Author: solarenergy
A transatlantic subsea pumped storage collaboration will seek to overcome the land-based challenges faced by traditional pumped storage technology. November 4, 2024 Marija Maisch By ESS news The US and German governments have approved $7.7 million in grants to unleash the power of the ocean to store renewable energy. US-based Sperra has been awarded a $4 million grant from the US Department of Energy Water Power Technologies Office to advance innovation in pumped storage hydropower technologies. In this project, Sperra, specialized in 3D printed concrete products including wind turbine towers and anchors for floating solar, wave and wind energy systems,…
The Chinese company said it will cooperate with Xinjiang Silk Road to produce high-efficiency HJT PV modules under a new agreement. It will provide silicon wafers, cells, modules and more. November 4, 2024 Lior Kahana China’s Huasun will cooperate with state-owned Xinjiang Silk Road in the production of high-efficiency heterojunction (HJT) photovoltaic products, the module company said in a statement. Xinjiang Silk Road focuses on research and development (R&D) and production of high-efficiency solar cells and modules. “Under the agreement, Huasun will supply more than 1 GW of high-efficiency HJT products annually, including silicon wafers, cells and modules,” the company…
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Anna Sauter-Getschmann, co-founder of the Germany-based Academy for Climate Jobs. She says the renewable energy industry needs to reimagine vocational training and make new opportunities visible. “We can start by redefining the typical image of an electrician or plumber,” she said. November 1, 2024 Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) A significant portion of jobs in the solar industry are technical positions – installers, electricians, engineers – fields that are still largely associated with men. In Germany, for example, women make up only 1% of candidates for vocational training as electricians.…
Silk thread innovation stimulates smart textile technology Imagine a sweater that can generate power for health monitoring electronics or charge your cell phone while you exercise. This has remained a challenge because materials that are both effective conductors and suitable for textiles are difficult to find. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden are now exploring a new approach using a plain silk thread coated with a conductive polymer, which holds promise for transforming fabrics into electricity generators. Thermoelectric textiles can convert the temperature difference between the human body and the surrounding air into electrical energy, which can be…
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ spending pledges include investment in planning departments, more money for heat pump subsidies, confirmation of funding for commercial hydrogen projects and more money for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero. November 1, 2024 Matthew Lynas British Chancellor Rachel Reeves said she wants to “get Britain building again” as she delivered her government’s first budget speech, which included several spending commitments impacting the deployment of solar and storage. Under the plans, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, which is leading the UK government’s approach to energy transition, will see its annual budget rise…
Bangladesh has unveiled a 10-year tax exemption package for renewable energy projects. The new tax breaks will apply to power plants that enter commercial operation between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2030. November 1, 2024 Syful Islam The government of Bangladesh has introduced a 10-year tax exemption package for renewable energy plants, including solar panels, effective July 1, 2025. The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has issued a notification granting 100% tax exemption for the first five years, 50% for the next three years and 25% for the next two years for renewable energy projects. These new tax breaks…
Direct observation of space charge layers in fuel cell electrolytes A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has successfully observed the space charge layers in the solid electrolyte of a fuel cell, providing important insights into their existence and impact. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have received attention for their potential to provide clean energy, due to their high efficiency and low carbon emissions. These fuel cells use yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and other oxygen ion conductors as solid electrolytes. A long-standing challenge is the significant drop in ionic conductivity at the interfaces between numerous crystal grains, known as…
Development plans for the Welsh Way Solar Farm. Image: Innovation. Solar energy and energy storage developer Innova has been granted planning permission for a new solar project in Gloucestershire. The 13 MWp Welsh Way Solar Farm, located near Fairford, was approved by Cotswold District Council for an operational life of 40 years. Although an estimated start date for construction of the 19.8 hectare site has not yet been announced, Innova predicts the site will be operational in 2026. According to Innova, the completed development will deliver a net biodiversity gain of 115.09% for the area, achieved through wildflower planting and…
PV data consultancy Wiki-Solar says the world’s top solar developers have added almost 50 GW of new solar capacity since the start of 2023, increasing their cumulative capacity to 146.7 GW – more than a fifth of the global total. November 1, 2024 Patrick Jowett The world’s 27 largest PV developers installed 48.6 GW of new solar capacity between early 2023 and the third quarter of 2024, according to an analysis of the world’s 27 largest PV developers. Wiki-Solar. The figure includes 451 new utility-scale projects (over 4 MW) around the world, representing almost 50% growth from the 100 GW…
With hailstorms severely damaging solar panels in Australia and the United States – including golf ball-sized hail at the 350 MW Fighting Jays project in Texas in March 2024 – insurers are increasing premiums and reducing or canceling hail coverage. Everoze partner Simon Mason discusses the challenges the sector faces in minimizing exposure to hail risks. November 1, 2024 pv magazine Printed edition 24/10 from pv magazine Modules are the main point of failure for solar projects during hailstorms. With wafers increasing in size from M6 (166 x 166 mm) to M10 (182 x 182 mm) and G12 (210 x…