Improving algorithms to help solar project developers avoid the NIMBY effect
A research group in the United States is proposing to add social variables in GIS-MCDA algorithms for PV project planning as a solution to avoid opposition to large scale solar from local communities. Although some efforts have already been made in this direction, there is still much to be done to understand the degree to which measuring these variables proactively could help mitigate public opposition down the line, on individual projects.
Japan’s largest floating PV plant being reconstructed after Typhoon impact
French floating PV specialist Ciel&Terre said the plant is being split into smaller islands, with a square shape, to avoid stress concentration.
The US added 16.5 GW of PV in 2020
Solar and wind power installations hit all-time highs and became a larger part of the country’s energy mix in 2020, according to a new report from BloombergNEF.
The weekend read: Solar’s flexibility can be agriculture’s gain
Both solar and the farming industry are beginning to see potential in the combined use of land for food production and energy generation. And as innovators begin to experiment with different forms, it’s becoming clear that in most cases it is solar that will have to bend to the needs of agriculture, and not the other way around, to ensure a positive outcome.
France launches 700 MW tender for large-scale PV
Solar project developers in France will have until June 25, 2021, to submit their bids. Under new rules, the selected PV projects must use modules manufactured with a low carbon footprint.
Germany has 270,000 residential batteries linked to PV
Around 88,000 energy storage systems linked to rooftop PV were installed last year in the country, which supports residential batteries through a dedicated scheme.
Italian solar energy community benefits its members with up to €140/MWh in annual savings
The Italian regulation about renewable energy communities entered into force last December. Market operators are now working to establish renewable energy communities (RECs) in Italy. Ènostra coop is currently completing the feasibility study for the development of two RECs in Sardinia. pv magazine spoke with project manager Christian Bartolomeo.
Croatia announces 400 MW renewables auction
The procurement exercise will be the country’s second attempt to support large-scale solar and wind. The first 88 MW auction launched last year saw the allocation of just 25.5 MW. Solar secured 13.4 MW at an average price of $0.093/kWh. Selected PV projects range in size from 50 to 500 kW.
Australian regulator credits renewables for electricity price decline
The Australian Energy Regulator says that investments in renewables and rooftop solar uptake are driving the ongoing decline in electricity prices.
India added 1.4 GW of PV in October-December period
India’s new solar capacity additions in the third quarter of the country’s 2020-21 fiscal year were well above the 928 MW installed in the preceding July-September quarter.
