News

Hyderabad-headquartered Pennar Industries has appointed ReneSola’s former India head, Pradeep Sangwan, to lead its solar modules business. In his most recent role, Sangwan was the country head for Econess Energy—a China-based PV cells and modules manufacturer.

REMC Limited unit of Indian Railways has invited bids to install 1 GW of renewable power projects, with or without storage, for round-the-clock power supply to different zonal railways. It has also tendered to install a cumulative 1.548 GW of land-based solar plants near the traction sub-stations across various zonal railways. The projects are to be developed on a build-own-operate basis.

The average global price of solar kilowatt-hours fell 13% on 2020’s prices, as around two-thirds of the renewables capacity installed last year was cheaper than the lowest-cost fossil fuel alternative.

A new study by Bern University of Applied Sciences shows that the performance of most PV inverters and power optimizers remains optimal for up to 15 years. The inverters considered came mainly from the manufacturers Fronius, Sputnik, and SMA and most of the power optimizers examined came from Solaredge.

In some of the world’s most hazardous locations, a resilient and autonomous common denominator is often found – solar energy. From offshore oil rigs to remote mine sites and the frontlines of conflict zones, solar power functions where others fail, and it does so without the need of refuelling or regular maintenance. But what makes solar such a ‘no-brainer’ that even the oil and gas industry must turn to it? And what other hazardous locations can be electrified with solar? Blake Matich reports.

Norway’s Yara International has agreed to buy 100,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually from Phase 1 of Acme and Scatec’s Omani project.

The United States and Israel have the opportunity to provide clean energy solutions for the 300 MW wind-solar project complemented by a battery energy storage system. United Arab Emirates-based companies will explore participation as knowledge and investment partner.

Tata Power arm TP Saurya has secured the letter of award to build a 600 MW wind-solar project in Karnataka. This project is the latest addition to the company’s hybrid power portfolio after winning a 300 MW capacity from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd last year.

The solar industry will face elevated shipping costs and supply disruptions for at least another year until the global ocean freight system starts to normalize.

German researchers have looked at how vertical PV systems could provide more electricity during periods of higher demand, while enabling a higher level of integration with agricultural activities.