Innovation driving change in solar tracker market
Shipment volumes are growing in the global solar tracker market as innovation in project development drives demand. Joe Steveni, of S&P Global Commodity Insights, takes a look at the factors shaping the commercial landscape for trackers, from agrivoltaics and undulating terrain to Indian ambition and the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act.
Riverina solar farm inks 50% offtake agreement with business energy retailer
Japan-headquartered energy retailer Smartest Energy has signed a power purchase agreement to buy 50% of a New South Wales’ solar farm’s energy output with the aim of procuring 100% renewable energy for its business customers.
Optimising bifacial solar panels for floating PV applications in tropical freshwater
New research from India shows how bifacial solar modules should be deployed to achieve strong performance in floating PV projects planned on tropical freshwater. Their experimental setup demonstrated that higher efficiency gains are achievable by gauging panel height, water depth, and tilt angle.
Silfab launches 640 W utility-scale solar panels
The Canada-based manufacturer said its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.29% per C and an efficiency of up to 22.92%. They come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 89.3% of the initial yield.
South West Renewable Energy Zone attracts 15 GW of access right tenders
A show of hands for access rights to the South West Renewable Energy Zone amounts to more than 15 GW of generation and storage infrastructure, more than four times the tender target.
Nextracker introduces solar mount foundation services for soil types ‘anywhere’
The solar tracking provider has introduced NX Anchor, further expanding the types of soil and areas that solar installers can develop on.
Western Australia solar farm to 100% power BHP Port Hedland facility
Decarbonisation of the mining sector continues in Western Australia’s Pilbara region with the mechanical and module installation of a 45 MW solar farm near Port Hedland to supply mining giant BHP’s port facilities.
Major electricity retailers join Ausgrid flexible resources pricing trial
An electricity pricing model trial that dynamically generates costs through a virtual power plant to unlock benefits for and from consumer energy resources has been expanded beyond its initial 200 participants.
Hybrid project community fund unlocks apprenticeships for First Nations students
Australian gen-retailer Flow Power has partnered with Adelaide-based Tauondi Aboriginal College (TAC) to help First Nations students gain qualifications to be job-ready for South Australia’s energy transition.
Huge 450 MW solar farm, 1.8 GWh battery approved for Victoria coal hub
The Victorian government has given the green light for construction on what is to be the state’s largest solar farm to begin, providing planning approval for a $651 million solar and battery energy storage project being developed in the Latrobe Valley.
