PES Solar 1 2023

THINK TANK The causes for such disturbances and system How the grid operators ensure the balance of the power grid, for voltage and frequency. The aim is to keep supply, failures are manifold. From the failure of that is the production of electricity and demand, or the consumption of electricity, in balance individual modules, for example due to lightning, cable and glass breakage, or hail kWp power, the normalised power of the order to stabilise the power grid even on damage, to complete failure, almost anything inverters, to compare inverters of different critical days, there will be new requirements is possible. Particularly critical are so-called sizes. With multi-tracker inverters, the for grid stability in the medium term in all creeping power losses, since they are usually Solar-Log™ can detect deviations down to countries that provide larger capacities of discovered late without monitoring. These MPP tracker level. decentralised power generation. are caused, for example, by soiling of the modules or growing shading, perhaps from a Feed-in management simply implemented Figure 1 shows how the grid operators ensure tree growing in the garden. In addition, there the balance of the power grid, for voltage and are influences on the modules themselves The collection of system data is the frequency. The aim is to keep supply, that is that gradually reduce the performance of the cornerstone for intelligent energy the production of electricity and demand, or system. These include, for example, management. One component of this is the consumption of electricity, in balance. so-called vicarious micro-cracks at cell level the so-called feed-in management of or potential-induced degradation (PID). decentralised energy producers and Limited feed-in (x %) consumers. It makes it possible to switch However, PV modules are not the only more quickly to renewable, decentralised A central function is the limitation of the sources of plant malfunctions and yield power generation. Other measures, such as feed-in to the grid. In many countries, fixed or failures and thus financial losses. The power grid expansion and the construction of dynamic power limits are now prescribed. This electronics of inverters or DC-DC optimised energy storage facilities, are more likely to limit can be set flexibly with the energy- inverter systems can be the source of plant be implemented in the medium term. management system for different threshold disturbances. Thus, on the basis of values. Thus, different requirements, such as recognised field investigations, it can be Feed-in management enables decentralised 70% regulation, 50%, or 60% regulation for stated that far more than 50% of all causes of electricity producers to feed in their storage promotion, 0% regulation in Spain, faults and thus of the possible yield losses of electricity and the utilities to ensure the etc., can be served. a PV system can be traced back to the two necessary stability of the electricity grid. In components PV modules and PV inverters. A central function is the limitation of the feed-in to the grid Seamless PV monitoring system The Solar-Log system consists of coordinated hardware and software. The hardware records the data and delivers it to the software. The so-called Solar-Log WEB Enerest 4. The Solar-Log™ system monitors the photovoltaic system and detects faults, such as the failure of an inverter, before they become a permanent problem. For a complete overview, the status and error codes of the individual inverter manufacturers are permanently recorded and saved in the event log. The Enerest ToGo App displays the deviations directly. To recognise whether the photovoltaic system is working trouble-free and efficiently, the power of the inverters is compared. The Solar-Log™ works with the W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 51

THINK TANK Control with self-power consumption offsetting This function offers the possibility to minimise losses caused by x% control. The current consumption is measured for the control. The Solar-Log™ offsets this with the current production of the inverters. Only if the difference between production and consumption exceeds, for example, 70% of the module power, the inverters are regulated accordingly. For implementation, a meter is required that determines the consumption directly in the consumption branch. Feed-in management with ripple control receiver Another variant for feeding PV electricity For the control with self-power consumption offsetting, a meter is required that determines the consumption into the grid in a controlled manner is directly in the consumption branch ‘simplified feed-in management’, which is usually implemented using a ripple control system and the Solar-Log Base normally or your charging station with surplus energy receiver. For this, only the current own power takes place via a Modbus/TCP interface. In from your photovoltaic system. Thanks to consumption must be measured by a addition to the control of active power, the the Solar-Log™ Smart Energy logic in separate consumption meter. control of reactive power is a particular conjunction with a variety of compatible technical challenge. devices, you can implement a wide range of • The signals for active power reduction are applications. The basis here is the usually output via a ripple control receiver. The VDE-4110 provides for various voltage or networking of the photovoltaic system with power-controlled concepts here. The flexible consumers in order to locally • The Solar-Log MOD I/O has an additional voltage-guided reactive power control optimise self-consumption. interface for potential-free contacts. requires a measurement at the feed-in point, for which a meter (Utility Meter) approved by Benefits of an energy management • Up to two ripple control receivers, one Solar-Log GmbH is required. system for commercial and for power reduction and one for reactive industrial customers: power control, can be connected to Various options for transmitting commands this interface. and feedback between the Solar-Log™ and With zero-feed-in, self-consumption the grid control centre. control, peak shaving, and charging Control of PV systems on the medium- control for e-charging stations, you have voltage grid using Germany as an example Clever use of self-generated electricity a smart energy control system at the grid transformer. In Germany, PV systems that are connected In addition to feed-in management, the use to the medium-voltage grid are subject to of self-generated electricity is another pillar You gain transparency about your energy extended requirements. The various of energy management. This helps to better consumption and energy production. regulations that may be applied in a system integrate decentralised plants into the are bundled in VDE-AR-N-4110 (VDE-4110). existing energy infrastructure. If required, Solar-Log Base can be easily extended with additional As a rule, in addition to the type of control of Solutions for the use of own electricity are interface modules. the PV system, it is also stipulated that offered, for example by intelligent heating various information about the current status with PV electricity. Solar-Log™ controls and You fulfill the required certifications for of the PV system must be made available to supplies the heat pump, the heating element, the grid connection.* the energy company. Communication with the energy company is implemented via telecontrol systems. The signal transmission between the telecontrol You get a complete and reliable monitoring of your investment, so that you reach your energetic and financial goals, with a maintenance-friendly all-round carefree service, which has access to your plants worldwide. We will provide you with comprehensive training to build expertise. We will also be happy to monitor your system for you. Another variant for feeding PV electricity into the grid in a controlled manner is ‘simplified feed-in management’, * According to the currently available which is usually implemented using a ripple control receiver certifications of the Solar-Log products, for more details: www.solar-log.com 52 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK These systems make a significant contribution to optimising self-consumption of electricity. Battery storage monitoring. Visualising battery performance charging and discharging The intelligent energy management system functions either as a producer or as a the most out of his investment or in consumer and is displayed accordingly. supporting grid stability by means of The menu structure of the Solar-Log™ sophisticated control and regulation enables intuitive operation. Thus, intelligence In conclusion, a manufacturer-independent options, it also helps by providing a variety can be controlled and prioritised in and taking monitoring and energy management system of added values. the surplus into account. Different energy not only supports the plant owner in getting profiles and components can be linked and various smart energy systems with little checked based on the simulation. Benefits of an energy management effort via standardised interfaces. system for installers Visualising battery performance charging Our innovative Solar-Log WEB Enerest™ 4 and discharging Manufacturer-independent system with offers you the possibility to analyze errors maximum compatibility to third-party highly efficiently, to detect malfunctions, In addition to direct consumption, another systems and loggers. and to delegate error messages as quickly use of self-generated electricity is storage in as possible. battery storage systems. Flexible hardware and software modules for a customised system solution. With our services and support, you gain They are the ideal solution for storing PV important time for your customers. electricity and making it available for Simple plug & play ensures smooth self-consumption. These systems make a commissioning. www.solar-log.com significant contribution to optimising self-consumption of electricity. In the With our solutions, you can coordinate the balance view, the battery storage system WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 53

