Module wind load resistance: Standards vs. reality
With extreme weather events becoming all too common, and a growing list of PV projects that have been damaged or destroyed by strong winds, ensuring that mounting structures are able to withstand the pressures they’ll face in the field is a vital concern for all involved. In this pv magazine Webinar, we’ll examine where current testing standards may fall short, and what this means for suppliers of trackers and mounting structures. And we’ll also be treated to a closer look at Gamechange Solar’s testing program, which takes into account the different pressure gradients across a module’s surface in a high wind environment; and ensures ample wind resistance.
Solar 101: Go solar, but go with your eyes open
Solar is uniquely virtuous among energy industries. But like all industries, consumers need to pay close attention to protect themselves.
Data confirm the rise of solar-plus-storage hybrids across the U.S. grid
Battery prices are falling, and renewable energy generation continues to expand, leading power plant developers to co-locate energy storage along with power generation assets.
Multi-day iron-air batteries reach commercialization
US-based startup Form Energy has secured $200 million Series D funding for the development of what is being called a breakthrough in energy storage.
Sandia researchers develop new grid-scale energy storage battery
The battery operates at 230 degrees Fahrenheit, opening what researchers said could be “a whole cascading cost savings” including everything from less expensive materials to less insulation.
After a solar generator caused a house fire, US insurance company wants Amazon to pay
Courts have ruled both ways on whether the online retailing platform can be held liable for selling products that cause damage. The latest case involves a house fire in Minnesota.
SunPower added 13,000 solar customers, looks to strong growth in the third quarter
In its second quarter earnings statement, the company said it expects volume and margin improvements in its residential business to continue, with Q3 volume expected to top 40% compared with 2020.
As Maui approaches 100% renewables, NREL models grid options
Maui’s electric power grid is expected to operate with 100% solar and wind on an instantaneous basis as early as 2024, and NREL is helping the island plan to reliably supply electricity.
Residential PV makes EVs cheaper, reduces emissions
The maintenance cost of an electric vehicle is estimated to be significantly lower than internal combustion engines, and studies show home solar furthers the cost savings and boosts carbon emission reductions.
Tesla sells Maxwell Technologies but dry cell tech for lithium-ion batteries retained
Tesla acquired the Californian supercapacitor maker in 2019, leading some to speculate its EVs would use ‘supercaps’ for top acceleration. Two years on, it appears Elon Musk has moved on and sold Maxwell to UCAP Power, but Tesla has retained the company’s dry electrode tech.
