Horizon increases rooftop PV access with smart software
Access to rooftop solar in Western Australia has received a boost with state-owned energy provider Horizon Power expanding the reach of an internet-connected energy management project that promises to help balance energy flows on regional microgrids.
PV module cooling tech tipped to boost net electrical energy
Scientists in Europe have created an after-market cooling solution that can be fitted to existing standard PV modules. The system is based on a water chamber placed at the backside of the module and can reportedly provide a net electrical energy gain of more than 9%.
UNSW team sheds new light on solar cell efficiency
A team of researchers from the University of New South Wales is confident it can get silicon solar cells to a power conversion efficiency above 30% by integrating a process that splits particles of light, or photons, into two smaller energy chunks.
New model to identify optimal power sizing ratio for solar inverters
Researchers in Malaysia have proposed a new approach to identify the optimal power sizing ratio to balance PV energy capture with inverter costs. The calibrated model is said to accurately reflect the relationship between inverter efficiency and real-world system behavior.
Long-term look at albedo tipped to pay off over project lifetime
As bifacial modules proliferate, estimations of albedo are becoming more important and with developers not prepared to install weather stations to assess solar resource, a popular option has become third-party, on-site measurements over periods as short as a day. Is this an acceptable compromise between costly on-site measuring and less accurate satellite data? Everoze’s Stefan Mau discusses the potential benefits and limitations of this approach.
Fortescue announces commissioning of a 100 MW solar farm in the Pilbara
Mining giant Fortescue Metals Group has begun commissioning its 100 MW solar farm at the North Star Junction south of Port Hedland in Western Australia, as the company progresses toward a target of real zero by 2030.
How long do residential solar batteries last?
Multiple factors affect lifespan of a residential battery energy storage system. We examine the life of batteries in Part 3 of our series.
Critical mineral report highlights Australia’s solar panel recycling potential
A new report published by the CSIRO says Australia’s research into solar recycling is second in the world, outside China, but suggests the establishment of mid-stream activities such as the production of metallurgical silicon and polysilicon have big potential.
Northern Territory lands $250 million for new transmission projects and upgrades
The Northern Territory and Australian government have signed a landmark $250 million deal under the Rewiring the Nation fund to upgrade the Territory’s grid and rollout new transmission projects before 2030.
How long do residential solar inverters last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar inverter. In Part 2 of our series, we look at solar inverters.
