Light and shade of 500 W plus solar panels – part I
In the first article of a series, pv magazine editor Pilar Sánchez Molina analyzes with industry experts challenges and opportunities created by new panels with power output exceeding 500 W.
Germany deployed 447 MW in July
According to the latest figures from the Federal Network Agency, the country’s cumulative installed PV power has now reached 51.98 GW.
Burkina Faso launches tender for 9 MW of solar
National utility Sonabel plans to build four solar projects in the towns of Dori, Diapaga and Gaoua. Interested developers have until Oct. 5 to submit their proposals.
South Africa kicks off 2 GW tech-neutral tender to improve power supply
The South African Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) is requesting proposals for the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (RMIPPPP). The tender is intended to procure 2 GW of capacity in response to the chronic short-term electricity supply gap that is affecting the country and its mining sector. Renewables are also entitled to compete.
Test bench compares floating PV with onshore solar arrays
Moroccan researchers have set up a new floating PV test bench. They claim floating solar arrays offer better power yields than rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems, with lower module operating temperatures.
Renewables improve reliability outlook for Australia’s main grid
Australia’s power supply has improved, as new solar and wind capacity are making summer blackouts less likely, says the Australian Energy Market Operator. Timely commissioning of new generation, storage and transmission investment will be critical, given the nation’s aging coal fleet and looming plant closures.
India can’t match Gulf region’s record-low PV tariffs
India’s solar tariffs are some of the lowest in the world, but they’re almost double the Gulf region’s tariffs.
Exoskeletons for solar panel mounting
Endesa, the Spanish unit of Italian power group Enel, is using a new technology in the construction of three solar parks in southern Spain.
Daily news roundup: SunPower and Maxeon split, Bulgaria to host 400 MW of PV
SunPower and Maxeon Solar Technologies finalized their plan to split into two independent entities, while Austrian solar developer Energy BG 1 revealed plans to build a huge unsubsidized solar project in Bulgaria.
‘Bigger is not always better’
Chinese monocrystalline PV module manufacturer Longi has yet to join the race to produce solar panels with power outputs above 600 W. The decision is line with a clear strategy, a company spokesperson told pv magazine. Outstanding issues for these moduels, according to the manufacturer, include low cell manufacturing yield, system compatibility, concerns about module transport, and hotspot-related failure risks, as well as the need for mechanical loading tests.