CORPORATE FOCUS Why didn’t I think of that? 54 PES SOLAR

CORPORATE FOCUS Icnogmemnuointyptrhorboluegmhssiinmtphleiciintyd.uDsitsrcyu, swsiitnhgVseilmocpilWe ryaeptpeeffre®.ctive solutions to very Thousands of years ago, a caveman brought It all started when a friend of the company’s to mount the cable wrapping machine on a a round, flat rock to his council meeting. He founder suggested to him that he should reel trailer, he set to work and designed a showed how the rock could be rolled on its design a machine to replace the expensive special-built trailer to connect to the back of side, enabling it to be moved with relatively and time-consuming process of triplexing the reel trailer and provide a platform to run little effort. If the rock was attached to a underground MV cables manually with zip the machine on without completely shaft of some sort and another rock was ties. The original idea was a complicated reconfiguring the existing reel trailer. These attached to the other side of the shaft, heavy machine, connected somehow to the wheels and many more products were and are being loads could be carried with much less effort of a reel trailer or something that had a motor designed and built by him and his team now. than before. The general reaction at the or some other power source to spin it around council was, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ and wrap the cables. The question ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ is what drives the vision for VelociWrapper® as Okay, so this story may not be true, but the However, after thinking it over for quite some a company. The goal is to become not just the concept certainly is. Some of the most time, he had a thought. He could use the wrap go-to problem solver in the industry but to amazing inventions and most useful things material itself to run a drive wheel, rotating solve every problem they are presented with are the very simple items that we have all the machine without any electronics, engines ingenuity and simplicity. around us and often take for granted. or motors at all. So, he set to work and built Imagine how life changed when the pen was the first machine in his uncle’s garage. With The management team is driven by the introduced. Dipping a piece of metal into ink very few changes, it worked exactly as he desire to improve the lives of others through and pressing it to paper literally changed our had imagined and perhaps even a little better. simple and effective elimination of their pain entire world by making books available to The need for such a solution soon became points, increasing not only productivity and the masses. These things seem so very apparent and he founded the profitability but even more importantly, insignificant and small to us now, but many company VelociWrapper® and began increasing safety and the ability to allow of these things were revolutionary when to build the machines. workers to return home to their families first introduced. Undoubtedly there were safely at the end of each workday which many people who thought, ‘Why didn’t I Soon, another problem was brought to his improves not only the lives of the onsite think of that?’ attention; getting the cables from the ground workers but also the lives of their families into the trench. He set to work on this and loved ones. How does this tie into solar installations, challenge and eventually came up with a very you ask? VelociWrapper® is a small simple roller design that attaches to either a In an interview with Tim Dodd from the company, based in Utah, whose mission is to forklift or skid steer and easily moves the YouTube channel Everyday Astronaut, the invoke the question ‘Why didn’t I think of heavy cables to exactly where you want founder and CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, that?’ in the minds of as many people as them. When displayed at shows, both of outlined his five-step engineering protocol possible. Finding the pain points on these machines have caused many people to that he says is the secret behind the success utility-scale renewable energy installation say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ They are of the business. Of those five steps, the first projects and reducing or even eliminating simple yet effective solutions to very three are based around simplifying or them through innovative ideas and products common problems in the industry. completely eliminating components and/or is the idea behind the company and the track processes. The less there is that can go record speaks for itself. When the feedback began to come in that it wrong, the less will go wrong. was sometimes difficult or even impossible WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 55

