PV Tech Power Papers

The EU’s clean energy policy framework for the first time recognises energy storage as a key part of the future energy system. It is far from perfect, but lays the foundation for storage to become an integral part of efforts to decarbonise the energy system, writes Brittney Elzarei.

California’s success in embracing renewable energy technologies, particularly solar, has brought with it challenges around reliability of supply to consumers. Janice Lin and Jack Chang of Strategen explore how the Golden State is pioneering the deployment of energy storage as it pursues its goal of complete energy decarbonisation by 2045.

New technologies and designs aimed at driving down the cost of energy storage facilities are currently the focus of intense industry R&D. Sara Verbruggen reports on DC coupling, an emerging system architecture that many believe will soon become the industry standard.

The business models and technologies underpinning the development of stationary energy storage markets are evolving rapidly. Dr. Kai-Philipp Kairies, Jan Figgener and David Haberschusz look at some of the key trends driving the sector forward.

Despite the huge strides energy storage has made, significant hurdles remain before the technology in its many guises can be claimed to have fulfilled its massive potential. Introducing a PV Tech Power energy storage special report, Andy Colthorpe assesses the key successes and ongoing challenges for this indispensable part of the future power system.

The UK’s energy retail market is witnessing an exodus of customers leaving the so-called Big Six for independent suppliers, who are attracting them with home solar systems and a battery to match. Liam Stoker uncovers what’s behind the trend for new energy suppliers taking to domestic PV.

The growth potential of energy storage has drawn interest from some of the biggest names in the power business and beyond. With the trend set to continue, Andy Colthorpe explores how three of the recent targets are faring under new ownership.

As the building blocks of energy storage systems, batteries have a key role in influencing system design and economics. Davion Hill of DNV GL explores the importance of testing the performance of individual battery cells in minimising the exposure of battery buyers to technical risks.

Asset management practices must mature and standardise to keep pace with the rapidly accelerating deployment of solar. Ypatios Moysiadis, vice-chair of an industry group tasked with drawing up new best practice guidelines, explains how.

Anti-reflective coatings have been a standard technology on solar modules for some time, but several companies are now targeting the market for older solar farms. Sara Verbruggen reports on the promising early results from trials of these performance-boosting technologies.