Is solar really root cause of Spain’s massive power outage?
Some media outlets have speculated that Spain’s April 28 blackout may have been caused by a disconnected solar plant, but DNV grid analyst Andrea Mansoldo tells pv magazine that it was likely due to a combination of grid weakness and low-frequency oscillations.
Top-cell transparency remains critical challenge for tandem solar cells
New research has shown how improving top-cell transparency and performance remains key to the commercialization of tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells, as well as for all other types of tandem devices. The analysis demonstrated, in particular, that the top cell must achieve higher single-cell efficiency to compensate for reduced transparency.
Sun-Ways inaugurates removable PV plant on railway tracks
Swiss startup Sun-Ways says it has activated what it calls the world’s first removable solar plant on active rail tracks, with passenger trains set to operate over the 18 kW installation from today.
Fronius launches hybrid inverters for residential, commercial applications
The Austrian manufacturer said its new hybrid inverters can increase the usable output of the PV system to up to 150%. They are available in six version with rated AC power ranging from 15 kW to 33.3 kW.
Eku Energy acquires 2 GWh UK battery project portfolio
Eku Energy, the battery storage offshoot of Australian financial services group Macquarie, has acquired a 1 GW / 2 GWh portfolio of energy storage projects in the United Kingdom.
Enosi evolves United Kingdom deal for its clean energy trading solution
Sydney clean energy technology company Enosi has partnered with United Kingdom-based energy supplier Evolve Energy to offer its clean energy matching software.
Scientists propose novel Moon perovskite cell manufacturing strategy
German scientists have proposed power generation for future habitats on the moon could be achieved by manufacturing halide perovskite cells locally, using regolith-based moonglass.
PVH launches foundation system for solar installations on complex terrain
PV Hardware (PVH) has released PVH Terra, a foundation system designed to improve solar plant installation on challenging terrain. The system aims to improve stability in expansive soils, frost-affected areas, and sites with poor geotechnical conditions while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Labour shortages and safety prompt developer interest in robot workers
Robots on solar sites are not new; they have been deployed to automate everything from operations and maintenance to inspection and cleaning. In recent months, there has been an uptick in interest in robots for installation, particularly among utility-scale solar developers dealing with staff shortages, safety concerns, rising costs, and pressure to build.
Researchers study coal-fired power plant emission effects on solar panels
An international research team studied the solar PV impact of emissions from a coal-fired power plant in the Atacama Desert, Chile finding that after five months of exposure, the deposited dust on co-located PV panels reached a maximum of 1.63 mg/cm2 with a 23 % reduction in photocurrent. The accumulation at the co-located plant was 3 times greater than nearby PV sites with similar coastal climate conditions.
