New model for grid-forming inverter operation
Scientists in the United States have developed a new model to allow utilities to use grid-forming inverters in order to better renewable energy intermittency. They described the inverter main circuit representation, the droop control, and the fault current limiting function.
South Africa approves another 139 MW of PV under new distributed-generation rules
Eleven plants are expected to be connected to the grid of national utility Eskom and the other four projects will be linked to municipal networks. The project size ranges from 0.1 MW to 80 MW.
Enphase claims new safety regulations mean more Australian installers prefer its IQ Microinverters
Long-overdue safety and compliance regulation increases came into effect in May. US-based Enphase Energy claims its technology’s exemption from much of nation-wide regulations means installers across the country are opting for its products exclusively.
After a suppressed first quarter, the US solar market is buoyed by tariff suspension
The Wood Mackenzie/SEIA US Solar Market Insight Q1 report finds that the two-year suspension on new solar tariffs is just a start. Passage of further clean energy legislation could boost US solar installations 66% in the next decade.
Briggs & Stratton launches residential storage solution with lithium-ferro-phosphate chemistry
The US manufacturer offers the storage solution with a 6 kW inverter, a 4.9 kWh battery, and a proprietary monitoring system.
New tool to increase social acceptance of solar parks
Thanks to a traceability tool, individuals, companies and local authorities who have signed an electricity supply contract with French energy provider Volterres can monitor in real time the source of their electricity supply, and in particular the share of electricity coming directly from renewable energy plants located nearby.
Maruti Suzuki switches on 20 MW solar carport in India
The carport can host about 9,000 vehicles and meet 11.5 % of the total electricity requirements of Maruti Suzuki’s factory in Haryana.
Project to deploy 160 MW solar array on Spanish canal moves forward
The regional administration of Navarra said it is now developing the first 9-km portion of the 198-km solar plant that is planned to be deployed on Spain’s largest artificial irrigation canal network.
Toyota unveils 8.7 kWh battery for residential applications
The battery has a rated output of 5.5 kW and can be installed in outdoor environments. It is equipped with a hybrid power conditioner, a DC-to-DC converter, and a vehicle power supply adapter with a maximum output of 1.1 kWh.
Silver-alloyed CIGS solar cell with transparent indium back contacts, 12% efficiency
Scientists in Sweden have developed a wide-gap ACIGS solar cell with hydrogen-doped indium oxide (IOH) transparent back contacts and silver alloying to increase the absorber bandgap energy. The device achieved an efficiency of 12.0%, an open-circuit voltage of 835 mV, a short-circuit current of 22.1 mA cm2, and a fill factor of 65.2%.
