Solar

policy_installations_solar power_173

Solar Power Exceeds Wind Installations; Can Surpass 80GW In 2017, 1TW In 2021

SolarPower Europe (SPE) has launched the ‘Global Market Outlook for Solar Power 2017-2021.’ The report confirms 2016 as another record year for solar, with global annual additions for solar growing by 50% with 76.6 GW installed. There’s now a total worldwide solar power generation capacity of 306.5 GW. James Watson, CEO of SPE said: “When looking at solar, the cost reductions experienced and predicted outstrip all other power generation technologies. Today, utility-scale solar is already cheaper than new gas, coal and nuclear power plants.”

Wind_Energy_Electricity_Generation_171

US: Clean Energy Now Providing More Electricity Than Nuclear For The First Time

The latest issue of the U.S. Energy Information’s (EIA) “Electric Power Monthly” reveals that – for the first time since the beginning of the nuclear era – renewable energy sources are now providing a greater share of the nation’s electrical generation than nuclear power. “Renewable energy is now surpassing nuclear power, a major milestone in the transformation of the U.S. energy sector,” said Tim Judson, Executive Director of the NIRS. “This gulf will only widen over the next several years, with continued strong growth of renewables and the planned retirement of at least 7% of nuclear capacity by 2025.

ABB_Singapore_Floating_Solar_Platform_171

ABB Innovation Integral To The World’s Largest Floating Solar Plant Test-bed

Land scarcity has severely limited Singapore’s adoption of solar power, so the city-state, surrounded by water, has looked to floating solar panels as a viable alternative. Floating solar panels can be 11% more efficient than solar panels placed on precious land. ABB is providing critical components on a landmark 1MW floating solar photovoltaic test-bed. It measures 1 hectare or 1.5 football fields. The energy generated will be fed into the national energy grid, providing electricity for up to 250 households.

Senegal_Solar_PV_Projects_171

EDF, Canadian Solar Join Forces For One Of The Largest Solar Projects In LATAM

EDF Energies Nouvelles has acquired an 80% interest in the Pirapora II PV project (115 MWp) from Canadian Solar Inc., which is retaining a 20% stake and manufacturing the PV panels locally. It marks the latest step by EDF in Brazil’s renewable energy sector. With this addition, it now has 489 MW under construction, consisting of 183 MW (wind) and 306 MWp (solar). The project is located close to Pirapora I (191 MWp), also jointly owned by both companies. With a total installed capacity of over 300 MWp, the energy generated by both projects will cover the annual electricity consumption of 323,000 Brazilian homes.

ISE2017_Digital_Smart_Connected_171.jpg

Digital, Smart, Connected: A New Energy World Emerges At Intersolar Europe 2017

With a total of 40,000 visitors and 1,100 exhibitors from 51 countries present at the Intersolar Europe and at ees Europe 2017; the topic of smart renewable energy took centre stage, propelling the industry ever onward. Annual global deployment of PV installations cracked the 80 gigawatts(GW) mark for the first time in 2017 with 2016 already seeing a 50 percent increase in deployment over the previous year; a renewable energy future is arriving at a breathtaking pace. “Our vision of ‘24 hours of sunshine’ clearly foresees an energy future in which all energy is generated by renewable sources,” says Martin Hackl, Global Director of the Solar Energy Division at Fronius International GmbH. “We will achieve this vision by observing the four pillars of this future – intelligent and efficient generation, distribution, storage and consumption of energy.”

ISNA_Smart Renewable_Energy_176

Intersolar North America Focuses on Solar Finance And Smart Renewable Energy

New conference tracks, off-site events and increased networking opportunities will be in place to connect industry executives, policymakers and advocates at Intersolar North America, the most-attended solar industry event in North America. The event will feature new, in-depth conference tracks on solar finance, smart renewable energy and cutting-edge PV and energy storage technologies at its 10th annual event in San Francisco July 10 to 12. High-level conference speakers will discuss key themes, technologies and advancements in the solar and energy storage industries, as well as financial tools and legislative actions currently shaping the North American market.

Intersolar_Europe_177

Intersolar Europe 2017: A Meeting Point For The Solar Industry

Intersolar Europe, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry and its partners, is now open. This year’s exhibition focuses on the new energy world. One of the highlights is the special exhibit Smart Renewable Energy. Other topics include new financing and business models for photovoltaics (PV), large-scale PV power plants and the operation and maintenance of PV installations. Manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, service providers and partners of the solar industry will be in Munich until June 2. Once again, ees Europe – Europe’s largest and most visited exhibition for batteries and energy storage – is taking place at the same time.

Vivint_Mercedes_Energy Storage_171

Mercedes-Benz Enters Energy Storage Market In US, Teaming Up With Vivint Solar

Mercedes-Benz Energy and Vivint Solar have announced an exclusive strategic collaboration to bring the Mercedes-Benz customizable home energy storage system to the US. The two companies’ joint offering provides customers with the German engineering and performance of Mercedes-Benz batteries, coupled with Vivint Solar’s expertise in designing, installing and servicing solar energy systems. The storage systems are based on the same Mercedes-Benz automotive-grade battery technology used in its electric and hybrid vehicles.

Solar Panels_DUOMAX Twin_171

Trina’s Solar Revolution: DUOMAX Twin Packs 25% Additional Generating Capacity

Trina Solar has announced the launch of its high-efficiency bifacial module DUOMAX Twin, which generates power from both the front and back sides of the solar module and performs well even under weak light conditions. The front side receives direct sunlight while the back side receives reflected and scattered light. Compared with traditional single-sided modules, the DUOMAX Twin can deliver as much as 25% additional generating capacity. The company’s leadership in PERC cell technology has achieved several world records and total shipments of over 1 Gigawatt over the past years.

Engie_Unisun_171

Engie Strengthens Solar Presence In China With 30% Equity Investment In UNISUN

ENGIE has signed in Shanghai an Agreement for a 30% equity investment through a capital increase in UNISUN, a PV company. Since 2014, UNISUN has successfully developed around 500 MW PV projects, showing strong technical capacity. During COP21, China pledged to peak its carbon emissions in 2030 or earlier; the country shall subsequently increase the share of non-fossil energy from 13% to 20% in its energy mix by then.

Smart_Renewable_Energy_ISE2017_171

Smart Renewable Energy Forum: Digitalization Driving The New Energy World

The digital transformation in the energy industry has fundamentally changed the electricity landscape. In the future, the energy supply will be ensured by a range of renewable energy plants, storage systems and consumers acting as prosumers. The Smart Renewable Energy Forum at Intersolar Europe, the world’s leading exhibition for the solar industry and its partners, is, therefore, focusing on new concepts and technologies for digital networking along the energy value-added chain from May 31–June 2.