Australia’s best-performing, large-scale PV assets
The top-performing solar farm in Australia in April was Genex Power’s Kidston project in Queensland, according to Rystad Energy Analyst Dave Dixon, who noted that total generation from solar and wind assets in Australia grew by 23% year on year.
Smarter E Products: New solar module cleaning solution from Ecoppia
The solar cleaning system moves horizontally and cleans the panels vertically, while a patented auto-switch allows the robot to clean from either side of the module row, which the manufacturer said minimizes cleaning time. The device weighs up to 50 kg and has a cleaning speed of 22 m per minute.
EDF building solar park at closed nuclear plant in France
EDF Renouvelables expects to switch on a solar array at a nuclear plant in France in early 2023. It will rely on 22,000 solar modules. The Creys-Malville nuclear plant, which was shut down in 1997, is set to be dismantled by 2024.
Smarter E Products: Hanwha Q Cells showcases 400 W n-type solar module with 22.3% efficiency
Hanwha’s new PV modules, designed for rooftop applications, are available in two versions: a 400 W product with a power conversion efficiency of 22.3% and a white frame, and a black 395 W module with an efficiency of 22%. For both products, the temperature coefficient is -0.30%.
Solar tech to trigger switch for skyscrapers
Energy systems have long been designed to deliver electricity to major cities from distant hubs. But now, thanks to recent advances in solar panel energy density and building-integrated PV, vertical cities could soon be standing tall under their own power.
BayWa r.e. to tender 10 TWh of renewable electricity in Europe
BayWa r.e. is seeking investors for renewable electricity at unspecified locations in Germany and Spain. The selected buyers will have to sign 10-year power purchase agreements.
How grid-forming inverters may enhance grid synchronization
US researchers have investigated how grid-forming inverters could help to resolve network synchronization issues. They have found that multi-loop devices could offer strong damping support in power systems with intermittent renewables.
India’s SJVN awards 1 GW solar EPC project to Tata Power
State-owned hydropower producer SJVN has awarded a 1 GW solar engineering, procurement, and construction project to Tata Power Solar. The PV installation will be built in the Indian state of Rajasthan with an investment of around INR 5,492 crore ($720 million).
South Africa postpones commercial close timelines for projects selected in fifth REIPPPP round
The fifth round of South Africa’s REIPPPP scheme was launched in March 2021. The authorities allocated 2.6 GW of renewable energy capacity across 25 projects ranging in size from 75 MW to 140 MW.
Indian salt producer tenders 1 GW of solar
State-owned Hindustan Salts Ltd. has invited bids to build and operate 1 GW of solar capacity on 5,000 acres of disused land in the Indian state of Gujarat. The developer will pay Hindustan Salts a fixed annual rental fee for the land. Bidding closes on May 25.
