Improving algorithms to help solar project developers avoid the NIMBY effect
A research group in the United States is proposing to add social variables in GIS-MCDA algorithms for PV project planning as a solution to avoid opposition to large scale solar from local communities. Although some efforts have already been made in this direction, there is still much to be done to understand the degree to which measuring these variables proactively could help mitigate public opposition down the line, on individual projects.
Another week, another wave of solar PPAs
Unsubsidized solar keeps moving forward in Germany, the US, Egypt, Italy, the Philippines, France and South Africa.
Kaco unveils string inverters with silicon carbide transistors
The blueplanet 155 TL3 and 165 TL3 inverters, designed for the large-scale segment, are claimed to offer 15% more power than their predecessor models without silicon carbide transistors.
Chint energizes 152 MW of solar in the Netherlands
The three solar parks are located across the Dutch provinces of Groningen and Drenthe.
Large-scale PV plant planning for weak power grids
Researchers in New Zealand have developed a new methodology for solar park planning that considers clear-sky radiation for voltage stability analysis. It is based on two different generation profiles for separate purposes.
Solar parks in Netherlands to be connected at 70% of their peak capacity
The Netherlands’ renewable energy sector has reached an agreement with the country’s grid operators and power providers for a faster grid connection of solar parks. PV plant operators will be able to connect their projects at 70% of their capacity and, in turn, they will be allowed to connect them without having to wait for more grid availability.
New algorithm to connect solar parks to substations
Spanish PV software specialist RatedPower has developed a new algorithm that purportedly offers a way to efficiently design grid interconnections.
New central inverter from Kehua
The 4.167 MW inverter has a reported efficiency of 99.02% and a European efficiency of 98.7%. The Chinese manufacturer claims the inverter’s DC parallel connection ensures the continuous operation of devices and increases the overall utilization rate by 1%.
Solar PPA prices in the US rise for the second consecutive quarter
LevelTen Energy’s Q3 2020 PPA Price Index report shows that average utility-scale solar PPA prices rose again in Q3, up to $29.3/MWh. And while the ITC step-down and simple economics are to blame, LevelTen shares that the increases are no cause for alarm.
US utility scale solar powers through 2020
Big solar projects in the U.S. are back in style and growing in number.