CORPORATE FOCUS So, even in rocket science, the secret is to The focus for the team has been on cable Simple, innovative products and methods simplify and reduce complex engineering. installations for utility-scale solar and wind can greatly enhance safety on the job site. Certainly, this can be applied to machines projects and the team has developed many This is one area the company very much and processes in every industry including the products to simplify and speed up these takes to heart. When engineering new construction of renewable energy. And installations. However, the vision is not equipment, the engineering teams put a lot indeed, simple engineering and fewer things limited to cable installation. The of focus on engineering for safety. The going wrong are what the renewable energy management team aims to expand to include VelociWrapper® cable wrapping machine and industry needs as climate goals set by major solutions for as many different pain points as Fairlead are good examples of this focus. corporations and governments are becoming possible and to speed up, simplify and make These machines greatly enhance safety by increasingly more ambitious. safe all aspects of renewable energy reducing and often completely eliminating construction projects. the need for anyone to be in or next to an A famous quote by an unknown author in the open trench. engineering world is ‘Anyone can build a The team believes that the ambitious bridge that stands, but it takes an engineer to renewable energy goals being set by There is no doubt that there is a great need build a bridge that barely stands.’ When a corporations and governments can be met, for more innovative engineering and product is being designed by the but only through some amazing teamwork revolutionary ideas in this industry and it will VelociWrapper® team, it is first engineered and engineering. However, it is important to not go away any time soon. The company will to complete the job at hand in whatever way not only bring down costs and speed up continue to develop new ideas, and new is necessary, and then a rigorous process of construction, but to increase safety and methods and try to spark new thought what you might call ‘de-engineering’ happens reliability on these projects. No one wants processes in the never-ending quest to make to simplify the design and eliminate climate goals to be met at the expense of more people say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ complexities until it is simplified as much as increasing injuries and deaths on job sites and possible without cutting corners on safety these things don’t have to happen. www.velociwrapper.com/pes and quality. This is how simple, yet effective designs have come about and have prompted many people, when looking at the VelociWrapper® products for the first time, to say, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’ It can be said that VelociWrapper® loves problems. Not in a negative way, but because the desire and drive are there to effectively change your problems into your secret to success. So many amazing inventions throughout history came about because a problem existed and someone had the desire and drive to fix it. There are so many pain points and so many problems in the renewable energy industry. The team at VelociWrapper® relies heavily on communication from customers and others in the industry to point out where their pain points are and what they wish was streamlined in their construction workflow. 56 PES SOLAR

Empower your business with a sustainable alternative Reduce your CO2 footprint with custom-made, rubber products Durable, UV-resistant, waterproof, sustainable system components Supported industry sectors: Renewables, Energy, HVAC, Construction, Defence & Security, Event Management Example products: Roof Blocks, Cable Tray Supports, Barrier Systems, Mounting feet DESIGN. Call: +44 (0)131 524 8183 ENGINEER. Email: [email protected] MANUFACTURE. Let’s design your company’s future together www.tire-conversion.com

ESPAÑAATENCIÓN, INSTALADORES, CONTRATISTAS Y DUEÑOS DE EMPRESAS DE ENERGÍA SOLAR Y ALMACENAMIENTO SOLAR + STORAGE ESTÁ A LA VUELTA DE LA ESQUINA 10 Y 11 DE MAYO DEL 2023 World Trade Center Barcelona BARCELONA, ESPAÑA EN COLABORACIÓN CON R E - P L U S . E V E N T S / E S PA N A

Manage your Total Energy Flow Your solar system integrated into your total energy system The KOSTAL complete system - „ The intelligent KOSTAL Smart Energy Meter, which perfectly synchronised optimises the power ratios of PV electricity and mains power and also controls the wallbox. With the new ENECTOR wallbox, KOSTAL completes its extensive product portfolio. KOSTAL now offers an all- „ The smart KOSTAL wallbox ENECTOR, which takes over round power supply for PV system users - also for use with the charging of the electric vehicle in conjunction with the electromobility. other components. The wallbox is a component that complements the „ KOSTAL Solar Portal and Solar App for simple and intelligent inverter, the Smart Energy Meter, the battery transparent PV monitoring as well as optimizing all storage system. They are all compatible to the KOSTAL charging and discharge points within the PV system. monitoring tools, the KOSTAL Solar Portal and Solar App. „ An appropriately compatible storage system that can In this way KOSTAL offers a modern and perfectly supply many of the consumers of the household with synchronised complete PV system, with an integrated stored solar energy. and intelligent energy management system that offers real added value for PV system operators in combination with KOSTAL supplies all of this from a single source. an electric vehicle: Perfectly synchronised and highly efficient in the result. „ The smart KOSTAL inverter PLENTICORE plus for the powerful conversion of solar energy into household- compatible alternating current with a highly efficient control of the system at its heart. www.kostal-solar-electric.com

CORPORATE FOCUS Value-added partnerships aiding the energy transition 60 PES SOLAR

