US startup offering UL-certified vertical PV systems
Sunstall has developed a vertical PV system that facilitates energy production in space-limited areas. It is the first system of its kind to secure certification from Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for the US market
Johnson Controls unveils water-to-water screw heat pump
US-based Johnson Controls says its new screw heat pump is able to deliver high-temperature hot water as high as 80 C. The system reportedly has a combined coefficient of performance of 4.1.
US solar sites linked to higher levels of insects
Scientists conducting a five-year research project in southern Minnesota have observed a tripling of insect numbers near two solar facilities built on rehabilitated agricultural land. They say the findings show how habitat-friendly solar could help protect insect populations and improve pollination in nearby agricultural fields.
India’s NTPC seeking 1.5 GW of bifacial PV modules
India’s NTPC aims to acquire 1.5 GW of bifacial PV modules for the Khavda solar facility in a salt desert near the border with Pakistan. It will require an investment of $2.26 billion.
Elkem to acquire REC’s polysilicon unit from Reliance Industries
Reliance Industries is selling REC Solar Holdings’ kerf-based polysilicon manufacturing subsidiary, REC Solar Norway, to Elkem ASA, a silicon-based materials supplier. Upon completion of the sale, it will retain the technology and intellectual property rights for kerf-based polysilicon.
Tibo Energy secures funds to expand sales of cloud-based software supporting C&I assets
Netherlands-based Tibo Energy has raised €3 million from European early stage investors. Its software is used by businesses to manage and optimize their renewable energy assets and grid usage.
Investor group warns of revenue risk for PV farms in southwestern Australia
The Clean Energy Investor Group has warned that solar farms in southwestern New South Wales and northwestern Victoria could suffer from “large and unpredictable” swings in revenues due to material changes in marginal loss factors.
S-5! offers solar attachment solution to simplify wire management
S-5! has introduced a module-level power electronics (MLPE) mount for solar developers, installers, end users, and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors who are looking for an MLPE mounting device for solar module frames, without attaching to rails.
SolarEdge announces reduction of global workforce
SolarEdge, an Israel-based inverter manufacturer, says it plans to cut about 900 jobs as part of a restructuring plan “designed to reduce operating expenses and align its cost structure to current market dynamics.”
Electronic circuit for PV hotspots mitigation
An international group of researchers has developed an electronic device that is said to effectively mitigate hotspots in PV modules. It uses two current comparators, two NPN transistors, and a current mirror circuit to identify anomalies in the current flow and enable precise control of the input and output current via a purely resistive element.
