with the Croatian state-owned company Hrvatskaelektroprivreda (HEP) for the construction of a 99 MW solar power plant. The loan contracts total €62 million, of which €31.6 million from the ERBD and €30.4 million from the EIB. The solar…

SunBrush Mobil GmbH plans to develop a mechanically simple robotic solution designed to maximize the output of utility-scale solar panels by removing contaminants. Once completed, the company will commercialize this technology for commercial roofing systems in Australia. October 28, 2024 Ev Foley Image: SunBrush Australia By pv magazine Australia SunBrush Mobil is developing a robotic solution for commercial rooftop solar systems in Australia, using mechanically simple technology to maximize the output of utility-scale solar panels through effective debris removal. SunBrush Mobil CEO Franz Ehleuter said pv magazine at the recent All Energy 2024 trade show in Melbourne, Australia, that the…

Development of smart 3D energy devices with radiant cooling and solar absorption A team of researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), led by Professor Bonghoon Kim from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, has introduced a “3D Smart Energy Device” with both reversible heating and cooling capabilities. This innovative project was developed in collaboration with Professor Bongjae Lee from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST and Professor Heon Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Korea University. The international magazine *Advanced Materials* recognized its importance and featured this device as its…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineSolcast, a DNV company, predicts drier and sunnier conditions this coming winter in key solar areas in the southern United States, Mexico and Brazil, driven by transboundary La Niña conditions. October 25, 2024 Solcast Seasonal forecasts for the coming winter indicate drier and sunnier conditions important solar areas of Texas, California, the southeastern United States, Mexico and Brazil. The forecasts also agree on reduced precipitation and cloud cover across much of North and South America, excluding Central America and remote parts of Canada. The forecast is driven by La Niña conditions in the…

The next-generation silver doping method improves the performance of CZTSSe solar cells A team of leading researchers from the Department of Energy and Environmental Technology at DGIST, including Kee-jeong Yang, Dae-hwan Kim and Jin-gyu Kang, in collaboration with Professor Kim Jun-ho of Incheon National University and Professor Koo Sang-mo of the department of Electronic Materials Engineering, has developed a method to improve the efficiency of kesterite (CZTSSe) thin-film solar cells by integrating silver (Ag) doping. This innovative technique suppresses cell defects, promotes crystal growth and is positioned to support the commercial viability of CZTSSe solar cells. CZTSSe cells, which are…

The deal for 50.03% of Lightsource BP gives the oil and gas giant full control of the renewable energy developer. It is expected that Lightsource BP will continue to trade with a standalone business model, retaining its independent brand. October 25, 2024 Matthew Lynas Oil and gas multinational BP has taken full ownership of Lightsource BP, completing an acquisition first announced in November 2023. The deal for the outstanding 50.03% of the onshore renewable energy developer not owned by BP, was closed for a reported GBP 400 million ($519 million). . Approximately GBP 200 million of the price related to…