Ballasted Solar Systems in High Seismic Areas

Written by Rob Ward and Kate Miller | 24 October 2012

Building owners tend not to want to penetrate their roofs if they can avoid it, for fear of leaks and due to the higher costs associated with installation, flashing and ongoing inspections. When it comes to roof-top solar, that is why ballasted, or unattached, solar systems are typically preferred. But in areas of high seismic activity, permitting officials have historically been reluctant to approve the use of systems that are not attached to the roof, creating a significant challenge for owners and installers in some of the most active solar regions in the US such as California, Hawaii and parts of the Rockies.

Panels in the Wind: New testing for rooftop solar

Written by Bart Leusink | 17 October 2012

Given the tremendous impact of wind on a solar array, along with the sometimes extreme and varying wind conditions in different solar markets, a thorough understanding of how wind relates to the safety and functionality of a solar system is essential.

PV Production Techniques

Written by Andreas Breyer | 07 October 2012

The massive drop in module prices in the photovoltaics industry is to a large part caused by overcapacities and competition amongst manufacturers. However, continuous improvement of production techniques plays a role here in the crystalline and thin-film world.

Battery-Based Energy Storage for Solar Power Solutions

Written by Dean Middleton | 01 October 2012

Rapid growth in renewable energy markets worldwide has led to an increased focus on energy storage.  Whether a renewable energy system is grid-tied with battery backup or operating completely off grid, the battery bank is a vital component to a solar power system.  Deep-cycle, lead acid batteries continue to be a leading choice for energy storage because of their affordability, recyclability, and ability to endure the deep discharge and recharge cycling characteristics inherent in renewable energy applications.

Solar Decathlon Europe: Sustainable ingenuity

Written by Anne Fischer | 24 September 2012

Solar Decathlon Europe 2012 is currently underway in Madrid, Spain with 19 teams from 12 different countries competing in this bi-annual event. The event is modelled after the US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon, which began in 2002 in Washington, DC. Decathletes travelled to Madrid earlier this month to set up their sustainable solar homes at Villa Solar and compete to in ten juried events, such as level of innovation and energy balance, with prizes given to the three teams with the most points in each category. At the end of the contest, the team with the most overall points will be the final winner.

PV Measurement and Control

Written by Robert Molenaar | 18 September 2012

Controlling the efficiency of photovoltaic panels requires parameter measurement after installation and during operation. Measurements are related to solar irradiance, meteorological conditions and panel properties. Whether dealing with photovoltaic panels in large-scale solar parks or with just a small number of panels on a private roof, power delivery should give a satisfactory return on investment. Operators are interested in immediate measurement results, along with long-term monitoring and performance tracking of the panels, culminating in a comparison with the manufacturer’s specifications.

Solar Car Ports: The new rising stars

Written by Andreas Breyer | 27 August 2012

Sunovation ePORT SCM from Mage SunovationSandwiched between booming residential rooftop markets and large open space installations, solar car ports have not played such an important role in the past. Unlike open space installations, each new solar car port is being built on already sealed, mostly asphalt covered areas; thus no unspoiled nature is being harmed.

Advances in Solar Cooling

Written by Rob Bogue | 06 August 2012

We tend to think of solar energy as a source of electricity or heat but solar power is increasingly being used in cooling systems. Such systems are attractive because cooling is most needed in areas with the greatest solar potential. Using photovoltaic (PV) solar panels to generate electrical power for a conventional air conditioning (AC) system or refrigeration units is one solution, although the high power requirements of these makes this approach difficult.