Bigger modules, yes, but better…?
It is now a well-established trend. After the switch to larger wafer sizes played out in 2019, this year has seen virtually all of the biggest PV manufacturers introduce new modules in dimensions above the 2-meter mark, and with power ratings in excess of 500 W – in some cases, as high as 800 W. As these modules begin to roll off production lines in larger quantities, it’s vital to take a look at the challenges and opportunities they bring to system design, installation, and long-term operation.
Bifacial solar panels are no longer exempt from US Section 201 import tariffs
As of today, the dumb world of solar module tariffs is currently subjecting imported bifacial modules to a 20% penalty, the same tariff as almost all other crystalline silicon solar modules.
The misunderstood power of lithium-ion
As the world continues shifting towards lithium-ion as an advanced energy solution for all power applications, ongoing education on the technology’s chemistry, uses and limitations are essential.
Clean energy industry groups CALSSA, SEIA, ACORE mount a full-court press for recovery role and jobs
“As Congress looks to recover jobs and spur new economic activity that leads to job growth and consumer savings, they should prioritize extending and expanding the ITC for distributed clean energy,” CALSSA said.
SEIA has a solar industry wish list for the incoming Biden administration
A change is coming in 2021 U.S. clean energy policy — SEIA has a wish list for the new administration ranging from tariffs to public lands to the investment tax credit.
Form Energy’s stealthy ‘aqueous air battery’ with 150-hour duration gets another $70 million
The holy grail of energy storage has always been low-cost and long-duration. Form Energy intends on deploying a 1 MW/150 MWh system with a Minnesota utility before 2023, an unprecedented energy storage duration if successful.
Blue Planet Founder Henk Rogers on lithium battery chemistries and vanadium flow batteries
In his search for an effective long-term energy storage technology, Rogers gave vanadium flow batteries a try, leaving him with a number of 4-foot-cube tanks of vanadium redox electrolyte stranded on his ranch. They are available to a good home — make him an offer. Bring a trailer.
Inverter builder SMA swings to profit in first three quarters of 2020, grows despite pandemic
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the photovoltaic inverter maker grew its revenue compared to the previous year.
Energy Transition Jobs: First Solar CTO retires, new CEOs at Arevon and Kinestral, plus Voltus, CAISO and NYSERDA
Executive jobs and job moves in solar, storage, cleantech, utilities and energy transition finance.
Oxford PV’s German perovskite solar module plant backed by Brandenburg state with $10 million
Oxford PV is currently building a manufacturing facility for its silicon perovskite tandem solar cells in Brandenburg an der Havel.
