PV Tech Power Papers

BIPV systems do not follow many of the rules associated with conventional or ground-mounted PV arrays. Johannes Eisenlohr of Fraunhofer ISE examines some of the technical solutions being developed to simulate BIPV design and thus make it more affordable.

Potential-induced degradation (PID) is still one of the main reasons for unpredictable power losses in PV power plants. Volker Naumann, Nadine Schüler and Christian Hagendorf of Fraunhofer CSP and Freiberg Instruments present an approach for quick on-site PID testing of mounted PV modules, allowing PID diagnosis and prognosis of PID-related yield losses

Islands around the world provide ideal conditions for trialling new approaches to energy provision. David Pratt reports on some of the work going on globally to bring the benefits of cutting-edge renewable energy, storage and smart grid technologies to the world’s geographically isolated communities.

In the previous issue of PV Tech Power, quality assurance was considered as a key measure in maximising PV power plant performance and ensuring safety. Building on this train of thought, Thomas Sauer and Georg Fischer from EXXERGY examine insurance as a risk mitigation measure, based on analysis of more than 3,600 insurance claim cases.

The optimal and profitable operation of solar assets is become increasingly challenging as portfolio sizes increase. Stijn Stevens and Michael Matthes explore how device-level energy forecasting is helping prioritise O&M activities across dispersed fleets.

Leading PV inverter manufacturer Huawei discusses recent technical developments to a better understanding of bifacial solar module PV power plants, using three recent case studies. These efficient PV modules need to be used with devices such as inverters to maximize value. Recently, many inverters and solutions that match bifacial modules have appeared in the industry. Which solution is the best match for bifacial modules? Based on a large amount of experimental data, this article describes the solution needed for bifacial modules.

2017 was tet another record-breaking year for energy storage. Riding high on expectation, the industry is braced for challenges and successes in equal measure this year too. We canvassed opinions from some of the world’s leading trade associations and representative bodies on the year just gone and what 2018 could bring

As Europe and other hot PV markets transition to low- or no-subsidy environments, could a different direction help improve solar economics? Liam Stoker looks at why east-west orientated projects are increasing in popularity

Ben Willis looks at the latest trends from some of the world’s most promising emerging PV markets. This issue features Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and South Korea

Singapore operates the world’s largest testbed for floating PV, comparatively testing and evaluating 10 different floating PV installations from around the world, and held the first floating solar conference globally in October 2017. Writing exclusively for PV Tech Power, Thomas Reindl of the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) reports on a form of solar power whose huge potential is starting to be realised