System design | As PV projects get bigger and more complex, plant design programs are rising to the challenge. Sara Verbruggen looks at how some of the latest innovations in design software are helping developers win the competitiveness game
Tom Kenning looks at the latest trends from some of the world’s most promising emerging PV markets. This issue features Turkey, Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Malaysia
With United Nations sanctions lifted on Iran in spring 2016, the solar industry was just one of many that pondered the risks of entering this previously restricted market. Just a year later and the Middle Eastern giant can already boast its first two large-scale solar plants, with the project rights developed by local firm Aftab Mad Rah Abrisham, but delivered and wholly funded by German PV specialist Athos Solar.
Grid storage | A natural gas leak in California in 2015 raised the prospect of widespread power outages in Los Angeles until a rapid procurement of large-scale storage projects saved the
day. Danielle Ola reports on how storage’s stock has risen since this unexpected opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities in bolstering grid networks.
Module degradation | Light-induced degradation has long been recognised for its negative effects on the performance of crystalline silicon solar cells. Researchers from Fraunhofer CSP explain
how with the advent of advanced materials and cell technologies such as PERC, new tests and standards are required to minimise the impact of the phenomenon on plant reliability.
Utility-scale PV | Since the fall of former prime minister Tony Abbott two years ago, the prospects for large-scale solar in Australia have enjoyed a dramatic turnaround. Tom Kenning reports on the changing fortunes of the industry and how storage looks set to become a key partner technology for utility solar.
Module yield | Varying climatic conditions across markets and the individual characteristics of PV technologies undermine accurate predictions of module energy yield using conventional methods. Markus Schweiger, Werner Herrmann, Christos Monokroussos and Uwe Rau describe how a calculation of module performance ratio can be used to accurately assess the efficiency of different PV module technologies in different climates and thus the likely return on investment from a project.
Business models | Corporate PPAs offer environmentally minded businesses a means of reducing their carbon footprint and renewable energy developers a new route to market in the face of declining subsidies. Daniel Kaufman offers some insights to buyers and sellers looking to navigate the many complexities of this new market.
Europe | With the decline of solar subsidies in Europe, the industry is under pressure to find new routes to market. SolarPower Europe policy adviser Sonia Dunlop looks at some of the innovative
new business models being developed to help ensure solar has a sustainable future
O&M | Every photon and electron lost in a PV system represents unrealised revenue. The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore has developed a holistic diagnosis package – the PV System Doctor – to identify and cure underperforming PV power plants in real time. The team behind the service explains how it helps maintain a healthy PV system and ensure expected returns – or even surpass them
