Author: solarenergy

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.…

The nanocellulose film can be used for light management because the light scattering is adjustable. It also exhibits a transmission of more than 80% at 550 nm. January 14, 2025 Lior Kahana An international group of researchers has developed an environmentally friendly multifunctional nanocellulose (NC) hybrid film for both PV and packaging applications. In the context of PV, the ability to adjust the light scatter or haze of the film can be useful for lighting management and as a protection system against lighting effects. Nanocellulose is a cellulosic material that has been processed at the nanoscale and usually comes from…

Researchers from the UAE and Singapore have investigated how wind-induced vibrations increase mechanical stress in PV panels and found that these vibrations can lead to microcracks, more serious mechanical failures, misalignments and ultimately system collapse. January 14, 2025 Emiliano Bellini An international research team investigated the impact of wind-induced vibrations on solar panels and found that wind-induced stress can have significant mechanical consequences for PV arrays, especially those with large panels. “The first torsion frequencies of the tracker system in the range of 4 Hz to 5 Hz were observed due to twist and torsion using modal analysis,” the study’s…

The first floating solar project built in Utah is located on a reservoir atop a mountain at an elevation of 7,000 ft. This 587.5-kW solar project is powering a water treatment facility serving Park City, a skiing destination that draws millions of visitors annually. D3Energy and Ameresco built Utah’s first floating solar project on a retention pond atop a mountain. D3Energy Floating solar was Mountain Regional Water Special Service District’s (MRW) first choice for meeting its renewable energy goals. Land is valuable in Park City, both in cost and its contribution to the natural beauty of the place. Floating solar…

The purchase is part of Elgin’s transition to an independent energy producer. Image: Elgin Energy Solar and storage developer Elgin Energy has acquired a large solar and storage portfolio from a fund managed by Foresight Group. The 318 MW portfolio consists of six sites across the UK in various stages of development. Of the newly acquired projects, four – with a combined capacity of 164 MW – won contracts in the most recent Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 6 (AR6), which took place in autumn 2024. Elgin said it expects construction will begin on a number of projects in…