After stalling last year, global capacity additions of renewable power are set to bounce back with double-digit growth in 2019, driven by solar PV’s strong performance, according to the International Energy Agency. The IEA expects renewable capacity additions to grow by almost 12% this year, the fastest pace since 2015, to reach almost 200 GW, […]
Theoretical calculations indicate that under certain conditions silicon can endow solar cells with a much higher efficiency. Small silicon clusters may provide a source of accordingly modified silicon. However, to date these clusters have not been accessible in soluble form, a prerequisite for flexible processing. Researchers at the Technical University of Munich have now discovered […]
A recent article highlighted the steps taken to gain a few percentage points in the efficiency of PV panels. While these small gains can have a large impact on output, the gains can be cancelled out by losses due to soiling. Prediction and control of soiling forms an important part of operations for a solar […]
Signify market leader for Africa Devan Pillay discusses lighting technology, the adoption of LED and associated technologies and doing business on the African continent. Pillay joined Signify on 1 April 2019 after a ten-year stint with 3M in South Africa, Europe and the USA. He is responsible for some 75-million euro of business across the […]
All eyes are on digital technology as European PV plant operators continue to seek meaningful reductions in asset management and operations and maintenance (O&M) costs. Digitalisation promises to slash operational expenses and boost efficiency by automating many tasks that currently have to be done by hand, and by improving asset managers’ ability to rapidly identify […]
South Africa’s advanced industrial and financial sectors, together with its abundant natural resources, have contributed in making it the second largest economy in Africa. But to bring power to the remotest corners of the country, to maintain its economic growth momentum and to reduce its carbon footprint, it must accelerate the adoption of efficient, economic, […]
Nesa Investment Holdings, a local renewable energy fund which invests in commercial and industrial scale renewable energy systems, recently acquired the portfolio of Makro’s carport solar PV systems, located at various Makro stores countrywide. The acquired portfolio has the capacity to generate approximately 4,4 million kWh and offset 4 700 t of CO2 emissions per […]
Standard Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) to advance the growth of the solar PV industry in South Africa. The bank’s partnership will enable safe solar installations through the promotion of the adoption of the PV GreenCard which is the industry quality mechanism. While the PV GreenCard […]
First Solar is celebrating two decades since its founding in 1999 and 25 GW DC of photovoltaic (PV) modules shipped, making it the only American solar manufacturing company to achieve this milestone. The company achieved commercial production of its proprietary thin film module technology in 2002. Since then, it has celebrated numerous milestones, including the […]
SolarEdge is previewing a new version of its 120 kW three-phase inverter with synergy technology which is designed to enable quick and easy installation and inventory management. The company will also launch a new commercial power optimiser with two MPP trackers which connects to up to four modules. The new commercial inverter and power optimiser […]
