PV systems incorporating bifacial modules require careful design and integration to
maximise the additional yield they offer. Drawing on extensive field studies, researchers from
LONGi Solar describe the optimum design of bifacial systems in the desert conditions of the
Middle East, to which bifacial technology is especially well suited
Bifacial technology is seen by many as the shape of things to come for the solar industry.
But how is it regarded by those on the frontline of choosing equipment that will result in the most
profitable projects? Jenya Meydbray, VP of solar technology at Cypress Creek Renewables, offers
an insider’s view
Accurate irradiance data is key for assessing the feasibility, profitability, and
performance of solar energy assets. 3E and Kipp & Zonen investigate the benefits of combining
pyranometer and satellite-based irradiance data for optimal planning and operation of PV plants
Two years ago, 1,500 volt PV systems were predicted to become the industry
standard in the utility-scale segment. Patrick Fetzer of 1,500V pioneer GE looks at how far the
technology has come and what further innovations could lie around the corner
A major new study
published by the World Bank has
underlined the scale of the opportunity
represented by floating solar systems,
but highlighted issues of cost,
bankability and regulation still
facing this emerging branch
of the solar industry. Sara
Verbruggen reports on
the first serious piece of
heavyweight analysis
of the prospects for
floating solar
Substantial flows of investment into renewables have brought about significant
reductions in the cost of delivered energy, while simultaneously increasing the penetration
of renewables in most markets. These developments herald the rise of Renewables ‘2.0’, a
post-subsidy world for investment in renewable energy. Duncan Ritchie and Kornelia Stycz of
Apricum explore the opportunities in corporate PPAs and hybrid renewable energy systems in the
context of the Renewables 2.0 energy transition
For PV to continue competing with alternative energy sources, the cost of financing solar
projects must fall. David Feldman, Rebecca Jones-Albertus and Robert Margolis of the US National
Renewable Energy Laboratory explore ways in which research and development can boost PV
competitiveness
Following years of frantic consolidation, the UK’s secondary solar market has
begun to slow. Liam Stoker analyses what the future holds in store for the once-thriving market, and
what’s next for long-term asset holders
Solar in the Middle East and North Africa continues to flourish, with utility projects leading
the way. As Paul Mansouri and Angela Croker of Norton Rose Fulbright write, the development of
battery storage technology and a growing interest among large corporates in solar as an energy
source will help the market to continue growing
Concerns over Vietnam’s power
purchase agreement have not prevented
a huge number of project deals being
signed. Tom Kenning weighs up
what progress is being
made in putting one
of Southeast Asia’s
most promising solar
markets on the map
