Canary Islands to host hybrid storage project for synchronous grid-forming
Elewit, the tech platform of Spain’s Red Eléctrica de España (REE), has revealed plans to build a hybrid storage project in the Canary Islands, featuring an 18.8 MVA virtual synchronous compensator and a 16 MW hybrid solution based on ultracapacitors.
U.S. startup launches online platform for residential PV system purchase
Two-year old Monalee has developed an online platform for U.S. homeowners looking to buy solar PV and storage systems. Its software enables the process from quotes to financing, installation, and after-sales support.
Fronius to cut 350 jobs
Fronius has revealed plans to cut 350 jobs due to “persistently weak sales” from its solar energy division. The Austrian inverter manufacturer significantly expanded production and hired new employees in 2022 and 2023.
Livoltek set to commission Brazilian inverter factory
Livoltek says it has invested $13.2 million in a new inverter factory in Brazil. The facility will also produce soon lithium-ion batteries and electric-vehicle rechargers.
Are the days of cheap finance for Chinese solar over?
The Chinese PV industry has benefited from the availability of substantial finance over the past two decades, supporting the development of the renewable, zero-carbon capability essential for meeting the goals of the Paris climate agreement. Easy access to finance has led to unsustainably low prices and unnecessary losses, however, impacting China’s ability to sustain support for renewable energy systems. As the nation expands clean power installations and enhances grid-balancing capacity, maintaining consistent financial support has become more challenging.
TBEA launches inverters for C&I projects
TBEA has developed new products with nominal power ratings of 75 kW to 110 kW and efficiencies of 98.6%. Their European efficiency rating is 98.4%.
ESMC publishes recommendation paper for Net Zero Industry Act
The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) has voiced support for the inclusion of non-price criteria in auctions for solar modules, as laid out in the EU Net Zero Industry Act. The council’s recommendation paper also calls for member states to adopt the act as quickly as possible and highlights concern around cybersecurity and data security in relation to Chinese inverters.
Daewoo releases hybrid battery-inverters for residential PV
Daewoo’s new hybrid inverters feature LiFePO4 batteries. They are available in six variants, with power ratings ranging from 0.5 kVA to 10 kVA.
Tigo introduces power electronics supporting solar modules up to 800 W
The new MLPE from Tigo is designed to support commercial and industrial as well as utility-scale solar projects.
VSole presents wall-mount residential hybrid inverters
Indian manufacturer VSole has introduced single-phase hybrid inverters 3 kW to 6 kW with power output ratings. The inverters reportedly allow uninterrupted power to the connected loads, with a UPS-level switching time of four milliseconds.
