Author: solarenergy

As the global solar industry grows, so does the need for accurate monitoring of performance and financial viability. The latest report from IEA PVPS Task 13, “Best Practice Guidelines for the Use of Economic and Technical KPIs”, provides a comprehensive framework to address this issue. This article explores the importance, methodologies and applications of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), focusing on their role in optimizing PV systems. January 15, 2025 IEA-PVPS KPIs are essential metrics for evaluating the technical performance, economic sustainability and environmental impact of PV systems. From investors and asset managers to operations and maintenance (O&M) providers, stakeholders rely…

The battery solution Trina provided includes tier-1 battery racks, power conversion systems and an advanced software and operating system. Image: Trina Storage. Trina Storage and Clarke Energy have completed construction of the 50MWh Field Newport battery energy storage system (BESS) in Newport, Wales. The Field-owned Newport site is operational and provides dynamic frequency response to balance fluctuations in electricity demand, and enables wholesale market arbitrage to reduce energy prices during off-peak periods. Construction of the project started in late 2023. Clarke Energy, a multinational supplier of sustainable energy solutions and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC), was responsible for all EPC…

Solar energy will meet more than 50% of global energy demand within a decade, according to a new modeling tool that also predicts that solar energy costs will continue to fall by 10% per year. January 15, 2025 David Caroll By pv magazine Australia A new climate modeling tool developed by the co-founder of Sydney-based software company OpenSolar predicts a seismic shift in global energy patterns, predicting that solar energy will account for more than half of the world’s energy production by 2035. Andrew Birch, co-founder and CEO of solar software provider OpenSolarAccording to the recently launched S-Curve model, it…

Renaissance Arts and Education (RAE), Tampa Bay Solar and Regenerative Shift will collaborate on a 2-MW rooftop solar project at ¡HOLA! Elementary, a bilingual elementary school in Palmetto, Florida, within RAE’s Manatee School for the Arts. The project is scheduled to be placed into service by summer 2025. The project intends to pursue the domestic content bonus credit within the IRA. Additionally, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, RAE will take advantage of the IRS elective payment provision, which allows tax-exempt organizations to directly receive the full value of clean energy tax credits as a direct payment from the IRS. Manatee School…

Biophotovoltaic solar energy: a step forward in sustainable energy technology In a major study published in Environmental Science and Ecotechnology, researchers have revealed new insights into biophotovoltaic (BPV) systems. These advanced systems integrate photosynthetic microbes with electrochemical components to convert sunlight into electricity. By using the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 research examines the molecular processes that make this green energy technology viable. The study focuses on extracellular electron transfer (EET), a process in which electrons produced during photosynthesis are captured by an electrode using mediators such as ferricyanide. Findings indicate that EET does not significantly disrupt cell growth, carbon…

The supply of solar panels is not a problem, but other bottlenecks during installation have emerged, according to a report by Clean Energy Associates. January 14, 2025 Ryan Kennedy By pv magazine USA Clean Energy Associates (CEA) has released a global report on the supply of PV cells and modules, noting that the United States supply chain is “more than adequate” for current deployment levels. The report notes that slow implementation in the second and third quarters of 2024 has led to sufficient supply from PV imports. However, CEA highlighted two potential bottlenecks for installation in the United States: the…

Switzerland-based Hive Power has launched Flexo to optimize grid-connected appliances, enabling flexibility in markets with dynamic tariffs. The Flexo solution has interfaces for integrating inverters, home energy management systems, charging point management systems, meters and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. January 15, 2025 Valerie Thompson Switzerland-based Hive Power has launched new software to enable the energy optimization of flexible grid-connected assets in markets with dynamic load-variable electricity rates. “Flexo is hardware independent and made for large groups of flexible assets. It is a demand management software to manage energy flows,” said Gianluca Corbellini, Founder and CEO of Hive Power.…

Laser Tools Co. has updated its laser-guided toolkits for ground-mounted solar installations. January 15, 2025 Ryan Kennedy The SE-20 tracker alignment kit Image: Laser Tools Co. By pv magazine USA Laser Tools Co., headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, has updated the toolkits available to installers of ground-based solar projects. The company’s SE-10 solar installation system is used to install solar posts and brackets that support solar panels. Installers use the system’s laser beam as a reference for straight pole alignment and consistent cut-off heights. New accessories added to the SE-10 kit include a 4X32 optical scope and the GDT250 retroreflective…

Three Gorges Group has opened a bid for 2.5 GW of 580 Wp and more n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar panels. The 29 participating companies submitted bids averaging CNY0.7012 ($0.096)/W, with the tender framework running until mid-2025. January 14, 2025 Vincent Shaw Image: Three Gorges New Energy Three Gorges Group has started the second round of purchasing PV modules for 2024, looking for 2.5 GW of 580 Wp and more n-type TOPCon solar panels. The bid attracted 29 companies, with prices ranging from CNY 0.6716/W to CNY 0.751/W and an average of CNY 0.7012/W. Four bidders submitted bids…

Ipsun Solar announced it is partnering with Montgomery County Green Bank on its innovative consumer solar financing program with OneEthos. The program provides Montgomery County residents with access to subsidized solar loans with rates ranging from 0% for residents of Equity Emphasis Areas to 4.99% for all other residents. This initiative is expected to save Montgomery County residents approximately $234,000 annually on their energy bills. “We are proud to partner with the Montgomery County Green Bank on this groundbreaking program that perfectly aligns with our mission to make solar energy accessible to everyone,” said Jim Cahill, CEO of Ipsun Solar.…