CORPORATE FOCUS The transformation from fossil fuels to solar and climate-neutral energy generation is a huge task. Integrating sustainability into our entire life cycle will involve the creation of products and services to help people and industry to solarize their energy needs. Thus, effectively reducing their emissions. This can only really be achieved through collaboration and the solar industry is seeing this thinking playing out on a very regular basis. A good example of this is the relationship digital resources. This enormously residential premises can take advantage of all between SKE Solar and Huawei. This accelerates the switch to renewable, climate- these benefits. Financially, they benefit from value-added partnership is an interesting neutral energy supply. low-cost kilowatt hours from their own one and more than likely a sign of further production, and in many countries also things to come. Founded in 2008 SKE Solar is Knowledge and expertise combined receive government subsidies. now one of the leading companies in the European solar market. The company Huawei FusionSolar draws on more than 30 Residential, commercial and supplies the countries of Albania, Bosnia, years of experience in digital information industrial applications Bulgaria, UK, Greece, Ireland, Kosovo, technology for its smart photovoltaic Croatia, North Macedonia, Moldova, solutions. By optimizing the use of solar Huawei FusionSolar Residential is the Montenegro, Austria, Romania, Serbia, energy, the brand is helping to power millions intelligent photovoltaic technology for solar Slovenia, and Cyprus with smart solar of people around the world. It integrates energy generation in all private residential products from Huawei quickly and on time. artificial intelligence and the cloud to combine and living areas. This includes single-family the latest information and communication houses, apartment buildings and multi-party Huawei is a global leader in solar technology, technologies with photovoltaics for optimal residential buildings. The innovative PV information and communication technology solar power generation. Highly efficient, safe inverter ensures that the efficiency of the infrastructure, and smart devices. It strives to and reliable solar power plants, with smart residential solar system is maximized. It’s make the world intelligently digitally connected operation & maintenance and grid support are perfect for those who are worried about to every person, home, and organization. the basis for solar energy to become the main rising electricity costs, or looking to save Huawei employs around 197,000 people, energy source. money and protect the environment. These operates in over 170 countries, and serves falling electricity costs, as well as savings, more than three billion people worldwide. As a Huawei Value Added Partner and Service quickly offset the investment costs. Partner, SKE offers FusionSolar solutions for Both companies share the belief that digital residential, commercial, industrial and utility Commercial PV roof systems must, above all, technologies play a crucial role in overcoming scale applications. be uncomplicated and reliable and use PV our environmental challenges. CO2 neutrality optimizers to get more out of the allotted requires the transformation of energy Environmentally friendly, cost-effective, space. The latest digital and internet systems to generate energy with the help of independent, the list of advantages of solar technology is available for utility-scale PV power is long. With a PV system on the roof, power generation too. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 61

CORPORATE FOCUS Huawei FusionSolar Commercial & Industrial is demands. In combination with the optional across Europe in sales, logistics, training, the intelligent photovoltaic technology for PV Optimizer, users can get a powerful certification. It also offers technical support solar energy generation for commercial and system with high efficiency. for all Huawei photovoltaic products, industrial infrastructures. Due to a particularly imparting knowledge from experts to experts. efficient technology in the inverter for solar Huawei’s smart SUN2000- systems, the yield increases. This means that 3/4/5/6/8/10KTL-M1 High Current Inverters Hands-on training they produce more solar power in comparison take solar technology to the next level, with other inverters. combining efficiency with ease of use. The Huawei PV solutions are easy to install and Three-phase inverter, with its future-proof easy to monitor using the FusionSolar With FusionSolar Utility Scale, any plug & play battery interface, is an indispensable Online Portal. Hands-on practice training is photovoltaic power plant can be operated component of any smart PV system. the fastest and most effective way to learn, more efficiently and intelligently. With high and the SKE Academy turns participants efficiency, Huawei inverters ensure Supplying the technology is not enough into competent contacts. Training covers maximum return on investment compared to though. SKE experts support customers all aspects, from the planning to the other solutions, and guarantee reliability and installation of FusionSolar solutions. easy maintenance of the plant. This is an essential part of the SKE Partner certification Programme. As a long-term value-added partner for Huawei Solar, SKE provides installers with a Hands-on practice consists of a theoretical comprehensive portfolio of technology for and a practical part and takes place over one modern PV systems. This in turn enables day, either at the company’s headquarters in them to offer their customers a proven Steyregg or on-site. The knowledge transfer system for the efficient operation of the is aligned with different focus topics, such as plant. With innovations such as the hybrid inverters or optimizers in combination of Energy Center and solar photovoltaics. The training day goal is to modules, installers can also offer future- make installers competent contacts for proof options, for example, with a Huawei planning and installation of PV systems. hybrid inverter. The solar module with inverter and battery also ensures that the The brand takes its innovative approach to proportion of solar power, consumed from the people too, with a series of roadshows your own production, is increased. throughout Europe. On site, at wholesalers and installers, SKE presents the Huawei Clever thinking FusionSolar portfolio, putting the products within reach of the participants and making New innovations include the Huawei Luna experts available to answer any questions. smart PV battery, a clever technology that grows with its task. It features flexible Our own behavior is decisive for success. architecture for optimal expandability, as Collaborating in this way, is leading the well as an energy optimizer per module, for change from fossil energy production to independent charging and discharging. solar energy generation. Both new and old battery modules can be used in one system, without limiting the www.ske-solar.com usable energy. With a capacity of 5, 10 or 15kWh and the possibility to cascade up to 90kWh, the battery is ideal to meet all 62 PES SOLAR

HUAWEI LUNA2000-5/10/15-S0Huawei Value Added Partner Huawei LUNA2000-5/10/15-S0 The Smart PV Storage Battery LUNA grows with its task. With an output of 5, 10 or 15 kWh and the possibility of cascading up to 90 kWh, LUNA is ideal to meet all needs. The Huawei LUNA Smart String Battery is the modular solution that adapts to individual needs. www.ske-solar.com

