Author: solarenergy

The Enphase portable battery with accessories sold separately. Enphase Energy has announced the availability of its new portable energy system, the IQ PowerPack 1500, for pre-order in the United States and Canada. This latest addition to the Enphase suite of products is a 1,500-Wh smart, go-anywhere portable energy system that can power most small appliances in the home, at work or outdoors. Watch a video about this new product on the Enphase website. The IQ PowerPack 1500 is designed to provide battery backup, helping to ensure essential electronics stay up and running during power outages. It also supports off-grid adventures,…

New initiative gives Indian women the opportunity to follow solar training Native American women across the country will have access to hands-on training in photovoltaic panel installation, with the goal of empowering them to deploy solar systems in their communities and homes on tribal lands. Sandra Begay, an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and a member of Navajo Nation, is one of four mentors guiding this effort. This training initiative is part of a cooperative research and development agreement between Sandia and Red Cloud Renewable, a nonprofit organization in Pine Ridge, South Dakota, focused on advancing energy independence for tribal…

Martin Schachinger, founder of pvXchange.com, says November’s 8% price drop for solar panels could mark the end of ongoing declines as market signals point to a possible recovery. November 21, 2024 MARTIN SCHACHINGER, PVXCHANGE.com By pv magazine Germany The sharp drop in solar panel prices in November could mark the end of the ongoing decline as the market shows signs of recovery. Prices fell by an average of 8% across all technologies, putting pressure on margins even on recently purchased modules. This decline was due to subdued demand, year-end stock clearance campaigns and distress sales due to insolvency. Some modules…

Abhi Parmar Altus strength has acquired a 3.4 MW solar project in Maryland from Chaberton Energy, which Altus Power will complete development and then build. Upon completion, power generated by the assets, owned and operated by Altus and located in East New Market, Maryland, will be delivered to the local community through the state’s Community Solar Energy Generating Systems pilot program. “We are proud to expand our portfolio in Maryland and grow our Community Solar subscriber base in the state, helping more households access the benefits of clean, electric energy,” said Abhi Parmar, Chief Investment…

Panasonic has launched its new R32 heat pumps, introducing the EXTERIOS Z and ClimaPure XZ series. The models offer heating capacities ranging from 10,900 Btu/h to 28,800 Btu/h, depending on specifications. November 21, 2024 Lior Kahana Japan’s Panasonic has released two new heat pump lines for the Canadian market. The EXTERIOS Z and ClimaPure XZ product lines are ductless and use R32 (difluoromethane) as a refrigerant. “R32 is a more climate-friendly refrigerant that maintains efficient heat transfer capabilities,” the company said. “We are setting a new standard for air quality and energy efficiency and paving the way for a more…

The main offering of the partnership is the Module Condition Monitoring service, which the group calls a “one-stop-shop offering”. Image: Above surveying. UK-based smart software provider Above Surveying has partnered with Kiwa PI Berlin and 2 Degrees Kelvin (2DK) for solar panel quality assurance and condition monitoring. Kiwa is a global technical advisor, risk manager and quality assurance provider for PV installations and equipment, and 2DK is an engineering firm that has provided consultancy and services for more than 1 GW of large-scale solar energy. Thanks to the collaboration with Above, the three are launching a turnkey solution that integrates…

At 8MSolar, we’re always looking for innovative ways to improve solar technology. One fascinating area of research is biomimicry in solar tech. This approach takes inspiration from nature’s most efficient energy harvesters to create more effective solar panels. Let’s learn about this exciting field and explore how it’s shaping the future of solar energy. What is Biomimicry in Solar Tech? Biomimicry is the practice of emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies to solve human challenges. In the context of solar technology, it involves studying and replicating the ways plants, animals, and other organisms capture and use sunlight. Nature has been…

Outdoor demonstrations of Power Roll’s thin film technology. Image: Powerroll Flexible solar PV manufacturer Power Roll has partnered with sustainable packaging company Amcor to accelerate the development of lightweight solar PV film. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) stating that the partnership will focus on developing a new, lightweight photovoltaic solar film that could serve as a cheaper alternative to conventional silicon-based solar panels. Since its founding in 2012, Power Roll has been working to commercialize microgroove technology for solar PV. The company’s proprietary solar film combines microgrooves with a vacuum coating process, similar to processes…

Researchers in China have created a balloon-integrated photovoltaic system that reportedly represents a viable solution for emergency PV power generation in mid- to high-latitudes. It consists of a custom-made balloon, 19% efficient thin-film cadmium telluride solar cells, an exhaust valve, control and storage modules, fixed ropes and a cord reel, as well as an upper hemisphere and a lower arc surface. November 21, 2024 Emiliano Bellini A Chinese research group has developed a portable balloon-integrated photovoltaic system (BIPVS) for low-altitude applications. “The origin of our research was a groundbreaking idea on the use of PV at low altitudes, proposed by…

China has tightened investment rules for PV system production and increased the minimum capital ratio for starting projects from 20% to 30%, according to new standardized guidelines announced by the government. November 21, 2024 Vincent Shaw China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has issued stricter regulations for investments in the domestic PV supply chain. “While the industry is experiencing rapid growth, it is also facing challenges such as intensified disorderly competition, market fluctuations and adjustments, and accelerated technological progress,” the ministry said in a statement. The new standardized investment guidelines increase the minimum capital ratio for starting a PV…