As energy markets continue to adapt and grow, energy arbitrage could overtake frequency markets as a key revenue stream for many co-located solar plus storage projects.
Europe’s power networks need to embrace flexibility and whole systems approaches on much larger scales if they are to be capable of accommodating the levels of renewable power necessary to hit 2030 targets.
Soltec recorded a €4.9 million (US$6 million) loss last year as the coronavirus pandemic caused projects delays and an increase in costs for the Spanish solar tracker manufacturer.
Major PV inverter manufacturer SolarEdge Technologies reported year-on-year revenue growth of just 2.4% in 2020, compared to growth rates of over 50% per annum in recent years.
Suntech’s ‘Ultra X’ PV module series adopts large format 210mm monocrystalline wafers and 1/3 cut Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (PERC) technology, which increases the light receiving area by 80.5% compared with products of conventional formats, according to the company.
Growatt has launched a powerful 1500V string inverter for large scale solar plants. The MAX 1500V inverter aims to lower LCOE and achieve higher yields for clients.
Major inverter manufacturer SMA Solar Technology has reported preliminary full-year 2020 financial results which met the low end of guidance but also reported a slight decline in fourth quarter sales coupled to plummeting gross margins.
The introduction of large-format modules promises to pose both benefits and challenges to developers. Christopher West, head of central engineering at Solarcentury, explores the many considerations PV designers must bear in mind now large-area modules are on the market.
