Large format modules present a new set of challenges
As modules change in size and form factor, ripple effects are felt across the entire solar industry, requiring tweaks, modifications, and outright changes to longstanding project development and construction practices.
Dragon scale solar tiles installed on Google buildings in Silicon Valley
Some 90,000 individual solar panels will generate enough electricity to cover around 40% of the electricity used in two buildings for Google.
Retractable PV awning for recreational vehicles
The 1.2 kW solar awning can be retracted automatically in the event of adverse weather conditions. The patented technology, developed by Xponent Power, may enable a wide range of additional applications such as for use by the military, for emergency relief, and residential power.
Solar panels blasted with sound to better understand microcracking
Researchers at NREL and EPRI focused heavy bass sounds on solar panels to simulate the effects of wind-caused deflection.
Plastic for solar panels?
Three companies are swapping out aluminum and glass in favor of plastic to save weight and add flexibility. We look at the pros and cons.
Microgrid-forming PV microinverter from Enphase
The 97%-efficient device is said to be the most powerful PV microinverter developed by the company to date and is capable of forming a microgrid during a power outage. The U.S. manufacturer expects to ship the first products in December.
SolarEdge launches residential battery and inverter
The DC-coupled battery has 94.5% round-trip efficiency and the inverter offers up to 11.4 kW power and 10.3 kW backup power.
Highway-side solar could produce 36 TWh annually
A collaboration between universities, nonprofits, and a geospatial mapper led to development of a highway solar evaluation tool.
How varied energy storage can enable a low-cost renewable energy future
Research from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that high-renewables operation is possible, and less expensive, when a range of energy storage technologies are used.
DNV puts different module formats to the test
Energy consultancy DNV was tasked by module manufacturing giant Longi Solar with comparing the balance of systems costs between modules utilizing 182mm and 210mm wafers, based on a 3.7 MW project in three different layouts. The results reveal a slim cost advantage for the smaller of the two, based on both fixed tilt and tracker systems.
