Author: solarenergy

The GEN24 Plus inverter is designed for US solar installations and allows users to connect their solar panels to home energy storage. September 20, 2024 Ryan KennedyBy pv magazine USAFronius has introduced a new hybrid solar inverter, the GEN24 Plus, following its release GEN24 residential solar string inverter series.The inverter, intended for the US market, allows homeowners to connect their solar panels to battery energy storage.The inverters range from 208 V to 240 V, include Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and have an AC rated output power of 3.8 kW to 10 kW, depending on the model.With the Fronius GEN24…

New research from Spain shows that stricter environmental impact assessments of large-scale PV installations contrast with smaller solar farms, which are not subject to the same level of restrictions. The review also highlighted the need for more cumulative and synergistic environmental impact assessments. September 20, 2024 Pilar Sanchez MolinaBy pv magazine SpainA systematic review conducted by the Cátedra Steppe Forward research group, formed by scientists from the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM), the Center for Forest Sciences and Technology of Catalonia (CTFC) and the French energy giant TotalEnergies, has highlighted the scarcity of studies on the impact of photovoltaic installations…

A new report from the Climate Council estimates Australia’s rooftop solar potential at 103 GW – four times the country’s current installed capacity. September 20, 2024 Ev Foley Image: Joao Romano/UnsplashBy pv magazine AustraliaThe Climate Council think tank said in its recently published report, “Seize the Sun”, that Australia’s rooftop solar potential is 103 GW. This is four times the current installed capacity and 1.5 times the capacity of utility-scale generators in the National Electricity Market (NEM).There are now more than 3.6 million Australian homes solar energy on the roofcontributing 23 GW of clean renewable energy capacity. This capacity includes…

Aspen Power announced the successful completion of the company’s first investment tax credit (ITC) transfer agreement. The transaction with private investor Dan Kalafatas generated revenue from the ITCs generated by five projects across California and New York. “This ITC transfer agreement is a critical milestone for Aspen Power and underscores our ability to navigate the evolving complexities of solar financing,” said Bill DeLong, Chief Financial Officer of Aspen Power. “By using this innovative structure, we not only strengthen our existing portfolio, but also open up new avenues for future growth and strategic development. This transaction sets a precedent for how…

A number of solar panels were reportedly involved in a second wave of electronic device explosions across Lebanon yesterday, causing numerous injuries and deaths. On Tuesday, the first series of explosions caused by pagers targeted members of the militant group Hezbollah, as well as civilians. September 19, 2024 Emiliano Bellini War-damaged buildings in BeirutImage: Vyacheslav Argenberg, Wikimedia CommonsThe Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) has reported that solar panels and walkie-talkies used by the militant group Hezbollah exploded on Wednesday, following a wave of pager explosions the day before.The agency reported explosions of rooftop solar systems in several parts of Beirut,…

New research from Germany shows that investing in residential PV remains an optimal choice, even if price advantages for electricity and natural gas are applied. The scientists quantified the savings achieved by PV systems between 2019 and 2022, when the COVID-19 crisis and the outbreak of war in Ukraine made prices on electricity markets extremely volatile. September 20, 2024 Emiliano BelliniScientists from RWTH Aachen University have analyzed the impact that the political measures taken by the German government in recent years to combat rising energy prices have had on the profitability of residential PV systems and concluded that price reductions…

University of Michigan develops efficient system for converting CO2 into ethylene Researchers at the University of Michigan have made significant progress toward creating sustainable fuels by developing an artificial photosynthesis system that efficiently chains carbon atoms together. The system is capable of converting carbon dioxide into ethylene, a critical hydrocarbon used in plastics, with industry-leading efficiency, yield and longevity. “The performance, or the activity and stability, is about five to six times better than what is typically reported for solar energy or light-driven carbon dioxide reduction to ethylene,” said Zetian Mi, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the university.…

What happens to a solar panel after its expected lifespan of 25 years? With approximately 2 TW of rooftop and utility-scale solar already deployed worldwide, and many of them retiring before fifteen years of operation, the number of discarded PV modules is growing every year. As PV modules are becoming cheaper day by day and with the constant improvement of PV module efficiency, many utility-scale PV power plants are starting to be re-powered even before they reach the expected lifespan of 25 years. Many of these modules are still performing well. Can they be used for a second life to…

The latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that failure to support integration at the time of implementation could jeopardize up to 15% of solar and wind projects by 2030. This shortfall would reduce their combined share of the global electricity mix by 5%. September 20, 2024 Patrick JowettStrategic government action, improved infrastructure and regulatory action are needed to ensure the successful integration of newly deployed solar and wind energy, according to a new study. report by the IEA.It said new solar and wind energy must be properly integrated into energy systems at the time they are deployed…

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Medha Subramanian, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Elgin Energy. She says finding good mentors and managers is key to learning and growing throughout a professional journey. “It’s so helpful to go to networking events, attend workshops and webinars, cold email people when you need to, and find mentors who inspire you and people who have a lot of knowledge to pass on and experience have something they can draw on,” she says. September 20, 2024 Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu)I’ve been working in the energy systems field for over four…