Mitsubishi Electric unveils power-switching transistor for solar
Mitsubishi Electric’s new 2.0kV LV100 semiconductor device is based on its insulated-gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) technology and Relaxed Field of Cathode (RFC) diodes. It is designed for industrial applications that need “middle-ground” power converters between DC1500 V and 3.3 kV.
Storing solar power via borehole thermal energy storage
A Chinese-Finnish research group has proposed the use of seasonal, soil-based thermal energy storage in combination with photovoltaics in residential districts. They have found that the hybrid concept could cover up to 58% of total heating demand.
California ruling simplifies grid-connection process for distributed solar, storage
The California Public Utilities Commission has introduced a new rule to streamline the interconnection process for distributed energy resources.
Mobile solar-plus-storage unit for offgrid applications
Enerwhere has designed a solar-plus-storage mobile unit for offgrid locations such as oil and gas fields and construction sites. It can be adapted to different needs and is scalable up to megawatt-scale projects.
Romania introduces new rules for solar on agricultural land
Romania is set to put new solar regulations into force through the end of 2026. The rules will allow PV, wind, biomass, bioliquid, biogas, storage projects, and transformer stations to be built directly on land in several previously prohibited fertility classes.
Prefab floating solar for easy installation
A Norwegian startup has patented a floating solar system made of panels laminated on top of double-aluminum sheets. The pre-stringed floats are rolled out on site and towed into place.
pv magazine Roundtables Europe 2022: Back to the future
Down below, you can see a quickfire summary of some of the events held and points raised on day one of pv magazine‘s Roundtables Europe event.
Single-axis trackers on commercial rooftops increase generation by 37%
Alion Energy trackers thread the return-on-investment needle with productivity gains from white roofs and bifacial modules, while design aggressively maximizes module count.
DMEGC launches M10 rooftop solar modules with 410 W of output
China’s DMEGC has released new solar panels with power conversion efficiencies of up to 21.2% and temperature coefficients of -0.33% per degree Celsius. They can be used with maximum system voltages of 1,000 V or 1,500 V.
Spain hit by biggest solar radiation decline in 28 years in March
Spain recorded a 50% decrease in solar radiation due to bad weather in March – the biggest decline since the beginning of satellite records in 1994. By contrast, irradiation levels in Germany and the Balkans were 45% higher during the same period.
