The long read: The research behind dust mitigation
Solar PV is surging in the Middle East, due to its sustainability and decentralized nature. But with the ample sunlight of the region comes fine dust, which can sharply reduce power output. Zulfa Rasheed from the Rochester Institute of Technology in Dubai looked at the latest research in the field and found that module-glass coating and robotic solutions appear to be the most promising options when it comes to dealing with dust.
Gujarat tenders 700 MW solar projects in Dholera Solar Park
Tariff ceiling is set as Rs 2.92 per unit for the grid-connected projects which are to be developed on ‘build own operate’ basis in 1 GW Dholera Solar Park. Bidding closes on April 18.
Delhi discom BRPL deploys Enact’s cloud platform to manage solar approvals
The digital platform automates the entire distributed solar project design and net metering approval process, which is crucial in today’s era of social distancing and remote business operations driven by COVID-19 globally.
IIT Bombay group suggests method of detecting early-stage discoloration in EVA encapsulants
A new, non-destructive technique has been proposed by researchers who say identifying early-stage discoloration in EVA encapsulants can help detect degradation in solar panels before power output is affected. The IIT Bombay group used an ultraviolet accelerated aging test during 34 days on three encapsulant samples.
SECI tenders 34 MW (AC) solar projects for SCCL in Telangana
The grid-connected, ground-mounted projects—to be set on turnkey basis—shall come up at Chennur (11 MW) and Kothagudam (23 MW) sites of Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL). Bids can be submitted till April 20.
Magenta Power to roll out street lamp integrated EV charger
The ChargeGrid Flare, costing around Rs 95,000, shall enable faster deployment of curbside vehicle charging with less street clutter than other approaches.
Proposals invited for joint India-South Korea research in renewable energy and green mobility
Proposals must reach the Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India, and Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) of the Republic of Korea by May 8. Each selected project will be funded for a period of three years.
Cheaper flow batteries with new membrane
US scientists claim to have discovered a membrane which could lead to cheaper large scale flow batteries. The material is an ion-selective, aqueous-compatible polymer with intrinsic microporosity known as AquaPIM and is said to have tunable thickness and high conductivity in aqueous electrolytes.
NTPC arm tenders 50 MW (AC) grid-connected solar project in Jharkhand
March 30 is the last date to bid for the solar capacity tendered by NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam Limited. The project—to be set up on turnkey basis—shall come up at Panchet power station of Damodar Valley Corporation and shall be awarded through domestic competitive bidding followed by reverse auction.
US based XNRGI opens lithium-ion battery factory in India
Based in Gurugram, the factory is spread over 30,000 sq.ft and can produce 240 MWh of high-temperature battery storage solutions annually. These batteries can charge to 80% capacity within two hours and operate in excess of 55ºC, which makes them suitable for hot, humid tropical climates.
