Coupling photovoltaics with thermoelectric cooling
An international research team has investigated how solar could be combined with thermoelectric coolers (TECs), which are small solid-state heat pumps used either for heating or for cooling. A system was built with six solar panels, an air duct system, four batteries, a charge controller, TECs, an inverter, heat sinks, a test chamber, and condenser fans.
ReNew Power sells rooftop solar portfolio to Fourth Partner
The NASDAQ-listed Indian renewable energy developer has sold off its 117 MW/138 MWp of distributed rooftop solar portfolio to Hyderabad-based Fourth Partner Energy for INR 6.72 billion (US$89.9 million), ensuring its increased focus on higher-return, larger-scale projects.
India’s solar and wind sector could employ one million new workers by FY2029-30
India could employ one million new workers through the deployment of 339 GW of wind and grid-connected solar systems (utility-scale solar and rooftop solar) between FY2021-22 and FY2029-30 if the nation were to meet its 500 GW non-fossil capacity target. The bulk of the new jobs would be created by small projects like roof-top solar and mini and microgrids.
NTPC tenders BOS package with land for 300 MW of solar projects
Bidders have until March 4 to lodge their interest for the solar projects to be developed anywhere in India.
SJVN’s 200 MW Bihar solar project approved by electricity regulator
The State-owned hydropower producer will set up grid-connected solar power plants in the state and sell the electricity generated at an INR 3.11/kWh tariff under a 25-year PPA with the State Discoms.
Avaada commissions 21 MW captive solar plant for Airtel
The solar plant, located in Maharashtra, uses 65,000 PV panels covering an area of 80 acres. It will supply clean energy to telecom operator Airtel’s Nxtra data centers and switching centers in the State.
NTPC renewable arm tenders 500 MW/3,000 MWh energy storage projects
Global bids are invited to develop a cumulative 500 MW of energy storage system facilities on a ‘build-own-operate’ basis anywhere in India. The proposed plants can be set up in sizes ranging from 100 MW rising to 500 MW, with the capacity to store at least six hours of electricity—for example, a 500 MW project with a minimum energy storage capacity of 3,000 MWh. Bidding closes on March 11.
New hybrid inverter for rooftop PV arrays from SMA
SMA’s new hybrid inverter reaches a maximum efficiency of 98.2% and a maximum European efficiency of 97.5%. It is compatible with DC-coupled high-voltage lithium-ion batteries from leading suppliers, according to the manufacturer.
Ayana Renewable surpasses 1 GW (AC) of operational capacity
The Bengaluru-based renewable energy developer, with the total management and developmental portfolio of over 3 GW (AC) across India, aims to achieve a portfolio mix of 10 GW (AC) by 2025.
The long read: Slow progress toward a big rooftop PV goal
A vibrant industry across the Middle East – including manufacturers, wholesalers, and a large number of EPCs and installers – supplies decarbonized electricity to meet growing air-conditioning demand, tapping the region’s abundant sunshine. However, progress toward this vision of a distributed-generation solar market segment and industry in the Gulf region has been slow, according to the president of the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), Ahmed Nada.
