Australian grid operator turns to solar-powered microgrids
New South Wales electricity distributor Ausgrid is exploring the potential of solar-powered microgrids to enhance energy security for communities during extreme weather events.
Hybrid optimization MPPT tech for PV systems under partial shading
Researches in India have used the adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm to develop an MPPT technique that reportedly increases the PV source voltage of an array under partial shading conditions.
US startup offering UL-certified vertical PV systems
Sunstall has developed a vertical PV system that facilitates energy production in space-limited areas. It is the first system of its kind to secure certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for the US market
US solar sites linked to higher levels of insects
Scientists conducting a five-year research project in southern Minnesota have observed a tripling of insect numbers near two solar facilities built on rehabilitated agricultural land. They say the findings show how habitat-friendly solar could help protect insect populations and improve pollination in nearby agricultural fields.
India’s NTPC seeking 1.5 GW of bifacial PV modules
India’s NTPC aims to acquire 1.5 GW of bifacial PV modules for the Khavda solar facility in a salt desert near the border with Pakistan. It will require an investment of $2.26 billion.
Elkem to acquire REC’s polysilicon unit from Reliance Industries
Reliance Industries is selling REC Solar Holdings’ kerf-based polysilicon manufacturing subsidiary, REC Solar Norway, to Elkem ASA, a silicon-based materials supplier. Upon completion of the sale, it will retain the technology and intellectual property rights for kerf-based polysilicon.
Electronic circuit for PV hotspots mitigation
An international group of researchers has developed an electronic device that is said to effectively mitigate hotspots in PV modules. It uses two current comparators, two NPN transistors, and a current mirror circuit to identify anomalies in the current flow and enable precise control of the input and output current via a purely resistive element.
Exasun files for insolvency
Exasun, a Dutch manufacturer that specializes in building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), has blamed Chinese rivals for its decision to launch insolvency proceedings.
Digital twin for PV materials may speed up commercialization of next-generation panels
Researchers in Germany have developed a digital twin for photovoltaic materials that can reportedly help increase the frequency of new and important discoveries in the solar industry and research. The layout of the digital twin combines machine learning and physical models used in engineering.
RWE testing agrivoltaics on former opencast mine
The power utility said it is testing three different agrivoltaic concepts at the Garzweiler opencast mine in western Germany.
