Fimer unveils two new three-phase string inverters
The Italian inverter maker said the two devices were designed to deal with increasing PV module currents. The inverters have a power output ranging from 10 to 33 kW and are claimed to reach an input voltage of 1100 V (DC).
Spanish renewables auction secures lowest price of €0.01498/kWh
The Spanish authorities awarded about 2.04 GW of PV and 998 MW of wind capacity, out of a total allocation of approximately 3.03 GW. The average price for solar was €0.02447/kWh.
3-D multi‐ribbon interconnection tech for IBC cells
The interconnection tech, developed by scientists at the Belgian research institute Imec, is based on a three-dimensional fabric of encapsulant with incorporated horizontal and vertical solder‐coated metal ribbons. Mini solar modules built with the proposed technique have provided interesting results in tests for thermal cycling reliability, showing very limited degradation.
French startups develop PV-powered desalination solution
Two French companies have collaborated on the development of the Osmo-Watt system, which is powered by solar panels. They claim that the technology can produce up to 100 cubic meters of drinking water per day.
Silicon-carbide inverter for medium-voltage grids
Developed by scientists from German research institute Fraunhofer ISE, the silicon-carbide device claims 98.4% efficiency and could be used in utility-scale photovoltaic projects.
Big data meets big brother — Expectations from modern solar monitoring systems
Big data and artificial intelligence have a place in the solar industry – and that is in the maintenance sector. The inanimate nature of PV modules easily tricks one into thinking that all that needs taking care of is the owner sitting back and watching how the sun shines onto the array generating electricity and cash. Reality is much more complicated. This is why solar monitoring systems are continually evolving, much like the components they are designed to check. Our webinar partner and monitoring system provider, Solare Datensysteme – Solar-log, has concluded a process in which the company jointly developed the latest product iteration, with a selection of its customers.
Total leaves American Petroleum Institute
Total has decided not to renew its membership in the American Petroleum Institute, following a detailed analysis of its climate positions. The French energy giant said the group’s positions are at odds with its climate targets.
The impact of solar spectra on PV module performance
Scientists in Poland have measured the effect of solar radiation spectra in variable weather conditions on the performance of different kinds of PV module technologies. They found that amorphous silicon panels offer the best response to this effect in stationary or BIPV projects on facades, while crystalline silicon and CIS solar panels represent the best options in projects with trackers.
European scientists want to develop hybrid vanadium redox flow battery with supercapacitor
European scientists are designing a new type of redox flow storage system aimed at flexibly balancing power grids in the event of critical conditions. Funded by the EU, the research project is being coordinated by the Landshut University of Applied Sciences and runs until 2023.
Polish oil company plans 100 MW solar park at brown coal mine
The solar park is expected to be connected to the grid infrastructure of a coal power plant located nearby. Polish oil group Orlen is targeting 2 GW of renewable energy assets by 2030.
