Author: solarenergy

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…

Researchers in Portugal have adopted a new light-harvesting strategy to build ultra-thin perovskite solar cells that could reportedly have a longer operational lifespan. They used an LDS coating in combination with a photonic checkerboard structure to protect the cells from UV-induced degradation while enhancing UV radiation. September 6, 2024 Emiliano BelliniResearchers from Nova University of Lisbon in Portugal have developed an ultra-thin perovskite solar cell that uses a checkerboard (CB) tiling pattern with designated UV photon conversion capacity to protect the perovskite layer from UV-induced degradation and a luminescent, downward-shifting encapsulant that reportedly improves UV radiation.They explained that UV degradation…

The sixth edition of the Polish government’s residential solar and storage rebate program is now open, with a total budget of PLN 400 million ($103.2 million). Applications will be accepted until December 20, or until funds run out. September 5, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Giorgio Trovato, UnsplashPoland’s National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management has opened applications for the sixth edition of its Mój Prąd (My Electricity) discount scheme.Net billing prosumers who incurred installation costs after January 1, 2021 are eligible. The maximum subsidy available for solar energy without storage is PLN 6,000, increasing to PLN 7,000 for solar…

Two ‘ethical’ hackers from the Dutch Institute of Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) have identified six vulnerabilities in Enphase IQ Gateway devices. The researchers are now working with the US inverter manufacturer to address the bugs in the next version of the product. September 5, 2024 Marie Beijer Image: Charlesdeluvio, UnsplashThe Dutch Institute of Vulnerability Disclosure (DIVD) has reported that two Dutch hackers have discovered six new vulnerabilities in Enphase IQ Gateway devices, formerly known as Enphase Envoy.US-based microinverter manufacturer Enphase produces electronic devices that enable communication between microinverters of rooftop PV systems and its cloud-based monitoring software.More than 4 million devices…

An undisclosed utility-scale solar project in the US will be the first in the world to make use of this Oxford PVs perovskite tandem solar panels. The UK-based company today announced the first customer of its commercialized perovskite silicon solar panels. The 72-cell panels can produce up to 20% more energy than standard silicon panels, the company claims. Oxford PV has been developing processes to commercialize perovskite tandem panels since 2014 and recently achieved a module efficiency record of 26.9%. These first Oxford PV panels on the market have a module efficiency of 24.5%. “The commercialization of this technology is…

Sweden-based Innoventum has launched a line of solar carports equipped with bifacial modules in a larch wood structure. The solution can include electric vehicle charging, energy storage, LED lighting and inverter systems. September 5, 2024 Valerie ThompsonSwedish renewable energy systems supplier Innoventum has launched a line of solar carports equipped with bifacial modules in a glue-laminated timber structure, along with electric vehicle charging, energy storage, lighting and inverter equipment.The larch wood carport Innoventum is equipped with invisible wood connections and ground screw foundations, supplied by the German manufacturer Krinner. Such foundations allow faster installation than conventional concrete formwork and, according…

School buses under a solar carport in California. Credit: Borrego Solar The California Assembly passed legislation in late August on a 42-7 vote that would allow schools and apartment buildings to use solar energy they generate on site, instead of having to buy it back from utilities. SB 1374, authored by Senator Josh Becker, would restore the rights that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) took away from Californians in 2023. Until then, California utilities, such as schools, could use the solar energy they generate on a single electricity meter. , just like their parking lot, to power their buildings…

Battery maker sonnen and contractor ES Solar today announced initial results of their “Go Back” program, a new VPP business model enabled by Rocky Mountain Power (RMP), targeting existing residential solar customers. sonnen The program allows Utah homeowners with existing solar installations to upgrade their systems to include a grid-interactive sonnen battery. Customers gain access to a higher upfront Wattsmart Battery incentive from RMP, an annual bill credit for grid services and proactive backup power. ES Solar has already sold 18 MWh of sonnen retrofit energy storage systems via the Go Back initiative within the greater Wattsmart Program in Utah.…