irradiance

The rapid emergence of new PV technologies such as bifacial has in some cases outpaced the evolution of suitable technical and regulatory specifications.

As PV projects become more and more common in the Nordics, wind players like OX2 are entering the solar market with large-scale projects.

While bifacial modules promise advantages in power production, they can create complex performance monitoring challenges. That will need to be resolved if project production uncertainties are expected to remain at levels and expectations currently set with the deployment of mono-facial modules, write Ajay Singh and Derek Jones of Campbell Scientific Inc.

A steep decline in solar irradiance in Spain earlier this year highlights the need for an interconnected European grid and increased investments in forecasting, according to PV data firm Solargis.

The impact of solar resource variability on several key global PV markets including India, Australia and North America has been revealed by a ten-year analysis from solar irradiance consultancy Solargis that illustrates “significant deviations from long-term averages”.

With inaccurate irradiation data potentially impacting profitability estimates of PV projects in Africa, calls have been made for solar players to invest in more accurate measurement tools and work together to support the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector’s growth.

Unreliable methods of calculating irradiation in Africa could slash energy savings for commercial and industrial (C&I) solar buyers and reduce investment returns for developers and investors, new research has suggested.

A new peak solar generation record has been set in the UK, with the industry citing the pivotal role of a collapse in air pollution levels following the roll-out of lockdown measures.

Solar radiation measurement solutions provider Kipp & Zonen has acquired Black Photon Instruments’ AirShield DNI for use in its pyrheliometers in dry and dusty environments.

In early 2015, snow and ice in parts of North America created unexpected problems for solar plant operators. As winter approaches once again, Gwen Bender reflects on the challenges of keeping a project running profitably in harsh weather conditions.