Digital transformation in off-grid solar: A comprehensive roadmap for practitioners
As off-grid solar systems expand to serve remote and underserved communities worldwide, digitalization has become a crucial need for efficient project development, implementation, and long-term sustainability. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 18 systematically explores digital tools across the entire off-grid energy project value chain, providing much-needed guidance for practitioners looking to optimize their operations.
Translating clean energy insights into action
pv magazine USA interviews Sheri Givens, president and CEO of the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), on
guiding developers, manufacturers, policymakers, and utilities through the accelerating energy transition.
Most solar assets have significant quality issues, says HelioVolta
HelioVolta analysis says bad wiring and connections are the most common source of significant problems.
U.S. authorities warn of hidden radios in PV-powered highway infrastructure
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has warned that cellular radios have been found in unspecified foreign-made inverters and batteries used in PV highway infrastructure, according to Reuters. pv magazine speaks with cybersecurity expert Uri Sadot about the risks.
California requires utilities to offer dynamic pricing that favors low-cost renewables
Solar trade group SEIA said that dynamic pricing of electricity in California would reduce renewable curtailment and could in the long term reduce costs for all customers.
Renewables investments shifting from US to EU, says BloombergNEF
Utility-scale solar investment fell 19% globally, led by mainland China, Spain, Greece, and Brazil, while EU spending rose 63%, says BloombergNEF (BNEF).
Nextracker acquires Origami Solar for $53 million
Nextracker has acquired U.S. steel solar frame maker Origami Solar for $53 million, expanding into panel frame production to accelerate installations, support local supply chains and improve system durability.
Solar is reshaping California’s Central Valley. What happens to the rural farming communities next door?
A democratically organized nonprofit is giving a seat at the clean energy table to 36 communities in Western Fresno County.
RE+: Ten cutting-edge technologies from North America’s largest solar trade show
New solar panels, battery energy storage systems, factory announcements and more are set to be unveiled at RE+ Las Vegas, Nevada, Sep 8-11.
Common failure mechanisms for solar connectors
Sandia National Labs researchers have created a new dataset on the rates and types of rooftop PV connector failures. Their analysis has shown that tight wire bending radius, extra dirty connectors, and loose nuts are the most common failure causes in 6,276 connectors deployed between 2014 and 2017 across seven U.S. regions.
