Computer vision for real‑time shadow detection in PV systems
Scientists have developed a novel method that uses live video feed to detect shadows on solar panels. It uses computer vision techniques, such as gamma transform and histogram matching, resulting in performance that is reportedly better than conventional techniques, especially in large arrays.
Sun-X secures patent for PV sensor that measures soiling, yield loss
Germany-based Sun-X says it has patented a soiling sensor for PV modules that accurately measures dirt levels, determines yield loss, and assesses optimal cleaning times.
Italian energy supplier to reuse discarded PV modules for social projects
Italian energy producer ERG has launched an initiative to reuse discarded solar modules from revamped plants for social solar projects. The program aims to support communities, hospitals, families, and schools in Africa and Italy, using panels that are still in good condition and fully functional.
IEA calls for stronger solar, wind integration measures
The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) latest report warns that failing to support integration at the point of deployment could jeopardize up to 15% of solar and wind projects by 2030. This shortfall would reduce their combined share of the global electricity mix by 5%.
Vertical PV comes to India
Yashika Energy Systems has partnered with Germany’s Next2Sun and Wattkraft India to launch pilot projects that integrate vertical bifacial solar technology with agriculture, ranging from 100 kWp to 500 kWp.
Australia has 103 GW of rooftop PV potential, says think tank
A new Climate Council report estimates Australia’s rooftop solar potential at 103 GW – four times the nation’s current installed capacity.
Storm Boris delivers record rain, early snows across Europe
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that, as the storm Boris swept across Europe, snow began falling in some regions for the first time this season. The situation is now stabilizing as the system weakens and a high-pressure zone takes hold across the region.
GE Vernova releases 2,000 V (DC) utility-scale inverter
GE Vernova has developed a 2,000 V (DC) utility-scale inverter, to be used in a North American pilot operation starting in early 2025. The inverter offers up to 6.0 MVA of output power.
World now has five times more PV than nuclear power
Authors of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report 2024 the world had 408 operational reactors producing 367 GW in the middle of the year, which is significantly less than installed capacity predictions for solar by the end of the year and five time less the world’s cumulative PV capacity, which is now approaching 2 TW.
Germany’s new solar installations hit 790 MW in August
Germany’s new solar installations surged to 790 MW in August, contributing to 10.23 GW of newly installed PV capacity for the first eight months of this year.
