Author: solarenergy

The Board of Investments of the Philippines has granted green lane certification to a solar energy project touted as the world’s largest to date. The accreditation will facilitate the approval and processing of permits. August 15, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Pyrrhus Cunanan, UnsplashThe Board of Investments of the Philippines has issued a green lane certificate to Terra Solar Philippines for an under-construction project touted as the world’s largest solar panel. The aim of the certification is to streamline development.The PHP185.28 billion ($3.25 billion) project is expected to include 3.5 GW of solar panels and a 4.5 GWh battery energy storage…

The American Solar Energy Manufacturing Alliance Trade Committee (AASMTC), the same group that earlier this year requested an anti-dumping/countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation on solar products from Southeast Asia, today filed “allegations of critical conditions” with the Department of Commerce submitted regarding the increase in solar energy imports from Southeast Asia. Vietnam and Thailand hurting the US solar industry. The latest filing represents a 39% increase in imports from Vietnam and a 17% increase from Thailand between April and June 2024, compared to January to March 2024. The original AD/CVD petition was filed in April 2024 by Wiley Rein, who represents…

SolaX has released a new 215 kWh storage system using 280 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery cells, with 100 kW of rated AC power and a maximum efficiency of 98%. August 15, 2024 Lior KahanaSolaX, a Chinese manufacturer of inverters and storage systems, has developed a new commercial and industrial (C&I) storage cabinet with a capacity of 215 kWh. The ESS-Trene energy storage system uses 280 Ah LFP battery cells.“The cabinet is suitable for various commercial and industrial scenarios, including peak shaving, demand response, backup mode, photovoltaic and energy storage integration, and stable consumption curves,” the company said in…

Israel’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has presented three scenarios for its 2050 green targets, which will change in line with developments in solar, hydrogen and nuclear energy production. In the most solar-oriented scenario, the country would have a PV capacity of 108 GW. August 15, 2024 Lior KahanaIsrael’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has published a roadmap for net-zero emissions in the energy sector by 2050, relying heavily on solar energy.The plan foresees three scenarios to achieve the goal, depending on potential technology and policy developments. In the first case, solar energy becomes even cheaper and more efficient. In…

Minnesota-based solar panel manufacturer Heliene announced last month that it would partner with Premier Energies to produce silicon solar cells within the state, and now the company has established a domestic wafer supply after signing a multi-year contract with NorSun. NorSun, which has been producing silicon wafers in Norway since 2007, plans to start a 5 GW wafer factory in Tulsa, Oklahoma, which should begin production in 2026. Heliene expects its cell plant in Minnesota to reach an annual capacity of 1 GW, with a start date to be announced. “By partnering with NorSun and incorporating wafers produced at their…

Coalition for Community Access to Solar Energy On August 14, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed legislation enabling community solar programs across the state. SB 152 will allow Alaska residents to subscribe to community-owned solar panels that are not on their homes or property, providing access to clean energy for the first time to the more than 260,000 Alaskans living in rental properties and 79,000 who live below the federal poverty line. The bipartisan bill was sponsored by Senators Bill Wielechowski, Forrest Dunbar, Elvi Gray-Jackson, Scott Kawasaki and Representatives Ashley Carrick, Stanley Wright, Cliff Groh, Andy Josephson, Alyse Galvin, Donna Mears…

EagleView and Aurora Solar offer enhanced 3D modeling integration to streamline design EagleView, a top provider of aerial imagery and analytics, has partnered with Aurora Solar, the leading solar sales and design platform, to introduce EagleView PoweredTM models through Aurora’s platform. This collaboration aims to increase the ability of solar professionals to achieve greater design accuracy, accelerate project timelines and provide a more refined experience for homeowners. The integration of EagleView’s 3D home modeling technology within Aurora’s platform provides an unparalleled solution for creating accurate and reliable solar designs. Accurate 3D roof models are crucial for predicting the ultimate aspects…

This approval furthers RES’s UK BESS ambitions. Image: RES Renewable energy company RES has been granted planning permission for its 49.9MW battery energy storage system (BESS) project near Montrose, Scotland. The Dunmill Energy Storage System has been granted full planning permission by Angus Council, allowing construction to commence. Although no date has yet been set for the start of construction, RES estimates that construction will take approximately twelve months. The BESS will be located on the site next to the Bridge of Dun substation and connected to it. Biodiversity was a key consideration in the project development plans; Thanks to…

The latest report from the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA-PVPS) covers best practices for the optimization of bifacial PV tracking systems and discusses key areas for improvement. August 15, 2024 Patrick JowettThe IEA-PVPS has published a report on best practices for the optimization of bifacial photovoltaic tracking systems.The Task 13 report follows a fact sheet on bifacial PV modules and advanced tracking systems, published in July. It says PV systems using bifacial modules and single-axis trackers have become the leading configuration for utility-scale PV installations around the world, with more than 90% of modules sold using bifacial…

The Royal Dutch Standardization Institute (NEN) has warned Dutch consumers about the risks of poor balcony PV installations. August 15, 2024 Emiliano BelliniNEN has warned Dutch consumers against deploying balcony PV systems without taking precautions to avoid the risks associated with these do-it-yourself solutions.“Incorrect installation or connection can lead to dangerous situations,” the authority said in a statement. “The solar panels can blow away or fall through the roof, while an incorrect connection can cause a fire.” Regarding the wind and load-bearing capacity of the modules, NEN says that systems must be properly weighted, either with paving stones or with…