Guggenheim Solar Index: More to come in ‘21
With the wholesale transformation of the power industry from the inside out and other energy transition mega-trends, capital will continue to flow into renewables from ESG, energy funds, and retail, writes ROTH Capital Analyst Jesse Pichel. Look for a greater mix of unsubsidized economic solar projects to support improving revenue visibility, increasing earnings quality, and multiple expansions.
EU records annual rise of 7 TWh in third-quarter solar output
European renewables, including Spanish solar, made big gains as energy demand recovered before the second wave of Covid infections. Nuclear was a notable loser, in part because clean energy volumes in the north of the continent drove down power prices sufficiently to make reactors uncompetitive.
The case for floating PV on hydroelectric facilities
A study has analyzed the technical and financial feasibility of floating solar at hydro power plants. The report concludes floating PV reduces evaporation from hydropower reservoirs and the water saved can be used to generate more electricity.
Tesla launches solar inverter
The EV manufacturer with big solar ambitions has finally leveraged its expertise in power electronics technology and launched a solar inverter.
Japan PV auctions not a failure, says IRENA
Land scarcity and grid congestion are the main reasons for unexpectedly low capacity allocations in Japan’s five PV auctions between 2017 and January 2020. However, the auction outcomes should not be seen as disappointing, as the average final prices were close to the cost of electricity for solar, says the International Renewable Energy Agency.
Pulsating spray cooling system for PV modules
Iranian scientists have assessed a new active approach for solar module cooling based on water spraying. Water sprayed from different angles can reduce the operating temperature of PV modules, with limited water consumption. However, the team noted that they have yet to assess the economic viability of the system.
New phased microgrid approach for industrial-estate development
Peel Renewable Energy is about to energize a 1.2 MW solar farm in Australia, as part of a fresh approach to microgrids. Infrastructure remains small, but the renewables-powered microgrid can grow to meet the needs of incoming businesses.
New manufacturing method for kesterite solar cells
German scientists have designed a manufacturing process to reduce the thickness of the molybdenum diselenide interface layer in kesterite solar cells. They used two different configurations of silicon-oxynitride diffusion-barrier layers.
North Macedonia announces 60 MW solar tender
The procurement exercise has been planned for the first quarter of the year.
Transparent PV-based greenhouse takes shape in Australia
Western Australia-based solar glass developer ClearVue has commenced installation of its transparent solar PV glazing panels at what will be the world’s first clear solar glass greenhouse.
