Author: solarenergy

SunBrush Mobil GmbH plans to develop a mechanically simple robotic solution designed to maximize the output of utility-scale solar panels by removing contaminants. Once completed, the company will commercialize this technology for commercial roofing systems in Australia. October 28, 2024 Ev Foley Image: SunBrush Australia By pv magazine Australia SunBrush Mobil is developing a robotic solution for commercial rooftop solar systems in Australia, using mechanically simple technology to maximize the output of utility-scale solar panels through effective debris removal. SunBrush Mobil CEO Franz Ehleuter said pv magazine at the recent All Energy 2024 trade show in Melbourne, Australia, that the…

Development of smart 3D energy devices with radiant cooling and solar absorption A team of researchers from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), led by Professor Bonghoon Kim from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering, has introduced a “3D Smart Energy Device” with both reversible heating and cooling capabilities. This innovative project was developed in collaboration with Professor Bongjae Lee from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at KAIST and Professor Heon Lee from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Korea University. The international magazine *Advanced Materials* recognized its importance and featured this device as its…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineSolcast, a DNV company, predicts drier and sunnier conditions this coming winter in key solar areas in the southern United States, Mexico and Brazil, driven by transboundary La Niña conditions. October 25, 2024 Solcast Seasonal forecasts for the coming winter indicate drier and sunnier conditions important solar areas of Texas, California, the southeastern United States, Mexico and Brazil. The forecasts also agree on reduced precipitation and cloud cover across much of North and South America, excluding Central America and remote parts of Canada. The forecast is driven by La Niña conditions in the…

The next-generation silver doping method improves the performance of CZTSSe solar cells A team of leading researchers from the Department of Energy and Environmental Technology at DGIST, including Kee-jeong Yang, Dae-hwan Kim and Jin-gyu Kang, in collaboration with Professor Kim Jun-ho of Incheon National University and Professor Koo Sang-mo of the department of Electronic Materials Engineering, has developed a method to improve the efficiency of kesterite (CZTSSe) thin-film solar cells by integrating silver (Ag) doping. This innovative technique suppresses cell defects, promotes crystal growth and is positioned to support the commercial viability of CZTSSe solar cells. CZTSSe cells, which are…

The deal for 50.03% of Lightsource BP gives the oil and gas giant full control of the renewable energy developer. It is expected that Lightsource BP will continue to trade with a standalone business model, retaining its independent brand. October 25, 2024 Matthew Lynas Oil and gas multinational BP has taken full ownership of Lightsource BP, completing an acquisition first announced in November 2023. The deal for the outstanding 50.03% of the onshore renewable energy developer not owned by BP, was closed for a reported GBP 400 million ($519 million). . Approximately GBP 200 million of the price related to…

Scientists spent months measuring two fixed panels and two single-axis modules to determine their site-specific heat dissipation factors. These local results indicate a 3.3% improvement in energy production compared to the standard factors used in PVSyst. October 25, 2024 Lior Kahana Researchers from South Africa’s Stellenbosch University have conducted a long-term experiment to study the heat dissipation factors in fixed-tilt (FT) and single-axis tracked (SAT) PV modules. “The novelty of our research lies in the development of heat dissipation factors for SAT open-rack PV systems,” said corresponding author Dr. Hannes Pretorius. pv magazine. “While previous studies have quantified heat dissipation…

New efficiency record set for environmentally friendly nanocrystal solar cells As climate change accelerates the shift to renewable energy sources, solar cells are becoming increasingly important. For example, solar energy generation in Spain grew by 28% in 2023 compared to the previous year, contributing to 20.3% of the country’s total energy mix. However, despite their widespread use, solar cells still rely on materials that are not always environmentally sustainable. Expanding solar technology to a wider range of applications, such as powering buildings, infrastructure and vehicles, requires the development of flexible, lightweight and cost-effective solar cells. Colloidal silver bismuth sulfide (AgBiS2)…

New U.S. incentives are supporting solar manufacturers and encouraging domestic build-out of the earlier stages of the solar supply chain. October 23, 2024 Anne Fischer By pv magazine USA The US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 sets out the question supply-side incentives to encourage solar energy production in the United States in the form of production tax credits for manufacturers and investment tax credits for developers using domestic content. Although these incentives have led to a rush of investments Among major global solar component suppliers, a large portion of investment is focused on the final parts of the solar supply…

Farming has come a long way since the days of manual labor and horse-drawn plows. Today’s farmers use advanced technology to maximize crop yields while minimizing resource use. Two key innovations that have revolutionized modern agriculture are irrigation systems and solar panels. When combined, these technologies create a powerful synergy that can boost farm productivity, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability. The Basics of Irrigation Systems What is Irrigation, Anyway? At its core, irrigation is simply the controlled application of water to crops to aid their growth. It’s an ancient practice that dates back thousands of years – think of…

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to María Mura, Head of Southern Europe Origination at Spain-based Nadara. She says the pressure to be excellent comes from the higher level of criticism women in leadership face. “Women are challenged not only by their peers and superiors, but also by themselves, pushing to prove that they have achieved success not by accident or accident, but through undeniable competence and hard work,” she says. October 25, 2024 Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) Having worked in the energy sector for over a decade, I can confidently say that women in the…