The ‘rubber-band effect’ on renewable energy project margins
David Riester of Lacuna Sustainable Investments, looks at how, on the journey from concept to monetized power plant, renewables and energy storage projects tend to get tugged toward ‘zero’ margin, from either direction. The further the rubber band is stretched, the stronger the pull back toward zero.
Mexican regulator opposes solar energy communities and storage
With the government having already introduced measures which will reduce the volume of renewables in the national energy mix, further new provisions will restrict the deployment of energy storage and the ability of solar energy generators to sell excess power to nearby consumers.
Another record year for small-sized solar in Germany
Germany may see the deployment of around 800 MW of PV systems not exceeding 10 kW in size so far this year, according to EUPD Research. If this result is achieved, this year may even surpass record year 2011.
Innovative community solar in the United States
A 497 kW project on five roofs at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., uses SREC sales to provide $1.50 in community benefits for every dollar of power generated. Call it community solar-plus.
Digital prospecting and selling tools for rooftop PV
An Australian-developed aerial mapping technology is being deployed to speed PV uptake.
The PV world ten years ago – summer series part II
pv magazine editor Pilar Sánchez Molina recalls news from the PV sector of ten years ago as part of a new series. The insights offered will not only bring back memories for the pioneers of that exciting, challenging period but may also offer an idea of where we could be in 2030.
Tesla may become power provider in Germany
The high-profile electric car maker is conducting a survey of German customers to gauge their interest in a Tesla electricity tariff.
Chinese solar glass company keeps 24-hour furnaces running during Covid crisis
Xinyi Solar has revealed another impressive set of figures and plans another 1,000-ton-per-day production line this month plus a new mine to source raw materials in September.
US utility invests in Australian prefab PV system manufacturer
AES, one of the world’s largest power companies, has made a strategic investment in Sydney-based prefabricated solar system manufacturer 5B.
Strategies to prevent overvoltage-induced inverter disconnections
Australian scientists have identified seven methods to prevent PV losses when overvoltage-induced inverter disconnections occur. The methods include battery storage, reactive power inverters, export limits, distribution static synchronous compensators, the replacement of old conductors in power grids, load reconfiguration, and dynamic voltage restoration.
