Magazine Archive 10 – 2023 | Harvest potential

China still dominates the solar world in terms of PV market size and production output but the future will be more about distributed production, said Helena Li, president of Trina Solar’s global solar product business. With vertically-integrated production well established in Southeast Asia, and a new module fab announced in the United States, Li says that the company is now embracing a satellite production model.

Andries Wantenaar, solar analyst at Rethink Energy, explains why he sees a bright future for perovskite PV cells, with technological advancements and major R&D investment paving the way for revolutionary change.

Solar self-sufficiency is the dream of many households and businesses. This is often hindered by drawn-out processes and high equipment costs, making the aim overly complex and expensive. Pierre-Olivier Moix, chief technology officer (CTO) of Studer Innotec, explains how the Swiss power electronics supplier is now demonstrating that self-sufficiency can more easily become a reality.

Energy security has remained a burning issue in Europe since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. While some analysts fear that plans to scale back coal-fired and nuclear generation capacity will weaken the European economy, others believe that the energy transition is a chance to redesign energy rules, technology, and values.

Brisbane-based Vaulta has developed a lighter, smaller battery casing with fewer parts, which makes it easier to assemble modules and repair faulty components. CEO Dominic Spooner argues that the company’s patented technology has the potential to significantly reduce battery waste.

It is extremely unlikely that a battery storage system will smoke, burn, or explode, despite a spate of recent reports. But what happens if something does go wrong? Do insurance companies pay out? Do premiums go up? How do insurers assess the issue?

As Australia’s big battery fleet continues to charge ahead, the battery revenue stack is evolving – and so are financing opportunities.

The road to net zero will have consequences for financial markets and investors. Ortec Finance’s climate science lead, Bronwyn Claire, and senior climate specialist Sophie Heald explain how modeling a range of climate scenarios could provide valuable insights into potential outcomes.

Paolo Rocco Viscontini, founder and president of Italia Solare