PV Evolution Labs crowdsources solar inverter testing
The testing is intended to offer inverter buyers an opportunity to leverage empirical data over the claims of product marketing materials.
How long do residential solar inverters last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar inverter. In Part 2 of our series, we look at solar inverters.
How long do rooftop 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.
Solar checklists for Florida building, fire, and safety codes
The free checklists offer a step-by-step process for interpreting the Sunshine State’s structural, electrical, and fire safety codes as well as an equipment quality guide.
New ASCE committee will focus on advancing the reliability of solar PV structures
The Structural Engineering Institute committee will focus on the structural and geotechnical design of structures that support PV modules on building rooftops, carports, and ground mount facilities.
First Solar’s PV module technology completes 25 years of testing at NREL
“Determining how many years a solar panel will last can take, well, years.”
pv magazine video: How quality can lower solar risk and insurance rates
This year’s pv magazine Quality Roundtable USA looked at extreme weather, and how resiliency can be built through modern O&M. Representatives from DuPont, Stäubli, Nextracker and RETC took to the virtual stage to discuss weather-related damages, and how to harness quality materials and workmanship to industry’s advantage, particularly when it comes to insurers. Ariel Re and NovaSource, meanwhile, looked at issues like risk management insurance solutions and asset stabilization. Case studies and presentations on the field performance of PV modules, and extreme hail and fire, were also included.
A solar module stress test for all seasons
Scientists led by NREL have developed a new stress testing protocol for PV modules, one designed to simultaneously expose modules to multiple stresses, as they likely would be in the field. Putting modules through this test, the researchers have already been able to reveal new information regarding backsheet degradation, and they promise new insights into other degradation mechanisms.
Shoals, solar balance-of-system player, had a strong 2020 and sees an even stronger 2021
Dean Solon of Shoals Technologies Group: “The short version is that it’s been a damned good year.” An interview with Shoals covers the growth of large solar projects in the U.S., high AC/DC ratios and the real costs of using cheap components.
While climate change divides Democrats and Republicans, renewable policy unites
A new interactive map created by the Yale Program on Climate Communication shows the difference in responses and opinions between America’s two political parties across questions of climate change, renewable education and utility procurement.
