Author: solarenergy
Arkansas-based distributed generation (DG) installer. Scenic Hill Solar has announced that it has completed and commenced commercial operation of a 1.2 MW projectDC project that claims to be the first DG project in the world to be used First Solar’s Series 7 TR1 solar panels. The project is located in Stuttgart, Arkansas, and became operational earlier this year. “We are proud that this project marks the first global commercial deployment of First Solar Series 7 modules. Scenic Hill Solar and First Solar work together based on shared values: a belief in the importance of American solar energy production; a commitment…
The Community Solar Agreement between Nexamp and Starbucks allows for the addition of more solar farms in Illinois, like this Nexamp project already operating in Kingston. Nexamp has announced a new solar community partnership with Starbucks. By committing to being a long-term purchaser of renewable electricity, Starbucks will anchor the deployment of more than 40 MW of solar energy in Illinois communities. The six new community solar projects added to Nexamp’s growing portfolio in Illinois will deliver significant electricity savings to more than 1,100 local residents who subscribe within the ComEd and Ameren utility districts. In addition to the clean…
Developed by scientists in China, the proposed approach uses mathematical morphologies for image processing, such as image enhancement, sharpening, filtering and closing operations. It also uses image histogram equalization and edge detection, among other things, to find the contaminated spot. July 24, 2024 Lior KahanaA research group from China has developed a new dirt detection system for PV installations that uses a range of image processing techniques, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with cameras flying above the power stations and an improved artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm. for path optimization.”Compared with other traditional methods, the proposed method has lower…
Optimization of thermal stability in solid oxide fuel cells Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) represent a highly efficient and clean energy conversion technology, converting chemical energy directly into electrical energy through electrochemical reactions. These cells are increasingly used for distributed and stationary energy generation. However, practical application requires taking into account user actions and maintenance, which often exposes the device to significant temperature fluctuations. In residential environments, SOFC systems often switch on and off based on the homeowner’s needs. SOFCs can experience temperature changes during operation, especially when generating electricity from waste heat in industrial processes or thermal power plants,…
In a new monthly column for pv magazinethe International Solar Energy Society (ISES) explains why potential trade disruptions in the global PV supply chain are substantially different from those associated with coal, oil and gas. July 24, 2024 International Solar Energy Association (ISES)China produces the most solar panels in the world. However, this concentration of industry should not be particularly worrying.Solar panel production cannot become a larger global industry than about $400 billion per year. This is because they are so cheap and last a long time. By comparison, the global auto industry is seven times bigger. Aiming for some…
On July 22, U.S. Senators Manchin (I-WV) and Barrasso (R-WY) released the Energy Licensing Reform Act of 2024 to increase energy security and improve permitting for energy infrastructure projects. In April, more than 200 solar and storage companies called for comprehensive permitting reforms that would open federal lands to clean energy, modernize the electric grid and expand transmission capacity. Clean energy-specific organizations praised the new legislation, while a conservation group sharply criticized the bill’s fossil fuel elements. “We are pleased with the bipartisan recognition that we must quickly and efficiently expand transmission capacity to keep pace with growing U.S. electricity…
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha this week. For the renewable energy sector, especially solar energy, the budget supports production by exempting specific machinery and equipment used for the production of solar cells and modules from basic customs duties (BCD).Such machines previously had a customs duty of 7.5%. The exemption will reduce costs for manufacturers of solar cells and modules.Import duty exemptions (BCD) have been extended for specific goods used in the manufacture of silicon wafers, EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) sheets and flat copper wire for photovoltaic ribbon. These exemptions will…
After the transaction, Greencoat’s operational solar portfolio amounts to approximately 1.9 GWp. Image: BayWa (Schroders Greencoat). Schroders Greencoat, the renewable energy infrastructure management arm of Schroders Capital, has acquired three solar PV assets from Metlen Energy and Metals (formerly Mytilineos). The portfolio consists of three operational ground-mounted solar projects with a combined capacity of approximately 110 MW: Gorse Lane in Lincolnshire, Defford in Worcestershire and Watnall in Nottinghamshire. In 2022, Metlen (then Mytilineos) and Centrica signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Vodaphone UK regarding the energy generated by the three assets. Following the transaction, Greencoat’s operational solar portfolio, on…
Michigan Solar Solutions competes on a mock rooftop at the 2024 Solar Games. 7 Hills Productions Residential solar crews spend hundreds of hours together putting in hard labor on rooftops. Validation usually comes from happy customers and positive reviews, but an installer in Michigan saw a chance for recognition on a national stage and found a creative solution to make it happen. Karl Hercula, VP of field operations at Michigan Solar Solutions (No. 246 on the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List), participated in installation competitions in his former career as a roofer and was intrigued by Intersolar’s similar Solar Games,…
Kids from small communities often leave to find something their hometowns can’t offer. There’s a whole world out there filled with opportunities for new careers, education and perspectives. After working with solar contractors across the country, Tony Martin returned to his hometown of Teutopolis, Illinois, to start Sonne Energy Solutions. For Tony Martin, co-founder of Sonne Energy Solutions (No. 382 on the 2024 Top Solar Contractors List), leaving and learning was a necessary part of returning to his hometown of Teutopolis, Illinois — a village with a population of just over 1,600. Teutopolis was founded by German-Catholic immigrants in 1839.…