Self-powered electroluminescence for daylight PV system inspection
Scientists from Spain have developed a daylight electroluminescence method that uses other strings to supply current to the inspected string. It was simulated and then tested in two 50 MW PV plants. Comparative assessment against lab-electroluminescence resulted in acceptable diagnostic performance.
Italy issues special procedures for PV tenders over 1 MW with ‘non-Chinese’ components
The country aims to promote modules manufactured in the EU with new tender criteria. To this end, the government has introduced non-price-related tender criteria, making it one of the first EU countries to implement the NZIA guidelines.
Solar panel cleaning drones for rooftop, ground-mounted PV systems
French uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) manufacturer Objectif Drone has developed a drone-based solar panel spray cleaning system for solar plant maintenance teams. It can be used on either rooftop PV or ground-mounted systems.
Using drones, satellite and ground data to map vegetation in PV plants
Scientists have developed a multi-scale method to assess vegetation conditions inside PV power plants. The research focused on nine PV plants in China across diverse climate zones. Compared to satellite estimates alone, the method reduces bias by 16.98%.
Severe storm destroys 3.1 MW ground-mounted PV system in northern Italy
A severe storm destroyed a 3.18 MW ground-mounted PV plant in Verretto, Italy, leaving local residents without power for several hours before utility crews restored service with backup generation.
New object detection algorithm for solar cleaning robots
A Chinese research team at Tarim University have developed a lightweight object detection and pose recognition solution for solar panel cleaning robots.
Sinovoltaics maps emerging PV manufacturing hub in Middle East, Africa
In its inaugural study of the emerging manufacturing hub in the Middle East and Africa, the quality assurance and technical compliance company has mapped 3.4 GW of module, 2.5 GW of solar cell, and 8.05 GW of ingot nameplate capacity across 27 sites.
Ecuador authorizes 643 MW of distributed energy projects
Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy has authorized private companies to develop 643 MW of renewable energy projects across the country.
JA Solar unveils 650 W TOPCon module for desert PV projects
JA Solar has launched DesertBlue, a 650 W tunnel-oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) module for desert PV projects, featuring self-cleaning glass, reinforced frames, and heat-tolerant design with desert-specific certification.
Trinabot offers installation robots for large PV projects
The China-based technology and solar infrastructure company has launched Buildex, a line of solar panel installation robots. A built-in forklift, a robotic arm and advanced automation software support its ability to carry, pick and place panels in a variety of terrains.
