Cost and risk factors can make countries facing energy access issues the most difficult for developers to build solar projects, despite their huge potential. Tom Kenning reports on two plug-and-play solutions that may provide a solution in off-grid locations.
Replacing outdated inverters can significantly boost the yield of a PV power plant and rectify equipment failures. Jörn Carstensen of Germany-based greentech looks at the technical, financial and logistical considerations involved in a successful inverter repowering project.
In an emerging US solar market with an influx of foreign direct investment (FDI) and rapidly evolving technology, PV manufacturers who are looking to establish or expand a base of US operations may benefit from choosing a firm specialising in the design-build project delivery method. With faster speed to market and greater flexibility, design-build offers numerous advantages for solar companies seeking an immediate edge over the competition. Design-build’s shorter project timelines help manufacturers meet aggressive production targets, while its streamlined structure offers the adaptability to support manufacturers’ ongoing initiatives to improve products and processes.
As a fast-growing segment of the industry, floating solar is also a novel technology that comes with a variety of new operational risks. Bobby McFadden, kWh Analytics, Chris Bartle of Ciel & Terre and James Markos of Willis Towers Watson explore some of these and their implications from an insurance perspective.