THINK TANK Causing an inline revolution Schmid introduces inline single side wet processes along with Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition doped glass layers. IBC (interdigitated back contact) solar cells Figure 1: Main process steps (a) for the production of APCVD IBC solar cell (b) [4]. By changing the polarities of have metal on the non-illuminated side, to the APCVD doping layers, the cell concept can easily be adapted to p-type wafers maximize the absorption of incident light on the front1. Other advantages of the IBC require a universal passivation stack for processing includes lower operational architecture include lower series resistance both polarities. costs and high throughput. due to higher metal fraction, an increase in the total area efficiency of modules due to The use of Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Schmid investigated the effect of varying higher packing density, easy module Vapor Deposition (APCVD)3 doped glass APCVD dopant concentrations on electric integration and aesthetic module layers instead of conventional gas tube layer properties after high-temperature appearance for building integrated diffusion decreases the process complexity annealing, optimized for the drive in of photovoltaics (BIPV)2. of IBC solar cells. Additionally, APCVD dopant dopants, the prevention of the formation glass layers are deposited prior to diffusion, of a boron-rich layer (BRL) for p+ doped Si, The more complex processing sequence and thus little or no spacing of wafers in the tube and growth of an in-situ SiO2 layer at the thus higher production costs are the main is required during diffusion, which interface between glass and Si for reasons why IBC cell technologies are still significantly increases throughput. passivation and as an etching barrier for considered as a niche market: need for the controlled etch back of APCVD patterning the rear side using Furthermore, the deposition is decoupled borosilicate glass (BSG) and photolithography, inkjet patterning or laser from the diffusion step, allowing laser phosphosilicate glass (PSG) layers with processing followed by multiple wet bench processing steps before high-temperature varying dopant concentrations in a single processing and cleaning steps. steps or co-annealing to reduce the wet bench HF glass removal step. overall thermal budget. Also, APCVD Furthermore, since all charge carriers need Based on the electrical properties after to be collected at the rear side, the wafer 3 P . Rothhardt, C. Demberger, A. Wolf, D. Biro, Co- annealing (Figure 2) individual APCVD glass should have a high minority carrier lifetime. diffusion from APCVD BSG and POCl3 for industrial layers enabling a 250 Ω/sq emitter, a 100 The fabrication of three different doped n-type solar cells, Energy Proc. 38 (2013) 305–311. Ω/sq BSF and a 680 Ω/sq FSF were used for regions, the front surface field (FSF), the back surface field (BSF) and the emitter require multiple high temperature steps that increase the thermal budget and thus process complexity. Finally, passivation of IBC cells is complex as p- and n-doped areas are located on the rear side and hence 1 M .D. Lammert, R.J. Schwartz, The interdigitated back contact solar cell: a silicon solar cell for use in concentrated sunlight, IEEE Trans. Electron. Dev. 24 (4) (1977) 337–342 2 P. Verlinden, F. Van de Wiele, G. Stehelin, J.P. David, An interdigitated back contact solar cell with high efficiency under concentrated sunlight, in: In Sev- enth E.C. Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, Springer, Dordrecht, 1987, pp. 885–889. 64 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK tunnel oxide in combination with highly doped polySi layers. Since recombination occurs preferentially in the adjacent regions of both polarities, it is necessary to generate a very smooth polished rear side and an excellent single- sided texture on the front side. These wet chemical steps are crucial for an IBC Solar cell concept. The results for alkaline polishing have shown that the surface roughness of as-cut Wafer can be reduced to less than Ra < 10 nm by using alkaline etch solutions. The exact roughness depends on the concentration, the etch removal and the temperature of the alkaline solution at which the polishing process takes place. Because the polishing step is already the first step in the IBC cell process and thus the saw damage is already removed, a single-sided texture is required here. SCHMID has developed a novel texturing technique specifically targeting the production of IBC solar cells. Figure 2: Carrier concentration profiles of the p+ doped emitter layer, lightly doped n+ FSF layer and heavily Etching the surface with an alkaline doped n++ BSF layer after high temperature annealing of the APCVD layers solution mixed with specialized additives results in the formation of pyramids on the the fabrication of full APCVD IBC solar patterning of the rear side using selective surface with sizes of 600-900 nm. These cells. The in-situ grown thermal SiO2 Laser ablation of an intrinsic poly-Si pyramids improve photon absorption and formed during the annealing in a partial O2 capping layer5 and showed excellent reduce reflection, leading to increased environment was used as a buffer layer to passivation quality for the n+ polySi region efficiency of the solar cell. The size and etch back partially or entirely the APCVD with iVoc 741 mV and J0e 1.35 fA/cm2 and density of the pyramids can be controlled PSG or BSG in a single HF wet bench step. for the p+ polySi region with iVoc 720 mV through the choice of solution, the The remaining oxide capped with PECVD and J0e 17.4 fA/cm2, respectively. concentration and the duration of the SiNx shows excellent surface passivation on etching process, allowing the texture to be both p+ and n+ regions. The success of such high performing IBC tailored to the specific requirements of an solar cell concepts strongly depends on the IBC solar cell. On full APCVD solar cell precursors, that is passivation quality of the wafer surfaces, without metallization, iVoc of 714 mV and J0 especially on the back surface, as both, Another advantage of the single-sided inline of 17 fA/cm2 was measured which are emitter and the BSF are located there. The alkaline texturing is that it can be performed outstanding values for diffused junctions. passivation is realized by a TOPCon structure in a single process step, making the process Large area IBC solar cells showed (passivated contacts) consisting of a thin cost-effective and streamlining the efficiencies approaching 23% (Jsc 41.3 manufacturing of solar cells. Additionally, mA/cm2, Voc 696 mV, FF 79.3%, eta 22.8%) 5 V aibhav V. Kuruganti, Radovan Kopecek, Sven single-sided inline alkaline texturing can be for a process entirely based on APCVD Seren, Olindo Isabella, Valentin D. Mihailetchi, combined with other process steps for doping glasses4. As both polarities can be Investigation on the passivation quality of ex-situ example poly Si etching techniques to easily realized by APCVD doping layers, the doped p+ and n+ poly-Si layers for IBC solar cells, achieve the optimal performance for a cell concept shown in Figure 1 is suitable Proc. 8th WCPEC, Milan, Italy, 2022. particular solar cell. for n- and p-type wafers alike. More results have shown that single-sided inline alkaline texturing results in increased The next step in boosting the efficiency of APCVD IBC solar cells to the 25% range is the transition to passivated contacts and passivated emitters. First experiments using APCVD layers were already performed: The sample structure for APCVD based doped polySi structures suitable for passivated emitter / back contact IBC solar cells shown in Figure 3 was realized with a 4 Vaibhav V. Kuruganti, Daniel Wurmbrand, Thomas Figure 3: Schematic of symmetric lifetime samples with APCVD doped p+ and n+ polySi layers Buck, Sven Seren, Miro Zeman, Olindo Isabella, Fabian Geml, Heiko Plagwitz, Barbara Terheiden, Valentin D. Mihailetchi, Industrially viable diffused IBC Solar Cells using APCVD Dopant Glass Layers, SOLMAT Volume 251, 112111, 2023. W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 65

