Power oscillation | In the last few years the power rating of PV power plants has risen very quickly to values reaching several hundred megawatts. This means there are hundreds, or even thousands, of inverters operating in parallel in these plants. Furthermore, these large-scale PV power plants are often built far away from cities and are therefore connected to the grid via long transmission lines. This leads to weak grid conditions in the power plants, and these conditions give rise to the risk of electrical instabilities within the plant, or instabilities of the plant within the grid. Roland Singer of Fraunhofer ISE explains how these electrical instabilities can be detected and counteracted.
PV panel reflction | The increasing deployment of PV systems in dense urban areas has drawn attention to the issue of glare and the public discomfort arising from the sun’s reflection on the PV panels. Licheng Liu, Yong Sheng Khoo and Thomas Reindl of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) and Julius Tan of Sunseap Energy discuss ways of fine-tuning system designs and alleviating visual discomfort, while not compromising on the energy yield of PV systems.
BIPV | Building-integrated PV has yet to live up to its promise, remaining a niche sector of the solar industry. However, as Silke Krawietz writes, European and international climate and energy goals, and a chance of reviving the European PV manufacturing industry, all offer BIPV the opportunity of becoming a mainstream technology.
Commercial rooftops | Innovations in commercial rooftop PV mounting systems are offering new possibilities for installers as they seek to drive down costs. Andy Colthorpe looks at some of the key developments that are helping breathe life into a segment that has so far been slow to take off.
Trackers | The economic argument for trackers is increasingly compelling. Matt Kisber, president and CEO of Silicon Ranch Corporation explains why the technology’s use is increasing and examines the benefits of opting for single axis tracking systems.
New solar fiance | Innovation in the solar industry is not limited to labs and fabs, with some creative financial engineering increasingly proving its worth. John Parnell looks at how power purchase agreement innovation can bridge the gap between cost-competitive and ‘nearly’ cost-competitive solar.
Warranties | PV module manufacturers, O&M companies, owners, insurance companies and financial stakeholders employ independent engineers (IEs) to conduct plant surveys at critical milestones, such as impending plant warranty expiration (e.g. EPC warranty), or on a periodic basis. The result of the plant survey is a status report that identifies improvement potential and, in the case of specific failures or failure indicators, their corresponding root causes. Mitigating actions are mediated by the IE with all the involved stakeholders. Bill Shisler and Matthias Heinze of TUV Rheinland describe a procedure and a sample case for identifying and investigating the performance and possible safety shortcomings of PV modules, triggered by an impending asset sale.
Utility solar | Recent years have seen huge decreases in the cost of electricity from utility PV arrays. However, with PV’s grid parity battle not yet entirely won, competition to drive out further costs is still fierce. Ben Willis looks at some of the technological evolutions that will shape the next generation of PV power plants.
Policy | As one long-running policy saga finally draws to a close, a series of attacks on renewable energy support have offset any progress that had been made. Tom Kenning explores the latest setbacks and where the possibilities for progress may lie.
Solar auctions | The proposed closure of the UK’s Renewable Obligation programme to solar from next March would leave the Contracts for Difference programme as the only form of support for large-scale PV. Finlay Colville looks at the prospects for an auction-based system taking off in the UK.
