New model to predict PV module cleaning cycles and resulting profits
A group of scientists in Bangladesh has developed a model to determine the optimal cleaning schedule for a PV installation at any location in the globe, requiring only the average insolation and soiling rate for a given site to make the calculation. The study also draws new conclusions regarding the influence of sandstorms and rain on soiling, and aims to be among the first studies to paint a global picture of soiling trends by region.
Enercoop signs more solar PPAs in France
French renewables specialist Enercoop has secured an annual solar power supply of 25 GWh over a 30-year period through three new deals.
Assessing the impact of large-wafer modules
Energy consultancy DNV GL has published new results comparing the performance of modules based on 166mm, 182mm and 210mm silicon cells. The assessment compares Trina Solar’s Vertex modules, which use the largest cell dimension, with unnamed competitors utilizing the other two sizes. Results from system simulations show a clear advantage for the two larger sizes, with 210mm edging ahead in terms of levelized cost of electricity.
South Australia’s hot water systems set to soak in solar
Around 2,400 South Australians will soon be fogging up the bathroom mirror without qualms about the cost of heating water, as Solahart is set to implement a new trial to control hot water systems.
Australia deployed 2.6 GW of rooftop PV in 2020
The rise and rise of rooftop solar PV has established Australia as a renewable energy powerhouse, with new figures from the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) revealing the nation achieved a record in renewable capacity in 2020.
Large-size solar tile from Spain
The product is available both with monocrystalline and CIGS solar cells and is claimed to be the world’s largest solar tile with dimensions of 457 x 510 mm.
Energetica unveils solar modules with gapless tech
Austrian solar manufacturer Energetica aims to commercialize gapless PV modules by the fourth quarter.
Solar-plus-storage as an antidote to grid congestion in Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido
Chinese inverter maker Sungrow has switched on a 6 MW / 21 MWh solar-plus-storage facility on the island. The FIT project’s connected AC capacity is limited to only 845 kW, but the containerized storage solution provided by the company ensures its viability.
Effective approaches to build colored perovskite solar cells
Scientists in Singapore have conducted a review of all existing methods to produce colorful opaque and semitransparent perovskite solar cells for applications in BIPV and urban environments. They identified two general approaches consisting of coloring the perovskites via external or internal modifications.
Total buys 2.2 GW PV project pipeline
French energy group Total’s latest solar acquisition in the United States includes 600 MW of co-located storage assets.
