Efficient rooftop solar+storage without MPPT
A German research group is trying to determine whether the combination of solar and storage with direct coupling and without the aid of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) electronics is feasible. According to its findings, this particular configuration might be efficient, but it will likely require special panels and batteries.
Canadian Solar secures PPAs for 274 MW in Brazil
With two new deals, Canadian Solar has expanded its pipeline of unsubsidized PV projects in the country to 1.9 GW.
Works begin on Croatia’s largest PV plant
The 6.5 MW solar project will be built with PV modules supplied by Croatian manufacturer Solvis d.o.o.
LevelTen Energy opens procurement of up to 500 MW of European renewables capacity
U.S.-based tender platform has invited proposals for projects ranging in scale from 50-500 MW on behalf of an unnamed client which is a member of the RE100 clean energy campaign. European developers have until July 20 to lodge their bids.
Italy’s largest PV project comes online
A 103 MW solar park built by Danish developer European Energy has been connected to the grid after a year of construction work. The project had been started in 2011 and at one stage appeared doomed, when a national feed-in tariff program ended.
AES releases 1 GW renewable project solicitation
AES has released a request for proposal to buy up to 1 GW of new renewable projects as part of its partnership with Google.
First Solar signs PPA with Dow Inc
Dow Inc. is set to buy 75% of the annual generation from First Solar’s upcoming 200 MW Horizon Solar project in Frio County, Texas, under a 15-year power contract.
Adding 50MW/64.5 MWh to Tesla’s big battery in Australia
The Essential Services Commission of South Australia has approved plans to expand the Tesla big battery from 100 MW to 150 MW.
Self-cleaning PV system with active cooling tech
An international research group has developed a self-cooling PV system featuring a 250 W 60-cell polycrystalline module and a thermal collector attached to the back side of the panel. The cleaning tech is based on a microcontroller programmable integrated circuit, which controls a rotating DC motor.
Low-cost direct solar-to-hydrogen ambitions see the light
The road to cheap hydrogen production is riddled with potholes and energy losses. Researchers in Australia have demonstrated rethinking solar technology and skipping electrolysers could hold great promise for reaching the hydrogen holy grail.
