Your daily dose of photovoltaic technology developments and solar news

In the past few years, a great deal of interest has developed in the use of sun-tracking mountings for normal flat-plate PV systems. Such systems deliver more energy for the same nominal PV power, but the cost of tracking is also higher than that of normal fixed-rack mountings. Tracking systems that have two axes and follow the sun closely at all times during the day are currently the most popular. However, systems that move the PV modules around a single rotating axis are simpler than two-axis tracking systems and can therefore be manufactured at a lower cost. This article presents research conducted into the performance of different tracking options. The results show that an optimized single-axis tracking system can deliver almost the same energy as the two-axis tracking system.

Armed with the aim of generating a knowledge base on CPV technology, ISFOC has installed 1.4MW of CPV and is executing up to a total of 3MW of power plants incorporating seven different technologies, all scheduled for completion in 2009. These pilot plants are being established to assist the industry in the setting up of pilot production lines and to obtain very valuable information such as reliability, suitability and production [1]. Rating measurement approaches have been proposed by ISFOC, but there remains a need for an international standard that is accepted by the CPV community. This paper presents ISFOC's proposed standards set and outlines the methodology adopted by the company in this respect.

Power quality and reliability are two very important factors in electrical power supply, particularly for specific branches of industry. Multifunctional PV battery systems can improve power quality, substitute uninterruptible power supply systems, and can offer additional services such as energy management and peak shaving. This article presents the results of an analysis of possible services under current German conditions and the measurement results of laboratory tests and a pilot demonstration.

With the ever-growing challenge of remaining financially viable in today's economic climate, some companies in the PV industry are adapting and applying the structures and principals of project finance to the photovoltaic assets. The purpose of project finance is to create a business structure which brings together multiple entities, aligns their interests, and allocates the project's inputs and outputs (i.e. risks and rewards) in such a way that the overall benefits derived from the project are maximized.

Solar photovoltaic power plants have emerged in recent years as a viable means of large-scale renewable energy power generation. A critical question facing these PV plants at the utility scale remains the competitiveness of their energy generation cost with that of other sources. The relative cost of electricity from a generating source can be compared through the commonly used levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) calculation. The LCOE equation evaluates the lifecycle energy cost and production of a power plant, allowing alternative technologies – with different scales of operation, investment, or operating time periods – to be compared. This article reviews the LCOE drivers for a PV power plant and the impact of a plant’s capacity factor on the system LCOE...

New interconnections requirements for utility-connected photovoltaic systems are coming into force in several European countries, armed with the task of supporting the grid operation and stability. This approach to better integration of photovoltaic systems into the electric power system enables a larger dissemination of renewable energies. This paper presents the new grid code in Germany as an example for improved integration, complemented by a brief report regarding activities currently being undertaken to ensure European harmonisation of interconnection requirements.

Thin-film or crystalline photovoltaic modules? One of the consequences of the rapid introduction of new photovoltaic technologies is the buzz generated in the industry. Large-scale photovoltaic applications are especially sensitive to any question connected with cost optimization. Therefore, stakeholders involved in photovoltaic project development are questioning whether the time has arrived to shift module technologies to large-scale applications.

This paper presents a detailed assessment of the value of photovoltaic energy within the German energy supply structure, taking into account the correlation between actual consumption and local power generation. Contrary to previous statistical approaches, this paper takes a new dynamic approach, modelling the dynamic behaviour of the PV power generation as a one-year time series.

Apart from some obstacles and bureaucratic hindrances, the Italian PV market has recently joined the upper echelons of the solar industry. Along with small and medium-sized systems, the commercial and large-scale segment in particular has a great deal of promise.

Anyone familiar with the PV industry can attest to the remarkably accelerated pace of innovation aimed towards generating solar power more cost effectively relative to conventional means. Many of high-technology’s best minds are bringing expertise in materials, manufacturing process, and electronics to tackle the challenge. The resultant gains in cost effective manufacturing, silicon availability and greater irradiance conversion efficiency will make continuous and sustainable impact to cost per kW generated.