Lockdown and PV’s positive feedback loop
Scientists measuring air pollutants and PV performance in Delhi have found the lockdown conditions imposed in the Indian capital since late March have brought about a significant reduction in air pollution which has led to an 8% increase in solar irradiation reaching rooftop arrays.
Seasonal storage: alternatives to the alternative
In an update to a report it published earlier this year, Norway-headquartered consultancy DNV GL outlined the role it sees for both seasonal heat storage and pumped hydro to help manage the 1.4 TW of variable renewable energy capacity it forecasts to be connected to European electricity grids by 2050. DNV GL maintains the original report’s conclusion that where seasonal storage is concerned, hydrogen will be the first option.
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.
A flexible approach to offshore solar
Scientists in the Netherlands are trialing a floating solar installation based on flexible thin-film PV modules. The idea behind their concept is that such modules, in combination with a newly designed flexible racking system, will create a system able to roll with the movement of the water, rather than attempting to defy it.
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.
