Radiative cooling for CPV systems
Scientists in the United States have tested soda-lime glass radiative coolers in a CPV system and claim these can reduce the device operating temperature by 5 to 36 degrees Celsius. This may result in an increase in the solar cell’s open-circuit voltage of between 8% and 27%.
New AC module from Enphase, DMEGC
The new module series is available in five versions with power output ranging from 315 to 330 W and efficiencies of 18.67% to 19.56%. It incorporates Enphase IQ 7+ microinverters with a 96.5% European efficiency and 295 volt-amperes (VA).
Japan’s sixth solar auction concludes with lowest bid of $0.095/kWh
Around 368.8 MW of PV projects were allocated in the sixth round of Japan’s procurement program for large-scale solar. The lowest price offered was ¥10.00/kWh ($0.095) and the highest ¥12.00, for an average price of ¥11.49.
Australian miner unveils big solar ambitions
Fortescue Metals has revealed ambitious plans to build one of the biggest renewable energy portfolios in the world, with more than 235 GW of capacity, or five times the current capacity of Australia’s National Energy Market.
New approach for convective solar module cooling
A US research team claims to have demonstrated that packing PV modules in close proximity can exponentially increase convective heat transfer of a solar park. The scientists analyzed three different module arrangements and compared them to the common row-organized panel configuration.
Senegal to host 30 MW solar park coupled to 15 MW/45 MWh of storage
The $40 million projects will be the country’s first large scale solar-plus-storage project.
How to minimize grid purchases in storage-integrated PV systems
Scientists in Poland have developed a machine-learning method to help solar+storage system owners manage battery charging and discharging, so they can avoid buying power from the grid.
Italy has 170 MW/267 MWh of distributed storage capacity
The country added around 90 MW/100 MWh of new, small-sized storage capacity over the past 18 months. Most of the batteries are in Lombardy, whose administration offers rebates.
India announces $3bn package to attract solar module and advanced battery manufacturers
An ambitious, $19.5 billion, five-year expansion of a previous domestic industry spending program includes money to attract investment into the sustainable energy and transport technologies.
Tender launched to build small-sized solar plants in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking proposals from independent power producers for PV plants ranging in size from 60 to 500 kW.
