PV Tech Power 40 out now: reforming the US grid, protecting solar projects from cyberattacks and optimising bifacial tracking

By PV Tech
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Inside the need for interconnection reforms for the US energy transition.
Inside the need for interconnection reforms for the US energy transition. Image: PV Tech

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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PV Tech has been running PV ModuleTech Conferences since 2017. PV ModuleTech USA, on 17-18 June 2025, will be our fourth PV ModulelTech conference dedicated to the U.S. utility scale solar sector. The event will gather the key stakeholders from solar developers, solar asset owners and investors, PV manufacturing, policy-making and and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out the PV module supply channels to the U.S. out to 2026 and beyond.
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PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
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Returning for its 12th edition, Solar and Storage Finance USA Summit remains the annual event where decision-makers at the forefront of solar and storage projects across the United States and capital converge. Featuring the most active solar and storage transactors, join us for a packed two-days of deal-making, learning and networking.

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