Author: solarenergy

University of Michigan develops efficient system for converting CO2 into ethylene Researchers at the University of Michigan have made significant progress toward creating sustainable fuels by developing an artificial photosynthesis system that efficiently chains carbon atoms together. The system is capable of converting carbon dioxide into ethylene, a critical hydrocarbon used in plastics, with industry-leading efficiency, yield and longevity. “The performance, or the activity and stability, is about five to six times better than what is typically reported for solar energy or light-driven carbon dioxide reduction to ethylene,” said Zetian Mi, professor of electrical and computer engineering at the university.…

What happens to a solar panel after its expected lifespan of 25 years? With approximately 2 TW of rooftop and utility-scale solar already deployed worldwide, and many of them retiring before fifteen years of operation, the number of discarded PV modules is growing every year. As PV modules are becoming cheaper day by day and with the constant improvement of PV module efficiency, many utility-scale PV power plants are starting to be re-powered even before they reach the expected lifespan of 25 years. Many of these modules are still performing well. Can they be used for a second life to…

The latest report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that failure to support integration at the time of implementation could jeopardize up to 15% of solar and wind projects by 2030. This shortfall would reduce their combined share of the global electricity mix by 5%. September 20, 2024 Patrick JowettStrategic government action, improved infrastructure and regulatory action are needed to ensure the successful integration of newly deployed solar and wind energy, according to a new study. report by the IEA.It said new solar and wind energy must be properly integrated into energy systems at the time they are deployed…

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Medha Subramanian, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Elgin Energy. She says finding good mentors and managers is key to learning and growing throughout a professional journey. “It’s so helpful to go to networking events, attend workshops and webinars, cold email people when you need to, and find mentors who inspire you and people who have a lot of knowledge to pass on and experience have something they can draw on,” she says. September 20, 2024 Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu)I’ve been working in the energy systems field for over four…

Adding to its growing fleet of utility-scale solar generating facilities, Entergy Arkansas has announced the start of commercial operations at the Walnut Bend Solar Energy Center. The 100 MW solar project is located in Lee County, east of Brinkley, Arkansas. Entergy Arkansas has acquired Walnut Bend from Invenergy, a leading private developer, owner and operator of renewable energy solutions. Invenergy led the development, engineering and construction of the facility. “Walnut Bend will be a valuable addition to our generation fleet, which in turn complements our diverse mix of generation sources that have powered life in Arkansas for more than 100…

Hoymiles announced it officially inaugurated its first overseas manufacturing facility in Monterrey, Mexico, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion strategy. Located in the Vynmsa Industrial Park, just six kilometers from the airport, the 6,700-m2 facility is equipped with comprehensive production resources, including dedicated PCBA, materials and finished goods warehouses. With a current workforce of 170 employees, the facility is designed to maximize both production efficiency and quality. The factory will focus on producing microinverters, such as the HMS-2000-4T and HMS-2000DW-4T series, for both residential and commercial solar applications. With an initial annual production capacity of 500,000 units,…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineOPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a brief overview of the major price trends in the global PV industry. September 20, 2024 OPISCell prices were considered stable in the week through Tuesday as the Chinese market remained closed from September 15 to 17 for the Mid-Autumn Festival. Prices for FOB China Mono PERC M10 cells and TOPCon M10 cells remained stable at $0.0354/W, while prices for FOB China Mono PERC G12 cells were assessed unchanged from week to week at $0.0372/W on default of trading activity.Demand was sluggish as market participants were sidelined…

Germany-based Sun-X says it has patented a contamination sensor for PV modules that accurately measures dirt levels, detects yield loss and assesses optimal cleaning times. September 20, 2024 Marian Willuhn By pv magazine GermanyGermany-based Sun-X has received a patent from the European Patent Office for a sensor that detects the contamination level of PV modules.The Sunsoric sensor uses a light source that shines over the surface of the PV module. Dust and dirt particles on the glass reflect light differently than a clean window, and a receiving diode captures this difference for calculation.According to Sun-X, the sensor’s algorithm can assess…

rPlus energies The founder of the Green River Energy Center, a 400 MW solar energy storage and 400 MW/1,600 MWh battery storage project in Eastern Utah. Green River Energy Center, one of the largest solar and storage projects under construction in the country, will supply power to PacifiCorp under a power purchase agreement. Credit: rPlus Energies “This project is being built in rural Utah, by the people of rural Utah and for all of Utah. When rural Utah thrives, the entire state thrives,” Utah Governor Spencer Cox said at the groundbreaking. “Today we’re not just breaking new ground – we’re…

The European Commission has given the green light to a €1.2 billion state aid program in Poland that will provide direct subsidies to companies producing solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and other renewable equipment components. September 20, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Guillaume Périgois, UnsplashThe European Commission has approved a €1.2 billion scheme to support investments in renewable equipment in Poland.The aid will provide direct subsidies to companies in Poland producing batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, electrolyzers and carbon capture equipment. It will also support companies that manufacture components or raw materials needed for the production of renewable equipment.Support…