Bifacial PV modules are going mainstream but more field data is needed — and NREL is on the case
Getting the most out of a bifacial module requires a rethink at almost every level of system design and the industry is hungry for field data generated by such systems to better inform energy yield modeling and define the best approaches to maximizing yield at minimal cost. NREL’s three-year study into bifacial performance is beginning to yield results.
Morning Brief: West Virginia legislature votes down bill to legalize solar PPAs, documentary on Alaskan PV microgrid
Also in the brief: Outback Power releases AC coupling feature for Skybox hybrid inverter, BP Solar customers can be compensated for faulty panels, Martha’s Vineyard considers 100% renewable by 2040, and more.
Morning Brief: Longroad acquires 160 MW of First Solar projects, Glidepath Ventures sells 887.5 MW PV portfolio
Also in the brief: Pollinator-friendly solar projects in Virginia, register for the Energy Storage Grand Challenge and more.
Trina announces 23.3% efficient PERC cell produced on commercial tools
The Chinese manufacturer claims a record — since the device was manufactured on standard commercial production equipment.
How zinc-air battery capacity might reach a cost of $45/kWh
Zinc8 revealed some of the details of its long-term energy storage product, including its pricing structure and the science that makes its technology possible.
Morning brief: Oil billionaire pursuing perovskites, energy storage market to grow to $546 billion
Also in the morning brief: Arizona mandatory solar panel recycling bill, Sumitomo invests $46 million in long-term energy storage from Highview Power, and more.
Sunrun responds to PG&E’s gas procurement by modeling a decentralized grid
Directly challenging the bankrupt utility’s system reliability request for proposals, Sunrun has released a paper outlining a renewable alternative: distribution islands with solar and battery backup.
The duel for the future of Indiana’s energy identity
While state legislators decide the fate of a bill aimed at adding restrictions to the retirement of existing generation plants, the state’s second-largest utility has issued the results of an unprecedented solar solicitation.
How Canadian hydro could save New England and New York $5.4 billion
MIT researchers model how 4 GW of powerlines connecting the northeast USA to Quebec hydroelectric facilities eliminates the need for up to 60 GW of wind, solar and storage as the two regional power grids approach 100% clean energy.
Morning Brief: South Dakota’s largest project has a buyer, largest solar-plus-storage project in the Caribbean
Also in the brief: Safari Energy completes 60th commercial solar development, a 28 MW installation in New Jersey, Nautilus Solar acquires 3.5 MW Rhode Island project, solar aircraft designed to stay aloft for a year makes maiden flight.
