WoodMac predicts 270 GW of new global PV capacity in 2023
Wood Mackenzie expects 270 GW of new global PV capacity in 2023, up 33% year on year. However, the annual growth rate is anticipated to fall to 1% in 2024 and to increase again by 5% in 2025.
‘Limitless’ energy: floating solar near equator could power future population hotspots
Vast arrays of solar panels floating on calm seas near the Equator could provide effectively unlimited solar energy to densely populated countries in Southeast Asia and West Africa.
First commercial gravity-based energy storage tower begins commissioning
Energy Vault has begun commissioning a 25 MW / 100 MWh energy storage tower adjacent to a wind power facility outside of Shanghai.
Ingeteam sells O&M division to RES Group
Ingeteam has sold its operation and maintenance (O&M) division to United Kingdom-based RES Group. It says the division’s 35 GW of O&M contracts throughout the world are valued at $58.55 billion (€35 billion).
TOPCon PV modules outperform PERC by more than 5% in energy yield tests
A study by TÜV Nord in Malaysia shows that the latest generation of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules surpass their older rivals on energy yield. The researchers compared n-type TOPCon modules with older p-type PERC modules, both manufactured by JinkoSolar over a three-month period earlier this year. The newer product showed an energy yield 5.69% higher than its PERC counterpart.
Top solar panel brands in performance, reliability, and quality
Solar modules are evaluated in the Renewable Energy Test Center annual PV Module Index.
Offshore floating PV demonstrator to go online in North Sea
The SeaVolt consortium says it will launch an offshore floating PV demonstrator off the Belgian port of Ostend. The main companies – Tractebel, DEME, Equans and Jan De Nul – say the anchored floating array will collect data for at least a year to scale up the tech.
New grid-forming inverter concept based on bee colony algorithm
Scientists in China have proposed to use an algorithm that simulates the behaviour of foraging bees to shape a new grid-forming inverter design. The approach is designed for both grid-connected and islanded inverters.
Autonomous robots for solar installation gain traction
Installation robots are moving from test centres to the field. American technology companies Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation and Terabase Energy recently announced key business developments.
Weekend read: Unify data to reduce complexity
The volume and complexity of data generated by renewables sites is growing, as are the regulatory requirements regarding its collection and delivery. Thomas Andersen, VP of renewables for U.S.-based engineer Emerson, explains how modern asset management systems can deliver better functionality and management to project operators and owners.
