Unpacking solar-project data analytics
The PV industry is embracing artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) techniques to automate operations and maintenance (O&M) diagnostics and predictive analytics in PV systems. More transparency and standard definitions are needed, however, as US-based Sandia Labs scientists Joshua Stein and Marios Theristis explain.
Researchers create framework to optimize solar panel tilt in extreme winds
Researchers in France have proposed a numerical decision-making framework to determine solar panel tilt angle optimization in extreme winds. They say the framework challenges traditional engineering practices and offers a scalable solution for enhancing real-world resilience.
Billing and services software for commercial solar rooftops
UK startup Volter has launched software to simplify revenue generation for owners of commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop solar assets. It also supports installers and power purchase agreement (PPA) providers active in commercial rooftop solar markets.
Perovskite-HJT tandem solar cell based on phosphonic acid, self-assembled monolayer achieves 30.22% efficiency
Researchers in Switzerland have fabricated a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that utilizes a heterojunction cell as bottom device. The cell is said to circumvent the film formation issue associated with the use of phosphonic acid and achieve high efficiency levels.
World’s largest compressed air energy storage project breaks ground in China
Huaneng Group has begun phase two of its Jintan Salt Cavern CAES project in China. It is set to become the world’s largest compressed air energy storage facility with groundbreaking advancements in power output and efficiency.
Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
Bifacial perovskite solar can achieve bifaciality of 90% when tilted at 20 degrees
New research from India has shown that bifacial perovskite solar cells can achieve a 2% higher power conversion efficiency with a tilt angle of 20 degrees. The scientists also developed a bifacial perovskite solar cell for applications in both tandem or single-junction PV devices.
New model to generate high-resolution annual solar energy potential maps
Researchers in Iran have used digital elevation models to improve the accuracy of solar energy potential maps. Their model is intended to identify the best areas for solar panel deployment in urban areas.
The Hydrogen Stream: Qatari researchers unveil PV-led desert agriculture system
Researchers in Qatar have proposed a solar-powered freeze desalination and electrolysis system for freshwater and green hydrogen production, while BP says it has made a final investment decision for its 100 MW Lingen Green Hydrogen project in Germany.
Scientist develops machine-learning method to identify faulty solar panels
A scientist in Sweden has developed a new hybrid local features-based method using thermographs to identify faulty solar panels.