THINK TANK The use of inline cleaning, specialized rollers, and nozzle technology helps to enhance the surface quality and further improve the efficiency of IBC solar cells. Figure 4: (a) Surface factor vs. etch removal (surface factor = 3-dimensional surface divided by flat area (values around 1 for perfectly polished surface; (b) Fast increase in etch removal depends on higher temperature, high process temperature enables short process module length photon absorption and reduced reflection, Figure 5: SEM surface from small pyramid texture with very reduced reflection leading to higher conversion efficiency in IBC solar cells. However, the surface quality of the silicon wafer can be impacted by impurities and contaminants. Inline cleaning, specialized rollers, and nozzle technology are used to improve surface quality during the texturing process. Inline cleaning removes impurities and contaminants from the surface of the wafer, specialized rollers ensure consistent texturing, and nozzle technology enhances the uniformity and precision of the etching process. In conclusion, single-sided inline alkaline texturing and inline alkaline polishing is a cost-effective and efficient method with very high throughput for improving the surface of IBC solar cells. The use of inline cleaning, specialized rollers, and nozzle technology helps to enhance the surface quality and further improve the efficiency of IBC solar cells. Along with the APCVD the wet process solution from SCHMID offers a very efficient, lean and lowest cost of ownership path towards hybrid passivated IBC cells. All equipment, along with the processes have been proven in mass manufacturing for many years already and are even proven in IBC production. www.schmid-group.com 66 PES SOLAR

Innovative wet-chemical solutions for the state of the art advanced cell architectures Single side texturing, polishing, cleaning and etching for TOPCon and IBC M12 with 10.000 wafer per hour throughput Suited for ultra thin wafers down to 50 µm

TALKING POINT Paving the way for trouble-free 100% on-grid solar for housing projects © Intrapac Lachlan Bateman, Head of Power Systems Planning, Asia Pacific Energy Systems at DNV, discusses how, with some minor modifications to the ‘standard’ electrical distribution design approach for residential developments, networks may be able to accept high volumes of solar power within distribution code limits. Multiple stakeholders in grid-connected, there will not be adverse network impacts rooftop, to comfortably manage the impact community solar residential projects need from having more solar PV installed than of power flows from the solar units. Among assurance that the electrical distribution the normal allowable penetration for the main concerns about exceeding this are design will comply with network codes and residential solar. that distribution voltages could be pushed avoid disruption to grids. beyond distribution code limits and Typically, the recommendation in network components such as transformers Solar developers and investors, power grid residential areas is to have a maximum of could be overloaded. companies, and regulators need to know one third of households with a solar 68 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT It is worth noting that exceeding the limit also AusNet had significant concerns about vision is ‘100% solar’, involving some 50,000 creates potential for power quality, or potential network impacts of the 15 plus solar panels. For perspective, this is roughly harmonic issues, as the capacity of inverters megawatt solar PV capacity that developer equivalent to having a mid-sized solar PV farm on the network increases. However, Intrapac Property was proposing to install in in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and part of mitigating measures to avoid this are usually the Kinley residential and town centre Lilydale town centre. only required for larger capacity systems development in the east of Melbourne, the than the example described below. capital city of Victoria state. AusNet’s Melbourne-based advisers Clean electrical distribution network includes a low Technology Partners (CTP), which global Enabling 100% solar residential voltage (LV) and medium voltage, up to 22 technology advisers DNV acquired last developments kilovolts (kV) power distribution network in September, worked with Intrapac to eastern Victoria and Melbourne’s eastern and establish the ‘100% solar’ vision. CTP Consider this case study for a planned 8,000 northeastern suburbs. assisted with analysis of the power resident community in Australia that elements of the large mixed-used precinct. illustrates how expert analysis can lead to Far from limiting solar to a third of the success for a 100% solar residential project. development’s approximately 3,200 With the scale being more than three times Distribution network service provider residential homes and townhouses, Intrapac’s the normal allowable penetration for W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 69

