Falling solar module prices in recent years mean it can be beneficial to oversize the DC capacity in PV plants. John Leslie of BTY presents findings from a study that suggests developers should, in certain cases, investigate using higher DC/AC ratio designs.
As photovoltaic technology goes mainstream, driving a market evolution in how solar is installed and financed, how is one of its stalwarts and pioneers – Qcells – adapting to this consumer-focused future?
PV modules will keep changing in the quest for higher efficiency and energy yield. However, the rapid and sometimes simultaneous introduction of new technologies increases overall quality risk, writes George Touloupas, senior director at Clean Energy Associates.
The stage is set for the emergence of an ultra-low-cost PV industry based on epitaxial solar wafers and other highly scalable, high-efficiency technologies, writes Davor Sutija, CEO of NexWafe.
Rarely does the planning and design phase of solar farms consider the subsequent operational management and its costs. Jörn Carstensen, managing partner at greentech, explores how unforeseen effects from development, procurement and construction can have a significant impact on the economic viability of PV plants.
While renewables procurement is more challenging for SMEs with smaller power demands and less energy sector expertise, PPA aggregations offer a solution. Meghan McIntyre of Schneider Electric explores the deal structures for such aggregations and how project developers can benefit from them.
By Ben Figgis, Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute of Hamad bin Khalifa University
With PV cleaning robots posing significant advantages for solar O&M, Ben Figgis of the Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute of Hamad bin Khalifa University, explores recent developments of standards in the field.
