How long do residential solar panels last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar panel. In the first part of this series, we look at the solar panels themselves.
Back contact solar beats mono PERC at lifetime energy generation
A new analysis finds that back contact solar shows an average lifetime energy generation increase of 16.0% over mono PERC. The paper also says back contact had an average 9.7% shorter payback time and 10.7% lower LCOE across all modelled locations.
Top solar panel brands in reliability, quality, and performance
Solar modules are evaluated in the Renewable Energy Test Center annual PV Module Index.
Spontaneous glass breakage on solar panels on the rise
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory noted an increase in spontaneous glass breakage in solar panels. The PV Module Index from the Renewable Energy Test Center investigates this and other glass-related trends in solar manufacturing.
Weather-related damage to solar assets exceed modeling expectations by 300%
The report from kWh Analytics, with input from several industry leaders, identified 14 risks to be aware of in the solar industry, including risks related to extreme weather, such as hail, and operational risks.
Hail damage and toxicity risks in solar power plants
National news outlets reported resident concerns about leaked toxins from solar facilities in Texas that were damaged by a hailstorm. The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) dispelled the reports, which contained categorically false information.
Entries for the pv magazine Awards 2024 are now open
The pv magazine Awards celebrate outstanding achievement across the solar and energy storage supply chain, rewarding excellence and innovation within our industry.
Solar asset underperformance estimated to cause $4.6 billion in preventable losses
Analyzing a global dataset of 125 GW of PV systems, drone operator Raptor Maps marked a rising trend of system underperformance.
Mitigate lithium-ion battery fire risk for manageable premiums
As debate continues to rage about the best ways to deal with battery fires, a risk management professional and an insurance underwriter discuss some golden rules for project developers.
Shining a light on solar module quality
With solar panel prices tumbling, project developers will need to be vigilant about quality. Comprehensive product testing could be a vital safeguard as PV manufacturers struggle to retain their margins, according to Everoze’s Martin Laing and Gauthier Dambrine.
