System Integration

Inverters are essentially the brains of a PV plant and while their key function remains the conversion of DC power to AC, their design and configuration is continually evolving. So are the strategies of the companies making this important piece of kit, writes Jonathan Touriño Jacobo.

Curtailment is a rising threat to solar PV, exacerbated by antiquated grids and a power system in transition. But green hydrogen electrolysis is emerging as a potential solution to the problem, taking excess solar and converting it into hydrogen for either long-duration storage or use by other industries, writes Alissa Tripp, senior research and commercial analyst at Octopus Hydrogen.

Alexander Hansen Bakken, cybersecurity consultant at DNV, reveals the cyber vulnerabilities arising as solar farm operational technologies become more networked and connected, and recommends approaches to reduce the risk.

Solar PV connectors provider Stäubli discusses the risks of cross-mating PV connectors, examines the pitfalls of individual testing and details the international standards all solar PV professionals should know.

Standardising PV modules will help reduce developer uncertainty, while at the same time, larger more efficient modules help reduce the size of photovoltaic plants, which continues to be one of the industry’s biggest challenges, writes Victor Navarrete, grid connection manager at Atlas Renewable Energy.

The race for green hydrogen dominance is on, with global markets ramping up the scale of their ambition in terms of deployment. But this too is causing a further fight for market share among the three core electrolysis technologies, as Jonathan Tourino Jacobo learns.

While still nascent, green hydrogen can take off as a fuel source and energy storage system if it is afforded the support, regulatory environment and financial backing it deserves, Hive Energy’s Shirvine Zhang tells Sean Rai-Roche.

Floating solar applications continue to grow both in terms of project size and geographical reach, however there remains some uncertainty around the demands placed on balance of system components away from the module, such as floats, clamps, cabling and other electrical equipment. TÜV Rheinland’s Jörg Althaus details the factors that may influence purchasing decisions when it comes to FPV projects.

New technologies are emerging to help constrained grids integrate an increasing number of solar projects. Molly Lempriere takes a look at three case studies of where technology is helping to decarbonise the grid faster.

Accurate generation modelling and forecasting is integral to not just the financial performance of operational solar farms, but how they are integrated into modern grids. A study from Monash University in Australia has proven how artificial intelligence approaches can help drastically improve performance forecasts. Dr. Christoph Bergmeir, who led that study, details its key learnings.