Hybrid operational strategy to use lithium-ion storage in commercial PV arrays
Lithium-ion batteries can not only improve self-consumption in commercial PV systems but are also able to efficiently perform peak shaving and price arbitrage, according to an international research group which has proposed a new strategy to calculate the best system configuration in terms of costs and revenue. The scientists specified, however, that the novel strategy may become effective only if storage system prices will drop under $250/kWh.
These 3 US states have the most small-scale solar PV
Of the 4.5 GW of small-scale solar capacity added in the United States in 2020, California accounted for 31%. New Jersey, New York, and Massachusetts are leaders for small-scale solar capacity despite having less favorable solar resources.
LG Energy recalling battery systems in Australia due to fire risks
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has confirmed a recall notice for some of LG Energy Solution’s battery energy storage systems due to potential fire-related risks.
Swiss PV market grew 30% in 2020
According to Switzerland-based trade body Swissolar, the country saw the deployment of over 430 MW of new solar PV systems last year.
New parameters to improve prediction models for snow cover
Canadian scientists have developed a way to improve the short-term models used to forecast the impact of snow on PV arrays. The parameters include the warming effect of irradiance on the backs of panels, thermal capacity, and irradiance through snow.
Modular lift system for solar panels
Altrex, a scaffolding and ladder producer in the Netherlands, has developed a new modular lift solution for solar panels. The system can raise one solar panel at a time and can be operated by a single installer using nothing other than a cordless drill, the company claims.
EUPD Research expects 6 GW of new solar for Germany in 2021
According to the analysts, the German photovoltaic market would grow by 23% this year, compared to 2020. Strong growth is expected to come from large scale projects.
India’s installed solar capacity hits 41.6 GW
India’s cumulative installed solar capacity stood at 41.6 GW as of Dec. 31, 2020, with 1.29 GW added in the October-December period. Capacity additions in the first quarter of this year could surpass 2 GW.
Germany deployed more than half a gigawatt of solar in January
The rooftop segment was once again the main growth driver in the German PV sector. The feed-in tariff for PV systems not exceeding 10 kW in size will drop under the €0.08/kWh for the first time.
France installed 973 MW of solar in 2020
The country’s cumulative installed PV power reached 10.9 GW as of the end of December. Last year, solar covered 2.9% of the nation’s electricity demand.
