Replacing MPPT with direct PV-battery coupling
Researchers in Germany have assessed direct coupling and integration between PV and batteries at the scale of a single PV module. They say their solution could be cheaper and provide superior performance than maximum power point tracking (MPPT) in optimizing PV system performance.
Georgia tenders 70 MW of solar
Georgia’s new procurement exercise is part of a 300 MW tender to deploy renewables throughout the former Soviet republic.
Brazil hits 25 GW solar milestone
ABSolar, the Brazilian solar association, says that the PV sector has attracted BRL 125 billion ($24.2 billion) in new investments since 2012 and has generated more than 750,200 jobs.
California’s new net-metering policy brings batteries to forefront
While NEM 3.0 is expected is to slash the rates paid for solar sold back to the grid, batteries can help to maintain the value of PV. However, the next wave of clean-tech adoption must focus on non-lithium batteries and take advantage of safe, affordable chemistries.
Only5mins! – Floating offshore PV in the Mediterranean
pv magazine speaks with Luciano Mule’Stagno, director of the Institute for Sustainable Energy at the University of Malta, about the prospects of floating offshore PV in Malta and the Mediterranean. He says offshore PV could become competitive with ground-mounted solar in some land-constrained countries.
Toyota Tsusho buys 85% stake in SoftBank’s renewables unit
Toyota Tsusho has agreed to buy an 85% stake in Softbank’s renewable energy unit, SB Energy, which owns and operates 773 MW of renewable energy assets in Japan, including 667.1 MW of solar and 55.9 MW of wind capacity.
Online estimation tool for heat pump sizing
The Australian Alliance for Energy Productivity (A2EP) has released a free, online estimation tool to aid Australian businesses in sizing heat pumps to replace gas boilers. The tool estimates the capex, opex, net savings, and payback time based on inputs about heating, cooling, location, and temperature requirements.
Drinkers encouraged to ‘give a XXXX’ as brewer goes solar
Iconic Australian beer brand XXXX will be brewed using 100% clean energy after parent company Lion signed an agreement to source renewable power from Lightsource bp’s 176 MW Woolooga solar farm.
Lithium iron phosphate battery for rooftop solar off-grid applications
Zola Electric’s new lithium iron phosphate battery system charges from solar and the grid and can power AC and DC appliances. It has a nominal voltage of 12.8 V and a nominal capacity of 50 Ah.
Vast Solar secures funds for Australia’s first concentrated solar power plant
Vast Solar will move forward with plans to deliver Australia’s first commercial-scale concentrated solar power (CSP) plant after securing financial backing from the federal government to build a 30 MW/288 MWh facility in South Australia.
