In case you missed it: Five big solar stories in the news this week
pv magazine USA spotlights news of the past week including market trends, project updates, policy changes and more.
Rondo Energy’s 100 MWh heat battery powered by 20 MW of onsite solar
Heat batteries for storing industrial heat can also be powered by low-cost grid electricity generated at sunny and windy hours, the company said.
Hybrid BESS deployments can optimize benefits on both sides of the meter
Enverus report highlights C&I strategies for peak shaving, energy arbitrage and ancillary services revenue.
Repowering trackers can extend profitability of solar arrays entering their golden years
As older solar projects reach the end of their design life, the need for repowering, replacing or upgrading aging components, is becoming a crucial consideration for asset owners.
New environmental, social and governance obligations for solar and storage
As renewable energy deployment accelerates, the industry falls under an intensifying spotlight. Developers and financiers face mounting pressure to prove credible environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance across the solar and battery storage value chains.
Improving solar inverter design with silicones
Inverters must withstand the high levels of heat generated when operating, otherwise system performance and reliability could be at risk. Cody Schoener of Dow Performance Silicones argues using silicone-based materials for inverters can improve thermal management and fire protection, while offering thermal stability, environmental resistance, electrical isolation and support for operational efficiency.
Cadmium telluride vs. crystalline silicon in agrivoltaics
Canadian researchers investigated how the transparency of cadmium telluride and crystalline silicon solar panels affects lettuce growth in agrivoltaic systems. They found that 69%–transparent silicon panels increased lettuce yield by 3.6%, whereas cadmium telluride panels led to a reduction in yield.
Why small-scale, non-utility solar is important
Behind-the-meter solar for homes, businesses, and communities comes with numerous benefits, said a paper from Stanford engineering professor Mark Jacobson.
What makes a solar project pollinator-friendly?
As corporate buyers and registries add biodiversity metrics to renewable energy credits, pollinator-friendly solar is emerging as a differentiator in the REC market.
Sofab Inks achieves 22.2% efficiency in mini inverted perovskite solar panel
The U.S. startup said the 30 x 30 cm perovskite solar cell device featured its tin oxide electron transport material produced in a sheet-to-sheet slot die coating process.
