Author: solarenergy

The first consultation phase took place last year. Image: Cubico. Global renewable energy investor Cubico Sustainable Investments yesterday (7 November) launched the second phase of consultations for a 130MW solar-based nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) in Cheshire. The second phase of consultation for the Frodsham Solar NSIP project will last six weeks until 19 December 2024. The first phase of consultation took place in June 2023. According to Cubico, the large-scale solar PV NSIP will align with Net Zero North West’s strategic vision and support the councils of Chesire West and Chester in achieving net zero by 2045. Subject to…

Researchers in Japan have built a stretchable organic solar cell that can ensure high efficiency while preventing the formation and spread of cracks. The cell is built with a hole transport layer based on PEDOT:PSS, treated with a new additive type. November 8, 2024 Emiliano Bellini A group of researchers led by the Riken Center for Emergent Matter Science in Japan has fabricated an intrinsically stretchable organic photovoltaic (IS-OPV) cell that can reportedly maintain high efficiency levels while withstanding high voltages and cyclic stretch endurance. In the newspaper “Intrinsically stretchable organic solar photovoltaics by redistributing strain to PEDOT:PSS with improved…

Scientists in Egypt have created an anti-fouling coating for solar panels by mixing ethanol, deionized water, ammonium hydroxide and tetraethyl orthosilicate. They tested a coated panel outdoors for ten months and found that the panel exhibited a 64.7% higher current compared to reference modules without coating. November 8, 2024 Lior Kahana Researchers from Port Said University in Egypt have developed a self-cleaning hydrophilic nanocoating that can be used to reduce pollution and increase energy yield in PV systems in arid areas. “Hydrophilic surfaces exhibit a water contact angle (WCA) of less than 90° and possess a high surface energy. These…

SolarEdge reported $260.9 million in revenue for the third quarter of 2024, compared to $725.3 million in the same quarter last year. The Israeli manufacturer also reported an operating loss of more than $1 billion, with 850 MW of inverters and 189 MWh of batteries shipped for PV applications. November 8, 2024 Patrick Jowett SolarEdge headquarters in Herzliya, Israel Image: David Shay Israel-based inverter manufacturer SolarEdge reported $260.9 million in revenue for the three-month period ending in the third quarter of 2024. This represents a 2% decline from the previous quarter and a 64% decline compared to the same period…

High penetration of renewable energy reduces the impact of blackouts New research has found that power grids with significant use of weather-dependent renewable energy sources (WD-RESs), such as wind and solar, tend to experience lower intensity power outages. This is positive news as countries around the world strive to meet ambitious climate goals. This study, published in ‘Nature Energy’, analyzed data from US power outages between 2001 and 2020, providing insights relevant to countries transitioning their electricity grids to a high reliance on WD-RES. In Ireland, for example, renewable energy was responsible for 38.9% of electricity generated in 2023, a…

Austria installed 1.4 GW of new PV capacity from January to September 2024, with around 400 MW added in the third quarter alone. November 8, 2024 Sandra Enkhardt By pv magazine Germany According to data from E-Control, the national energy regulator, Austria installed 399 MW of new solar capacity in the third quarter of 2024. This data, collected from 16 major grid operators covering approximately 85% of the Austrian electricity grid, shows strong deployment but a slight decline compared to the growth rate in the first half of 2024. E-Control said 20,929 new PV systems were installed in the third…

According to PV InfoLink, China’s solar panel exports fell to 16.53 GW in September, down 12% from August and 16% year-on-year. Exports in the third quarter reached 54.9 GW, down 15% from the second quarter but up 6% from the third quarter of 2023. November 8, 2024 Vincent Shaw PV InfoLink said China’s solar panel exports totaled 16.53 GW in September, down 12% from August and down 16% from the previous year. For the third quarter of 2024, exports reached 54.9 GW, down 15% from the second quarter but up 6% from the third quarter of 2023. Cumulative exports for…

Solarwatt has launched six new inverters and batteries as part of its Solarwatt Home line and set out its future strategy. The German company, which is currently in a transition phase, recently closed its solar module factory in Germany and announced a workforce reduction. November 8, 2024 Michael Fuhs By pv magazine Germany Solarwatt has been active in the field of system integration for more than ten years, starting with an energy management system that included both its own devices and products from partners. Now the company is expanding its range with its own new products: an inverter, a battery,…

According to Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, the European Union will continue to promote hydrogen projects, focusing on infrastructure design and supporting production with European equipment. November 8, 2024 Sergio Matalucci The European Union will continue its hydrogen initiatives, work with customers to design infrastructure and support production using European-made equipment, said Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. She too said that European hydrogen investments are expected to increase by 140% by 2024, with Europe contributing almost a third of global investments in electrolysers. The European Commission also plans to hold its second…

Atrato Onsite Energy’s solar installation for M&S, part of the £400m pipeline. Image: Atrato. Brookfield Asset Management has acquired Atrato Onsite Energy’s commercial and residential rooftop solar portfolio. The £220m deal will see Atrato’s renewable energy management team transition into a newly created company, continuing its mandate to develop and invest in clean energy infrastructure for UK businesses. Under Brookfield’s leadership, the company plans to invest around £1 billion in rooftop solar by 2030. Atrato’s current pipeline is estimated at around £400 million, including contracts with major customers Tesco, Britvic, M&S and Nissan. The company’s 55MW solar development in Yorkshire,…