New model to assess effects of shading on crops in agrivoltaic projects
New research shows the importance of calculating the effects of shading created by PV panels on the photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at the ground level, which is crucial to assessing crop yield in agrivoltaic projects. The proposed modeling considers different agrivoltaic project typologies across several sites in Europe.
Reliance chairman outlines plans for HJT solar modules, sodium-ion batteries
Mukesh D Ambani, the chairman and managing director of Reliance Industries, says the company aims to open a fully integrated solar gigafactory by the end of 2025. It also plans to initiate megawatt-level sodium-ion cell production by 2025.
PV cell technology trends
Ongoing innovation in PV cell technology will have major impacts as solar is deployed at a “multi-terawatt scale” over the next two decades, according to a global team of scientists.
BayWa re to acquire Brazilian PV distributor Ribeiro Solar
BayWa re has agreed to acquire Ribeiro Solar, a Brazilian PV distributor headquartered in Curitiba, Paraná. The company also operates distribution centers in Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, and Pernambuco.
Water-based solar module cleaning tech for rooftop PV
Scientists in Pakistan developed a new cleaning system that reportedly not only reduces power losses caused by soiling but is also able to increase PV module performance by reducing its temperature. It could be applied to both residential and commercial PV systems.
Arizona approves cut to compensation rates for rooftop PV
The authorities in Arizona have upheld the precedent of capping the reduction at 10% for compensation rates for rooftop PV, following a proposal for a 37% cut. However, there is a possibility of new risks emerging, according to the Arizona Corporation Commission.
South Korea plans PV-powered 1 GW data center complex
The South Korean government says it plans to set up a 1 GW data center complex powered by solar. The expansive facility will be built in Haenam, a county in South Jeolla province. It will accommodate 25 data centers, each with a capacity of 40 MW.
Photovoltaic-thermal panel based on twisted absorber tubes, nanoparticle-enhanced PCM
Developed by scientists in Malaysia, the new PVT system is based on a nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (Nano-PCM) and twisted absorber tubes. The system consists of a 30 W photovoltaic module, absorber tubes attached to the back of the panel via enhanced silicone glue bond, and a PCM container surrounding the tubes.
France concludes C&I rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.10195/kWh
The French authorities have concluded a procurement exercise for commercial and industrial (C&I) rooftop PV projects, allocating 378 MW of solar capacity to 60 developers at an average price of €0.10195 ($0.09066)/kWh.
India’s solar installations hit 6.8 GW in H1
India installed 6.8 GW of solar capacity in the first half of 2023, down 15% year on year, according to JMK Research.
