Novel MPPT tech based on salp swarm, hill climbing algorithms
Researchers have suggested to use a hybrid version of the so-called salp swarm algorithm (SSA) algorithm for maximum power point tracking in PV systems operating under highly fluctuating environmental conditions. The novel method also integrates the hill climbing algorithm, which simulates the process of climbing a mountain and reportedly helps find the best possible solution to a given problem.
Vertical rooftop PV performs better than conventional rooftop solar under the snow
A case study analysis by Norway’s Over Easy Solar has found that vertical rooftop solar panels outperform conventional rooftop PV systems during snowy months. Energy yield was up to 30% higher in the winter months in Norway, according to the company.
EDF Renewables, Enbridge switch on 577 MW of solar in US
EDF Renewables and Enbridge have launched the 577 MW Fox Squirrel Solar project in Ohio. It provides renewable energy to Amazon as the US state’s largest operational solar farm.
Gold Plus Glass enters solar glass manufacturing
Indian float glass manufacturer Gold Plus Glass has commissioned a new PV glass factory with an installed production capacity of 109,500 metric tons per year.
New simulation tool maps existing, planned district heating networks
Researchers in Germany have developed a simulation software tool that visualizes heat flows in existing district heating networks and is capable of predicting load peaks. It can also be used to help plan and commission new grids.
Jackery debuts Solar Roof Tile at CES 2025
In a first for the US market, curved rooftop solar tiles are available in obsidian or terra-cotta red from Jackery.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China Huadian launches 18 GW inverter tender
China Huadian Corp. has launched an 18 GW inverter procurement tender seeking string inverters 300 kW and above, with 1,500 V DC input voltage and 10% overload capacity. Bidding starts on Feb. 6, 2025.
GCL SI enters back contact business with 660 W solar module
Chinese module maker GCL SI has expanded into back contact (BC) solar cell production with its first 660 W BC module, featuring tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) technology.
The impact of wildfires on PV power generation
Scientists have quantified the impact of wildfires on the availability of direct normal irradiance and global horizontal irradiance at the state, regional, and national levels in the United States. They have found that direct irradiance is more sensitive to smoke than the PV-relevant global horizontal irradiance.
France awards 464 MW of 500 MW tech-neutral renewables tender to solar
The French government has allocated 464 MW of the 500 MW available in a technology-neutral renewables tender to PV projects.
