Rotating, vertical floating PV system for offshore applications
An international group of scientists has designed a patented mooring tech and a vertical PV system that reportedly allows the bifacial solar panels to align with the prevailing wind direction to shed wind loads. Depending on a project’s latitude, the system can deliver different power yield.
How our aging grid can manage the surge in solar energy
As we introduce more renewable energy into the mix, we must also address these challenges to ensure a reliable grid that can support the nation’s clean energy goals. Nick Tumilowicz, director of product management, distributed energy management at Itron offers four solutions.
Sunrise brief: Preliminary decision announced on U.S. solar cell imports
Also on the rise: U.S. market solar panel prices increase from April lows. Storing solar power through aluminum-rock composite. And more.
U.S. market solar panel prices increase from April lows
A Q3 market insight report update from Anza shows solar module prices have increased roughly 10% from their all-time lows.
Silver price on the rise
The price of silver has increased over 30% since the beginning of the year, with a particularly strong increase being registered in the last few months.
PV system sizing for 100% self-consumption
A group of researchers has proposed a new method for the sizing of PV systems that do not rely on an anti-dump system and operate without the possibility of injecting power into the grid. The novel approach requires an estimate of the annual hourly profile and the minimum power demanded, as well as the use of an irradiance meter and an electrical network analyzer.
Storing solar power through aluminum-rock composite
UK-based Caldera has developed a new heat storage technology that can reportedly convert on-site generated solar power into on-demand heat, thus replacing conventional gas boilers. The system uses a composite of recycled aluminum and volcanic rocks to store heat at up to 500 C and produce steam.
Preliminary decision announced on U.S. solar cell imports
The preliminary decision on countervailing duties on cells from companies in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand are lower than some expected for several major Chinese producers.
Sunrise brief: Why $0.25 per kWh electricity makes off-grid solar & batteries a smart investment
Also on the rise: Groups challenge TVA’s draft resource plan that commits to only 3 GW solar. U.S. Senator introduces community solar act. And more.
Why $0.25 per kWh electricity makes off-grid solar & batteries a smart investment
Once electricity prices hit $0.25/kWh, disconnecting from the grid with residential solar-plus-storage starts to become financially viable, with sunny places making strong financial arguments. With recent drops in battery prices, the case for leaving the grid has grown even stronger.
