After-sale support key to boosting off-grid solar
A new survey from US-based impact measurement company 60 Decibels shows off-grid energy customers are currently facing a series of challenges such as product affordability, gender inequality, customer support, further investment in minigrids, and over-indebtedness. The report, however, reveals that most users say the quality of their lives “very much improved” thanks to off-grid PV.
U.S. scientists build hybrid energy system integrating PV, radiative cooling
The hybrid system has a cooling power of 63.8 W/m2 and a photovoltaic power output of 159.9 W/m2. According to its creators, the cooling capacity provided by the system can be used in buildings or refrigerators.
Sunrise brief: Solar asset underperformance estimated to cause $4.6 billion in annual losses
Also on the rise: California ruling requires assessment of public health and environment in renewable portfolio standards, New Mexico upholds community solar, and more.
California rulemaking requires health and environment assessment in energy policy decisions
The California Energy Center must now assess costs and benefits related to health and environmental externalities of energy generation and transmission.
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.
Power Electronics plans 20 GW inverter factory in U.S.
Spanish inverter manufacturer Power Electronics has an annual inverter production capacity of 30 GW, but it now plans to build a new 20 GW manufacturing facility in the United States.
New Mexico Supreme Court upholds Community Solar Act
A New Mexico judge upheld rules that prevent utilities from deducting transmission costs from solar bill credits received by customers.
DOE Loan Programs Office announces $72.8 million for microgrid on Tribal lands
The 15 MW / 38 MWh Viejas Microgrid is the first project to be offered a conditional commitment through the Tribal Energy Financing Program.
Tandem solar cell based on cadmium telluride, iron disilicide promises 43.9% efficiency
Researchers in Bangladesh have designed a dual-junction tandem solar cell with a bottom device based on iron disilicide (FeSi2), an emerging absorber material know for its high thermal stability and good optoelectronic properties. Their simulation showed the advantage of combining the larger bandgap of the top cadmium telluride cell and the smaller bandgap of the bottom FeSi2 cell.
