Author: solarenergy

University of Michigan researchers have found that the value of rooftop solar will increase by between 5% and 15% in a range of US cities under moderate climate change by mid-century, and by as much as 20% by the end of the century. May 3, 2024 Patrick JowettResearchers at the University of Michigan have found that climate change will increase the future value of rooftop solar panels in the United States by as much as 20% by the end of the century.In “Climate change will affect the value and optimal use of solar energy on residential roofs”, which was recently…

An efficient DC inverter improves the sustainability of microgrids A new DC-DC power converter developed by Kobe University promises improved energy storage and conversion efficiency and marks an important step in the advancement of microgrid technologies. Designed to integrate seamlessly with various DC energy sources, this new converter improves system stability and simplicity with unprecedented operational efficiency. Electrical energy is classified into two types: AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current). Despite AC being the chosen standard for national electricity grids, the dependence on DC power by solar panels, batteries, electric vehicles and computers makes conversion necessary, often with significant…

In a new weekly update for pv magazineOPIS, a Dow Jones company, offers bite-sized analyzes of solar panel supply and price trends. May 3, 2024 OPISFOB China prices for both mono PERC M10 and TOPCon M10 cells continued to decline this week, estimated at $0.0417/W and $0.0494/W respectively, representing a decline of 5.01% and 4.45% compared to the week before.FOB Chinese prices for mono PERC G12 have remained stable this week at $0.0448/W. This stability can be attributed to the recent start-up of several ground-mounted solar projects in China, which has increased demand for this cell type. The limited production…

Battery prices hit an all-time low in India in 2023, led by a moderation in commodity prices and rising production across the value chain, credit rating agency ICRA said. May 3, 2024 Uma GuptaBy pv magazine IndiaICRA said it expects the recent decline in battery costs to drive adoption of battery energy storage system (BESS) projects in India. BESS and pumped hydro storage projects are now the dominant energy storage options in India.ICRA said it expects the share of renewable energy generation, including large hydropower plants, to increase to around 40% of national generation by fiscal year 2030, up from…

Construction photo Catherine site (Credit: Chaberton Energy) Chaberton energy and Pivot Energy are collaborating on a solar energy project in Maryland aimed at powering both commercial and community customers. The 19-acre site, called Project Catherine, is located on the grounds of St. Mary Coptic Orthodox Church in Cooksville, Maryland, and is expected to generate 4.3 MW. Part of the project provides energy directly to the church, while the remainder serves Loyola University Maryland and the surrounding community through a subscription model. “Pivot Energy shares our passion for the energy transition and works tirelessly to help communities access local, affordable, clean…

The US-based provider of PV systems for infrastructure and industrial equipment without grid access has launched a battery status monitoring software module for its flagship Core Solar Power Systems product line. May 3, 2024 Valerie ThompsonVoltaic Systems, a US-based developer of solar PV systems for remote industrial and infrastructure equipment, has added monitoring software to track the health of the batteries in its Core Solar Power System product line.The Core Solar Power products, which feature a PV panel, an integrated waterproof lithium battery and a mounting system, are sold as an alternative to traditional lead-acid batteries to power infrastructure equipment…

The company planning to put a massive jet fuel plant in Lake Preston told investors Thursday that updated guidance from the federal government on carbon credits for biofuels could be a boon to its prospects for success. Englewood, Colorado-based Gevo wants to build a plant in South Dakota to convert ethanol into sustainable jet fuel, with a project cost of $1 billion or more. President Joe Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act included billions of dollars to encourage production of such fuel, which currently represents a minuscule share of the overall jet fuel market. Governor Kristi Noem, whose son-in-law a registered lobbyist…

Construction application for a 29.9 MW solar park submitted to the municipal councils. Image: RES British renewable energy company RES has submitted a planning application to Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon ​​Borough Council for a 29.9 MW solar project. Located on land about 1 kilometer south-west of Magheralin, initial plans for the project were presented at a public exhibition in March 2023, allowing people to learn more about the proposal and give RES their views. As a result of the detailed design process, a number of design changes have been made to ensure that the solar farm does not unduly…

On April 8, 2024, the Maryland General Assembly passed Senate Bill 783, the Brighter Tomorrow Act, legislation that would lower the cost of developing solar projects in Maryland and increase the value of solar energy to energy consumers across the state. The bill now heads to the governor’s desk for signature. The Brighter Tomorrow Act is needed to encourage the development of additional solar energy in Maryland as part of the transition to a clean economy and to strengthen the electric grid for all communities. The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) had already established a nationally leading mandate to deploy…

Installing solar energy on a large scale requires increasingly larger plots to accommodate hectares and even kilometers of PV arrays on one piece of land. With that growing project size comes the responsibility to implement proper stormwater drainage measures to protect the environments and communities in which the projects are built. On any construction project requiring civil work, excavated land that has not been seeded or lacks topsoil is at greater risk of erosion. Stormwater runoff, such as rain or snowmelt, can carry substances such as pollutants and debris that harm local waterways into adjacent areas and municipal sewers. When…