PV Tech Power Papers

Testing a sample of modules at an operational solar can help identify faults and underperformance in the wider plant, but which ones to choose? Authors from Mahindra Teqo describe a new methodology they have developed to Satish Pandey, Preetha Pillai, Sandeep Jadhav, Shyam Kumar, Gaurav Mishra, Rajesh Kumar Dhuriya.

New technologies are helping revolutionise the management and profitability of PV power plants. Martina Pianta, Guillermo Oviedo Hernández, Constantinos Peonides, Will Hitchcock and Máté Heisz look at some of the digital innovations helping advance the deployment solar energy in Europe and beyond.

Different types of PV backsheet provide modules with varying levels of protection in warm, humid conditions. Haidan Gong, Minge Gao and Yiwei of Wuxi Suntech’s PV test centre detail the results of research undertaken to better understand the properties of different backsheet materials in tropical conditions.

When solar meets science. Inside GridServes’ ground-breaking York Solar Farm.

The low prices achieved in some of the recent Middle Eastern solar auctions have been made possible in a large part because of the inclusion of bifacial module technology. Tom Kenning examines how booming deployment in the US is helping drive bifacial’s uptake in the Middle East, where the conditions are optimal for the technology.

Ensuring the safety, performance and durability of non-module components in a PV system is an ongoing challenge for the solar industry. Robert Puto of TÜV SÜD looks at the latest testing and certification programmes in place to help bring greater certainty to balance-ofsystem procurement.

Understanding the bankability of module suppliers is a critical aspect of solar project development. Finlay Colville, head of research for PV Tech & Solar Media, presents a model that allows scoring, rating and benchmarking of PV module suppliers by bankability for commercial, industrial and utility segment deployment. Quarterly rankings enable project developers and site investors to shortlist module suppliers when seeking to minimise module supplier risk and maximise site returns over the lifetime of owned assets.

From China’s bullish manufacturers to Malaysia’s blossoming ecosystem and Taiwan’s downstream ambitions, Asia has come to shape the fortunes of global solar. José Rojo charts the continent’s dazzling ascent after visiting all three markets in late 2019.

Despite several years of incredible momentum in the Australian solar market, energy policy wars raging in Canberra are prompting investors to take pause. What does the election of Prime Minister Scott Morrison – who famously brandished a lump of coal in parliament to show his support – and a federal renewables policy void mean for the industry? Cecilia Keating reports.

Simple economics are starting to overcome a reluctance to consider renewable energy in a region dominated for decades by powerful fossil fuel interests. Catherine Early reports.