Saudi Arabia outlines new provisions for rooftop PV
The regulations will force power distributors to give more help to homeowners and businesses willing to go solar. The new framework will apply to PV systems ranging in size from 1 kW-2 MW and to all energy consumers.
Wind direction and tilt angle approach to keeping panels cool
A technique proposed by scientists in the United Stated could raise solar plant output 5% and decrease panel degradation by more than 0.3% per year, according to the researchers. The approach is based on wind direction and speed, and module inclination.
Midsummer unveils 500 W rooftop panel
The Swedish PV equipment supplier has launched Midsummer Magnum, a solar module for large rooftops. The manufacturer says the panel offers 14.54% efficiency and an output of 128.3 W per square meter. The company also unveiled a manufacturing process it claims can increase module output 10%.
Efficient rooftop solar+storage without MPPT
A German research group is trying to determine whether the combination of solar and storage with direct coupling and without the aid of maximum power point tracking (MPPT) electronics is feasible. According to its findings, this particular configuration might be efficient, but it will likely require special panels and batteries.
France expands limits of ‘energy communities’
The French energy regulator has expanded the maximum permitted distance between members of an energy community from 2 km to 20 km.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: More panel capacity and a new potential buyer for Zhonghuan Semiconductor
Suntech is set to expand production at two factories in Jiangsu province. TCL Tech, meanwhile, has vowed to buy a 100% in Zhonghuan Semiconductor.
Canadian Solar secures PPAs for 274 MW in Brazil
With two new deals, Canadian Solar has expanded its pipeline of unsubsidized PV projects in the country to 1.9 GW.
PV imports to face 20-25% customs duty in India
The Indian government’s levy on modules could almost double to 40% within a year. Cells will see a similar rise, from an initial rate of 15%.
Works begin on Croatia’s largest PV plant
The 6.5 MW solar project will be built with PV modules supplied by Croatian manufacturer Solvis d.o.o.
A flexible mounting system for rooftop PV systems
Altec Metalltechnik has developed a mounting system that it claims can be combined with all roof types, regardless of the type of module.
