World

The debate continues over whether super-sized, high-power solar modules are a good thing for the industry and they appear to be here to stay. Vicente Parra and James Whittemore, from Enertis Applus+, consider the pitfalls to avoid when designing high-power solar projects.

Solis has released a new line of hybrid inverters in five different power output versions, ranging from 3 kW to 8 kW. The hybrid inverters can be used with either lithium-ion or lead-acid batteries, with a maximum charging and discharging current of 190 A.

Chinese battery industry heavyweight CATL has unveiled a novel condensed matter battery technology with an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. The company said it can achieve mass production within this year.

A team at Colorado State University proposes making thin-film solar cells from naturally abundant molybdenum disulfide.

Researchers in Hong Kong have designed an agrivoltaic system that uses blockchain tech and smart contracts to reduce uncertainties between PV system operators and grape farmers. The proposed system uses rainwater to clean solar panels and provide irrigation.

Western Australian hydrogen company Provaris has unveiled a floating hydrogen gas storage solution, which it says will provide the industry with “energy efficient and cost-effective storage.”

China’s Bslbatt has added a rack-mounted battery to its ultra-sim range. It has a storage capacity of 5.12 kWh and a nominal voltage of 51.2 V. It measures 670 mm x 475 mm and is 89 mm thick.

Growatt is taking pre-sale orders for the Infinity 1300, a lithium iron phosphate battery with 3,000-plus cycle life.

Finance consultancy explains in a new report that the levelised cost of green hydrogen (LCOH) is well below USD 2/kg with subsidies. Using either PEM and alkaline electrolysers, green hydrogen normally has a lower levelised cost than pink hydrogen. Meanwhile, Australian authorities are trying to increase the competitiveness of the local hydrogen sector, and car companies are updating their fuel cell plans.

Energy and environment ministers from the Group of Seven nations have announced new targets for solar power and offshore wind capacity after vowing to drastically increase renewable energy development and accelerate the phase out of “unabated” fossil fuel use.