Author: solarenergy

The development is expected to be operational by the end of 2025. Image: Balance Power. Renewable energy developer Balance Power has received approval for an upcoming battery energy storage system (BESS) project in south-west Leicestershire. Located in Hinkley, the 49.5 MW/99 MWh BESS project will include 28 battery units across the site. Planning permission was granted by Rugby Borough Council, without any public objections being raised during the planning and consultation process. According to Balance Power, the project is expected to be energized in October 2025, although a construction start date has not yet been set. The facility has an…

Solis has developed new string inverters of 125 kW and 60 kW for the American and Canadian markets, both with a maximum efficiency of at least 98.5% September 6, 2024 Lior Kahana The S5-GC60K-LV-USImage: Solis Chinese inverter supplier Solis said it has developed two new string inverters for the US and Canadian markets. The S5-GC125K-US provides 125 kW rated output power at 480 V mains power, while the S5-GC60K-LV-US provides 60 kW at 208 V rated mains power. The two offerings are three-phase grid-tied inverters.“Both new models come with flexible options such as wire and shade covers, built-in Module-Level Power…

Meralco PowerGen Corp (MGen) has an additional 5.8 billion shares in SP New Energy Corp. (SPNEC) for PHP 7.5 billion ($133.8 million). It now has a 50.5% stake in the company. September 6, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Lainecedillo, Wikimedia CommonsManila Electric Co. (Meralco) has increased its stake in solar energy company SP New Energy Corporation (SPNEC), the largest solar energy developer in the Philippines.According to a listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange, MGen – a wholly owned subsidiary of Meralco – has acquired an additional 5.8 billion shares in SPNEC, equivalent to 11.6% of the company, from Solar Philippines Power…

Singapore-based EliTe Solar says the first phase of work at its planned 8 GW solar manufacturing facility in northeast Egypt will deliver a 2 GW solar cell production line, expected to be completed by September 2025. September 6, 2024 Patrick Jowett EliTe Solar, a global manufacturer of PV cells and modules, has unveiled plans for a solar energy production center in Egypt. The company announced the investment venture, worth more than $150 million, after discussions with the Egyptian Prime Minister, the chairman of the Suez Special Economic Zone and the chairman of Chinese conglomerate TEDA.The production center will be located…

National Grid’s Yellowbud solar project. National Grid Renewables has announced the start of on-site construction at its Dodson Creek Solar Project in Highland County, Ohio. Once operational, the Dodson Creek project, located in the PJM market, will deliver 117 MW of clean solar energy and generate an estimated $49 million in direct economic benefit to the local community. The project is expected to start in mid-2025. “Dodson Creek is our fourth project to begin construction in Ohio and the second in Highland County,” said Joe Ibrahim, VP of construction and engineering for National Grid. “This project is the next chapter…

Since the departure of the Conservative government, the industry has fought hard against the myth that solar energy is a threat to agriculture. Image: Vincent Delsuc via Pexels. Industry body Solar Energy Scotland has issued a statement in support of increasing the number of UK solar farms and combating the myth that solar farms pose a threat to food security. Ahead of the publication of the Scottish Government’s Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan, Solar Energy Scotland notes that climate change is a far greater threat to food security than land use from ground-mounted solar projects, adding that the country…

Salar Naini TurningPoint Energy (TPE) and Nautilus Solar Energy are collaborating on three community solar projects in Illinois totaling 21 MW. Since 2019, the companies have collaborated on 19 solar projects, totaling 129.2 MW, in Illinois, Delaware, Maine and Rhode Island. This is the second community solar portfolio the Illinois companies have partnered with. The projects, scheduled for completion next year, were developed by TPE and are located in Will and Henry counties. Nautilus is the long-term owner and will oversee construction, maintain the long-term performance of the projects and acquire and manage customer subscriptions.…

Bridging History and Sustainability In our search for a greener future, solar energy stands out as a beacon of hope. But what happens when this modern technology meets the walls of architectural heritage? Can historic and protected buildings join the solar revolution without compromising their cultural significance?  The global push towards renewable energy has seen solar installations skyrocket in recent years. In 2020 alone, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, over 139 GW of solar capacity was added worldwide. This surge in adoption brings us to a juncture where we have to consider how to integrate this technology…

Silfab Solar will debut its new two-sided solar panels for the utility market at the RE+ fair. “Silfab Solar continues to expand and innovate to meet the demands of customers looking for high-quality, highly efficient PV solar panels made in America,” said Paolo Maccario, President and CEO of Silfab. “With more than 40 years of experience in the solar industry and our well-known commitment to quality, reliability and innovation, Silfab remains a trusted partner for clean energy solutions in North America.” The Silfab Utility NTC 620-640 XL bifacial modules feature nearly 23% efficiency, improved shade tolerance and low-light performance, and…

Trade body Italia Solare has processed data from electricity transmission system operator (TSO) Terna, which shows that independent storage is the biggest new market development. September 6, 2024 Sergio MatalucciBy ESS newsAccording to the Italian PV association Italia Solare, Italy had 650,007 grid-connected energy storage systems at the end of June 2024, with a total of 4.5 GW of nominal capacity.“During the first half of 2024, 126,916 storage systems were connected in Italy, with a total capacity of 1.05 GW and a capacity of 2.63 GWh,” Italia Solare wrote in comments on TSO Terna data.The data shows that the number…