TALKING POINT residential solar, AusNet needed assurance. sufficient to manage voltage swings on the Lachlan Bateman CTP worked closely with Intrapac and network. These were particularly evident AusNet to prepare studies meeting the on the LV side of the transformers and the from fossil fuels more rapidly than network operator’s requirements. They study reviewed different options for previously expected. shared the report with AusNet to provide addressing these, whilst minimising any technical justification for allowing up to lost generation for the households. As the Australian Energy Market Operator 100% of buildings to be installed with Volt-VAr (Volt-Amps Reactive) are solar PV (AEMO) December 2022 roadmap for rooftop solar PV. inverter settings that manage voltage and reaching 100% renewable generation in the counter the undesired impacts that solar national energy markets by 2025 makes Studying the network impact power generation can otherwise have on plain, this will require power grids that can the grid. Through dynamic reactive handle more renewable energy while CTP’s work scope between 2019 and 2022 management of power, Volt-VAr keeps avoiding power disruptions and reducing involved performing detailed power system power within specified limits to enable costs for consumers. modelling of the 100% solar case on both greater solar PV penetration to networks. the LV and 22 kV electricity networks at the Solar capacity deployments in Australia location. The aim was to develop a network Applying the findings could potentially reach 1.9 terawatts by model considering the network 2050, according to the August 2022 Net connections, system load and generation, The electrical distribution design in the final Zero Australia report by the universities of component parameters, ratings of the report deviates from the AusNet standard in Melbourne, Queensland and Princeton. The transformers and the export limits and that around 5-10% fewer homes were vast majority of Australia’s solar PV control schemes of the inverters. connected to each 500kVA transformer than installed base has come from rooftop solar. would be standard. This resulted in a few Australian residential solar PV is The two key elements of the project were more 500kVA transformers across the increasingly popular and has some of the analysing the thermal loading and steady- residential portions of the development than lowest costs in the world, according to a state voltage range. Both studies relied on would be normal. May 2022 update from the International extensive work in establishing the base Renewable Energy Agency. elements to be installed at each building type Another mitigation measure was that all on the development, e.g. townhouse, inverters were modelled using the Volt-VAr As DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) detached home, etc. and the associated response mode included in the Australian also points out, Australia also benefits from maximum and minimum generation and loads. standard for solar inverters at the time, using having a larger average floor area per settings agreed with AusNet. household compared with, say, Japan and The first study aggregated all power flows South Korea, creating a comparative from the housing lots per kiosk transformer The combination of modest additional advantage for rooftop solar. at the site and focused on impacts on the infrastructure and the Volt-VAr response 22 kV distribution system around the site and mode in the inverters enabled CTP to DNV forecasts that globally 20% of all solar back to AusNet substations. The second demonstrate the site would not exceed generating capacity worldwide will be study looked at the most affected kiosks and thermal limits or voltage limits. installed on rooftops and commercial assessed the impacts of the solar buildings by 2050. installations on the LV networks. Meeting the ambition for the residential buildings in Kinley to be 100% solar-powered Small installations offer flexibility and local The studies faced some challenges. led to the project recently achieving a 6 Star security of supply, and these advantages will Notably, there were no existing guidelines GreenStar rating. This is awarded by the ensure that rooftop and micro-grid-sized or methodologies for assessing the impact Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) installations will grow significantly in of 100% solar penetration on the network. for ‘world-leading’ community, absolute terms, though their market share CTP had to collaborate with AusNet to environmental and sustainability measures. will decline. Studies like the Kinley project define the tests and acceptance criteria for add to the knowledge base that can support the studies. Learnings for residential solar projects the growth of rooftop solar and its integration into networks. It took two years of intense collaboration and In broad terms, the studies at Kinley identify painstaking work to define and produce a how minor modifications to the ‘standard’ www.dnv.com model and results that all stakeholders could electrical distribution design approach for agree on. residential developments can enable networks to accept high volumes of solar What the studies found power within distribution code limits. The intense effort led to CTP reporting two A side benefit is that the work has validated main findings. some benefits of the inverter power quality response modes that have become a Firstly, with some modest revision to the feature of Australian Standards in recent standard electrical distribution design for times. But the biggest learning is that Kinley residential developments, the AusNet reinforces the message that thinking early network could integrate the proposed in the whole development planning process penetration of solar power. CTP reached this about potential network impacts from conclusion because the thermal loading was integrating community solar PV onto the below the threshold with only minor changes grid is a key to success. to the standard distribution designs included in the ‘100% solar’ vision, and the pre- and Regional and global implications post-connection voltage swings were within the manageable range of +10%/-6% The learnings from this case study could be specified by AusNet. applied to reduce the time and effort significantly for any such projects in the Secondly, the study demonstrated that future. CTP’s work on Kinley with Intrapac using the household inverters in-built and AusNet are timely as Australia’s Volt-VAr response mode would be electricity system begins to transition away 70 PES SOLAR

EVERYTHING’S BETTER WIRELESS. HUCK.COM/WIRELESS 17,000 LBF PULL FORCE AND 1-3/4\" OF STROKE FOR USE WITH HUCK© BRAND LOCKBOLTS AND BLIND FASTENERS OTHER FEATURES: WIRELESS BATTERY POWER WITH NO + Install large diameter lockbolts and blind TETHERED HOSE fasteners on site without the constraint of heavy equipment and trailing cables + Up to 1,000 fastener installations on a single charge + Install blind fasteners up to Ø1/2\" and two piece lockbolts up to Ø14” + Largest battery lockbolt tool on the market + Electronically adjustable pull force control + Standard Makita 40V wireless battery platform Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is only for general guidance, and is not intended to create any warranty, express, implied, or statutory; all warranties are contained only in HFS’s written quotations, acknowledgments, and/or purchase orders. It is recommended that the user secure specific, up-to-date data and information regarding each application and/or use of such products. © 2023 Howmet Aerospace Inc. and/or its subsidiaries. All rights reserved.

