A combination of a heat sink effect, with radiation and passive convection heat dissipation results in cooler modules, and higher power output. This is the technique applied by Coolback, which launched its new backsheet concept at Intersolar Europe this week. Coolback Simon Meijer sets out the technology, effects and strategy to market.

Bifacial modules represent a growing proportion of leading manufacturers output each year, but the technology still poses questions for installations in the field. Using both sides of a module to generate power changes parameters across whole the PV system, and necessitates innovation from the manufacturers of trackers and system components. The potential for higher energy output is clear, but new standards and practices are needed to ensure systems get the most out of bifacial modules. At its Bifacial Tracker Evaluation Center (BiTEC) in Livermore, California, Soltec is working to ensure that opportunities provided by this technology are well and truly seized.

In the following interview, Enerray’s business development and sales director, Antonio Capua discusses the current O&M and EPC situation in Italy. Overall, he says there are opportunities to be grasped by those companies that have a proven quality and reliability track record.

Under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Project, GOPV, Convert is working on reducing the LCOE and LCA of large PV plants. In this vein, it has developed a new tracker and tracking strategy focused on the use of bifacial modules. Find out more at this year’s Intersolar Europe.

pv magazine recently sat down with Enerray’s Business Development and Sales Director Antonio Capua to discuss the company’s latest plans for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The interview took place at the trade show booth of Agripower, which like Enerray is owned by SECI Energia S.p.A., the energy holding of the even bigger Maccaferri Industrial Group founded in 1879. Maccaferri Group, as well as SECI Energia and Enerray, are all based in Bologna and in 2017 Maccaferri’s overall revenues amounted to over $1 billion worldwide.

Soiling can have a significant impact on PV plant performance. While cleaning solutions do exist, the key questions are when and where should the solar modules be cleaned?

Dr. Ahmed Alami Merrouni, responsible for R&D in Meteorology and Solar Materials degradation at Morocco-based Green Energy Park (GEP), talks about the challenges and opportunities for PV projects in the region. Soiling, he says, is a specific issue, which can impact both ROIs and O&M. In addition to explaining why GEP uses Kipp & Zonen’s DustIQ solution, he says the company is developing new software, which can offer bespoke module cleaning solutions.

The 35rd EU PVSEC takes place from Monday to Friday, 24 to 28 September 2018 at Brussels meeting Centre, Brussels, Belgium.

The Italian Expo features a wide programme of conferences on PV and storage. The conferences hosted at Key Solar and Key Storage aim to analyze the changes that the sector is facing at national and international level.

Dutch materials specialist DSM developed its Endurance backsheet to offer reliable long-term performance in the harshest climates where solar is being deployed. The backsheet utilizes a unique combination of materials, put together in a coextrusion process which eliminates the potential for delamination.