Author

Charles W. Thurston

Charles specializes in renewable energy, from finance to technological processes. Writing for pv magazine since 2010, he focuses on balance of systems, tracking, the EPC sector, and the Brazilian market. He has been active in the industry for over 25 years, living and working in locations ranging from Brazil to Papua New Guinea.

Articles written by Charles W. Thurston

In position to undermine utilities Plenty of ideas surrounding the future design of the U.S. grid model are floating around the solar industry these days, but few seem as compelling as the solar+storage-based microgrid. These local electrical communities are proliferating, particularly on the East Coast and West Coast, including the hallowed turf where once mighty utilities — like now-bankrupt Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) — defended their monopolies.

Charles W. Thurston

Nov 12, 2019

Expanding R&D: optimizations for bifacial boost Arctech Solar’s new SkySmart2 solar tracker design has been optimized to capture the maximum energy boost from bifacial panels. Combined with the manufacturer’s site-specific engineering, company officials suggest that the design virtually guarantees the best boost in the industry.

Charles W. Thurston

Oct 31, 2019

Full-scope technology for challenging sites Arctech Solar has amassed a broad technology portfolio of solar array designs, drawing on its full line of solutions, which range from fixed structures to its horizontal 1P SkyLine tracker, in addition to the 2P SkySmart tracker, which is optimized for bifacial panels.

Charles W. Thurston

Oct 31, 2019

Bifacial tracking grows on new designs The growing global market for bifacial solar panels on trackers is expanding with new designs and more intense research and development on a range of fronts. The more complex requirements of bifacial panel systems are resulting in early adopter rewards of double-digit yield boosts for clients. As a result, the percentage of bifacial systems is expected to increase rapidly over the next few years.

Charles W. Thurston

Oct 31, 2019

Research & Development

The weekend read: Pursuing a 20% bifacial boost Research on bifacial solar panel performance has moved performance analysis closer to a standardized practice than ever before. More field tests are underway across the United States, and the first waves of data are expected this year. These tests will help standardize a predictive model for bifacial projects that is bankable.

Charles W. Thurston

Jul 27, 2019

Pursuing a 20% bifacial boost Research on bifacial solar panel performance has moved performance analysis closer to a standardized practice than ever before. More field tests are underway across the United States, and the first waves of data are expected this year. These tests will help standardize a predictive model for bifacial projects that is bankable.

Charles W. Thurston

Jul 05, 2019

Applications & Installations

The influences driving solar carports pv magazine’s Charles Thurston has written about the potential of solar carports in this month’s, hot-off-the-presses edition of the magazine. As a taster, here’s a few extra points on the topic that came in too late for the print deadline.

Charles W. Thurston

Mar 15, 2019

Solar carports thrive on dual-use concept Multiple drivers are increasing the rollout of solar carports. As with all things PV, cost is an important factor, and is heading in the right direction to see this application move out of the niche and into the mainstream. EV adoption could also prove decisive here.

Charles W. Thurston

Mar 12, 2019

Solar components balancing act Solar balance of system (BOS) components cost reductions have been in the crosshairs of the industry since consistently falling module prices raised BOS costs to more than 50% of an overall system. pv magazine investigates the latest efforts from manufacturers to bring these costs down, many of which were on display at California’s Solar Power International show in September.

Charles W. Thurston

Nov 02, 2018

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