The Q3 2024 edition of our downstream solar PV journal, PV Tech Power, is now available to download. Volume 40 focuses on the US grid, and what can be done to reform an ageing grid burdened by a weight of connection requests.
The latest figures suggest that around 3TW of electricity generation capacity was awaiting connection to US grid systems as of the end of 2023, and solar is a key contributor to this backlog, with around one 1TW of solar capacity awaiting grid connections. Perhaps most concerningly, in just the two years leading up to 2023, the capacity waiting for grid connection nearly trebled, and with states across the country keen to invest in renewable power in general, and solar in particular, there is no indication that demand for new grid connections will abate any time soon.
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In response, we consider a range of options to upgrade and reform the US grid. These include learning from the successes of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), where grid connection times are up to a year lower than in other parts of the US; and assessing the proposed reforms of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which seek to, among other changes, improve inter-state electricity transmission facilities across the country.
Other highlights include:
- Protecting PV infrastructure from cyberattacks
William Noto of cybersecurity firm Claroty looks at the main areas of vulnerability for global PV infrastructure, and how the industry can best prepare itself against the growing threat of cybercrime.
- Optimising bifacial PV tracking systems
Research and development experts Joshua Stein, Giosuè Maugeri, Silvana Ovaitt and Thore Müller explore some of the technical and financial factors influencing the optimal performance of tracked bifacial PV systems.
- Mitigating risk in tax credit transactions
Alfred Johnson and Katie Bays of sustainable finance technology firm Crux look at some of the risk mitigation and due diligence best practices that can reduce the complexity and cost of tax credit transaction.
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