Thermal model to predict PV panel temperature
Scientists in Turkey have tested a transient thermal model to predict PV module temperature during a five-day interval in June. The model considers the heat capacity of a PV module, which is usually not provided by manufacturers in their product sheets, as a parameter for temperature prediction.
Australian research improves scope, efficiency of PV light sensitizers
Australian scientists have developed an algorithm to increase both the efficiency and compatibility of light sensitizers in solar panels.
Germany’s tender for utility-scale PV concludes with lowest price of €0.0488/kWh
The German authorities allocated around 257 MW in the latest round of the tendering scheme for PV projects exceeding 750 kW in size.
Vanadium redox flow battery integrating CIGS modules
Spanish and Finnish scientists have developed a solar vanadium redox flow battery paired with commercially available CIGS solar panels. The open-circuit voltage values were high enough to achieve unbiased photocharge, they said.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Beijing wants to loosen restrictions on glass
Furthermore, Chinese manufacturers JA Solar and Akcome both want to add 6 GW of manufacturing capacity to their respective panel production operations. Trina and Tongwei will jointly deploy another 15 GW of ingot capacity.
Optimal sizing for solar water pumps
Researchers in Malaysia have proposed a new approach for optimal sizing of solar water pumps. Their method consists of using a single PV module, a charge controller, several batteries, and a DC load.
New PV installations to reach 158 GW next year, says IHS Markit
Market observer IHS Markit has shared its forecast installation figures for 2021, where they expect a ‘wild ride’ for the PV industry to install 158 GW of new generation capacity. This figure amounts to 34% growth on 2020 installations, driven by completion of delayed projects from this year, as well as a generally increased appetite for PV and renewables around the world.
Solar noise barriers require high self-consumption rates
Dutch contractor Heijmans has deployed a solar noise barrier to test three different PV module technologies, including cadmium telluride, CIGS, and crystalline products. Initial analysis has shown unexpectedly low returns, due to the rates at which the installation is selling power to the grid. But high levels of self-consumption could make such designs competitive with conventional noise barriers.
Water harvesting tech for PV panel cleaning and cooling
An international research team has proposed to use nighttime radiative cooling to harvest water from PV panels and reuse it for module cleaning during the daytime. According to their findings, the proposed system has, also, a beneficial effect on the modules’ operating temperature.
Indonesia launches call for IPP solar projects
State-owned utility PT PLN (Persero) is seeking proposals from independent power producers to build large-scale solar plants.
