Building-integrated concentrating photovoltaics for vertical applications
An Indian-British research team has developed a building-integrated linear concentrating PV facade by sandwiching an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator, PERC cells, and encapsulation layers between two sheets of glass. The system was tested under both indoor and outdoor conditions and its payback period was found to be of up to 11 years.
New model to optimize desert PV plant cleaning schedule
Scientists have used a CPLEX-based MIP model and tested it on a section of the 10 MW Masdar City Solar Photovoltaic Plant. In their simulation, they assume the use of two robotic cleaners to operate over a 90-day horizon. Total cleaning costs were estimated at $7,987.
World’s largest solar park adds 1 GW
The sixth phase of work at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, set to add 1.8 GW of solar to the site, is more than two thirds complete with 1 GW now in operation.
New method for PV site suitability mapping
Scientists in Malaysia have developed a novel deep-learning method for PV suitability mapping. Applying the new approach to the Middle East, they found that approximately 5.8% of the region has very high suitability and 11.5% is highly suitable for PV energy development.
UAE launches 60 MW solar plant to power gas complex, grid
The emirate of Sharjah has commissioned its first utility-scale solar plant to power the Sajaa Gas Complex and export surplus electricity to the grid. The 60 MWp SANA facility, developed in collaboration with a Masdar–EDF joint venture, is among the first in the region to integrate solar power into oil and gas operations.
UAE integrates solar into district cooling plants
An inauguration ceremony has taken place for the installation of solar panels at two district cooling plants in Abu Dhabi belonging to the UAE’s Ministry of Defence.
DEWA’s Mohammed bin Rashid solar park capacity hits 3.8 GW
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) says it has added 800 MW of solar to its flagship Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park this year alone. By the end of the decade, the site’s cumulative capacity is set to reach 7.26 GW.
Water-based photovoltaics reach global capacity of 21.18 GW
An international research team has developed an index-based remote sensing method to see trends in the global development of water-based PV. It has found that China currently accounts for 80% of the global total deployed capacity.
Cooling bifacial PV modules with mist
Scientists have placed mist nozzles inside a bifacial PV module and measured it under an extremely hot climate. The module was found to generate up to 37% more electricity on sunny days and up to 46% more on cloudy days compared to standard monofacial panels.
Almaden plans solar glass factory in UAE
China’s Almaden says it will build a solar glass plant in the United Arab Emirates with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons, in line with its plans to globally expand as domestic profits fall.
