Weekend read: Solar tops the bill
The US Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 sets aside $369 billion to decarbonize the economy and respond to climate change. pv magazine USA’s Anne Fischer and Ryan Kennedy report on the boost the landmark legislation is expected to provide to solar and battery deployment and manufacturing.
Neighborhood battery plan to maximize solar benefits in Australia
The government of the Australian state of Victoria has unveiled an ambitious plan to install 100 battery energy storage systems by the end of 2026, as part of a broader strategy to support the rollout of more rooftop solar.
Agrivoltaic solar tracker uses cables instead of buried steel
Rute Foundation Systems says its Rute Suntracker system – designed for utility-scale, high-clearance solar – could potentially reduce steel use by 30%.
French startup reveals rooftop system with PV panels, mini wind turbines
French startup Unéole has developed a rooftop system that combines solar and silent wind turbines. It claims its system can produce 40% more energy than standalone rooftop solar arrays. It is now testing the device, with plans to commercialize it by 2023.
Rooftop PV performance during heatwaves
Chinese researchers have assessed the impact of residential rooftop PV arrays on energy use and surrounding air temperatures during extreme heatwaves. They found that panels with higher conversion efficiencies achieved the best results.
Stäubli launches dual-rated, 1,500 V branch connector for solar
Stäubli, a Swiss electrical connector manufacturer, has unveiled a new branch connector with both UL and IEC certification.
Quantitative methodologies to assess technical risks in PV
Researchers led by Germany’s TÜV Rheinland have created a database of technical risks and mitigation measures for PV installations. Their broad overview of quantification methods has shown that further standardization is required.
Solar dominates renewable corporate PPAs in Asia Pacific, says WoodMac
Corporations in the Asia-Pacific region are set to contract a record 7 GW of renewable capacity in 2022, according to a new report by Wood Mackenzie. Solar accounts for 57% of the region’s contracted corporate renewable power purchase agreements (PPAs) to date. India, Australia and Taiwan account for 89% of overall capacity in the region.
Canada introduces investment tax credits for renewables
Canada’s new 30% tax credits for clean technology are designed to level the playing field with the United States and spur the adoption of green technologies.
Most new solar panels retain 80% production after 30 years
A five-year Sandia Labs study on solar module degradation shows that 13 out of 23 tested module types have effective lifetimes exceeding 30 years.
