Tracking for success with solar projects
The quality of solar racking is essential for the structural integrity and longevity of PV projects. Clean Energy Associates colleagues Jörg Althaus and Dutt Du discuss some of the most common defects that can derail tracking system quality and make the case for quality control throughout the supply chain.
East-west vertical PV as antidote for soiling in desert regions
New research shows that east-west-oriented vertical PV installations can significantly help reduce soiling in desert environments. The scientists found that PV power generation can be up to 9% higher in vertical systems compared to conventional arrays.
PV module fault detection tech based on deep learning of electroluminescence
The novel technique is based on the VarifocalNet deep-learning object detection framework, which was reportedly tweaked to achieve quicker and more accurate results. Compared to other such methods, the new approach was found to be the most accurate and third quickest.
Atess releases 100 kW / 150 kW commercial inverters
Atess Power says it has developed 100 kW / 150 kW commercial inverters with two maximum power point trackers, a 600 V to 900 V battery voltage range, and 10 milliseconds on/off grid transfer capability.
Tesla launches Powerwall 3 in Australia and NZ
Nearly a decade after the first iteration of its Powerwall home battery system was released, electric car and battery manufacturer Tesla has officially launched the Powerwall 3 in Australia and New Zealand with the first deliveries expected next month.
BT Imaging to supply quality control tool for 1.5 GW solar cell line in India
Australian PV equipment specialist BT Imaging will supply its advanced photoluminescence imaging tool for solar module maker Emmvee’s 1.5 GW TOPCon cell manufacturing facility in India.
Tongwei to acquire Runergy
Chinese solar module maker Tongwei has presented a CNY 5 billion ($1.06 billion) offer to acquire rival manufacturer Runergy. If successful, the transaction will be the largest merger and acquisition deal in the PV sector this year.
Bslbatt launches storage system for C&I applications
Bslbatt says it has developed a new storage system for commercial and industrial applications, offering up to 241 kWh of capacity and supporting 100 kW or 125 kW of solar.
Li-S Energy to build on battery plant with lithium foil facility
Queensland lithium-sulphur battery company Li-S Energy has capped the official opening of a 2 MWh cell production line in Victoria by announcing it has secured a $1.7 million federal government grant to develop Australia’s first lithium foil manufacturing facility.
PV industry faces consolidation says JinkoSolar
JinkoSolar has begun converting its production to n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) products to stay competitive, says Frank Niendorf, the company’s general manager for Europe. He predicts that several market players in the value chain will exit the market soon.