ASK THE EXPERTS Meeting the electricity demands of the future With big change comes unpredictability. At a time when the world is increasingly relying on green energy including solar, this uncertainty has the potential to cause problems. PES sat down with Travis Snyder, Product Manager at Solis Europe, to find out how it is reacting to an increased need for solutions that insulate electrical users and generators from the current stresses, and to avoid energy outages. 72 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: A warm welcome back to PES Travis. Travis Snyder Solis needs little in the way of introduction to our readers, but could you recap with a At the same time, the cost of batteries for brief overview for those who may be energy storage could continue its three- reading about the brand for the first time? decade downward trend, despite recent upward spikes. The potential drop in price Travis Snyder: Solis is the primary brand for would make battery storage more attractive Ginlong Technologies, which is one of the in regions that don’t have a developed PV and largest and most experienced producers of PV storage base at present. Markets that inverters in the world. Since it was established currently use lead-acid batteries will mature in 2005, the company has used innovative as they switch to lithium batteries. We will inverter technology to deliver first-class see regions that weren’t big enough to reliability, that has been validated under the attract investment become increasingly most stringent international certifications. attractive and this, in turn, could drive component costs down. Through our global supply chain, itself underpinned by world-class R&D and PES: What challenges does this demand manufacturing capabilities, we optimise our present, to the solar industry as a whole? inverters for each regional market, providing And to Solis and your services in particular? servicing and support for our customers through teams of local experts. TS: Transformation brings about all sorts of challenges. We’re certainly seeing that at With a range of products from 600W right Solis. Supply chain constraints and the up to 255kW, Solis has an inverter to fit availability of materials are always challenges every situation, from a single, small, new build residential property up to utility-scale solar projects. PES: Energy prices hiking globally for various reasons must have had a huge impact on your business since the last time we spoke. Are you seeing an increased demand now? TS: The challenges we’ve seen around the world have had a massive impact on every business involved in energy markets. Demand for solar and storage is strong, and we are seeing a major increase in utility, commercial and residential installations. This trend shows no sign of slowing down. Given the long-term goals set by the EU to reach 760GWdc by 2030, it seems that high growth will continue for the next seven years at least. WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 73

ASK THE EXPERTS in growing markets, but one of the primary keep grids balanced as the proportion of VRE be our single or three phase hybrid inverters challenges involves people. At Solis, we put a in the energy mix increases. with battery storage. Solis inverter lot of value on the quality of service we customers are not tied into a particular deliver to our distributors, installers and end Where VRE becomes a major percentage on battery manufacturer, so there is added customers. This adds to the pressure to keep the grid, system operators have to adopt flexibility. Customers can connect their pace with demand and continue to deliver more strategic methods to predict and critical loads to the backup port. When the high service levels. balance energy shortfalls or potential battery has power or there is solar overload without risking outages. Typically, generation, the backup port will power the We had to quadruple our staff within six this involves additional responses such critical loads during an outage. We see this in months to maintain product standards and as curtailment, demand response and about 20% of our installations. availability. Finding the right candidates with energy storage. the right skills and, in Europe, the right A further example involves using our single languages has certainly been a challenge. We Our market-leading research capability has phase or three phase hybrid inverters in have also added innovation into our products enabled us to develop a portfolio of backup mode. The backup mode is a special to help. For example, our latest sixth technologies that help isolate electricity setting that prevents the inverter from using generation energy storage inverter reduces users and generators, whether domestic, the battery when it is at or under a specific installation time by 20%, making it easier for commercial or utility-scale, from growing state of charge (SOC) percentage. For Solis installers to keep up with increased demand. uncertainties. This includes fast charging, products, the default is 80%. So, when there battery-agnostic energy storage solutions, is a grid outage, the user will have 80% or PES: Is the unpredictability of grids and and intelligent, cloud-based PV system more of their battery to use during that markets leading to an increased need for monitoring that allows you to set remotely specific outage. solutions that insulate electrical users and your battery charge time in case of an generators from the current stresses, and emergency or weather event. The third type of customer is the off-grid to avoid energy outages? customer. We have a specific off-grid PES: What solutions does Solis offer to inverter and also, we have hybrid inverters TS: As national grids transition from make life easier in the face of that that can be used like an off-grid inverter. For consistent fossil fuel sources to Variable unpredictability? a full-time off-grid customer we always Renewable Energy (VRE) inputs from wind recommend using the off-grid inverter and solar, they inevitably become more TS: Solis solutions can probably be because it can parallel up to 10 units and can exposed to the challenges of intermittency. categorised under three main types of also connect to the grid, but it is physically The transition has to be a phased process to customer use cases. The most popular would impossible for it to inject into the grid so no 74 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS grid connection certificates are required. smooth demand curves and minimise both the energy storage scenarios. Like all of our hybrid inverters it is compatible financial and environmental cost of electric with all top tier batteries. vehicle ownership. PES: What about decoupling electricity costs from gas prices? Are there potential PES: What solutions are available or are Inverter technology is crucial to integrating solutions that would make this possible? you working on for domestic and EVs with other storage media, charging commercial rooftops? platforms, solar energy and the grid, micro or TS: Governments globally are under pressure macro. It is an increasingly important ‘energy to remove the traditional link between gas and TS: I would say that hands down, Solis has housekeeper’ behind any solar system, electricity prices. After all, coupling is rather one of the strongest residential and regardless of its size and complexity. outdated in markets where renewables are commercial product portfolios in the solar part of the mix. It’s encouraging that industry. Our inverter power range starts at More specifically, the Solis range of multiple decoupling electricity costs from gas prices is 600 Watts and goes to 20kW for residential. single phase/three phase energy storage a key component of the European For commercial, we start at 3kW and go all inverters can be connected in parallel to form Commission’s current consultation into the way to 110kW. As far as the future goes, a system with a storage capacity of up to proposed electricity market reforms. we are working on a large commercial hybrid 100kW. This approach would cover all inverter and tying the whole system into an residential and smaller commercial scale There are already ways that domestic, export manager to monitor, control exported commercial and industrial solar energy power and remote control the system. This producers can decouple from gas-derived will also work with all the current commercial market pricing. For example, using home- products in the portfolio and act as one grown electricity ‘behind the meter’, or system. We believe this will be a game- aggregating and trading renewable energy changer for the industry. within community micro-grids, or they can store it to export to a national grid to take PES: You’re suggesting batteries and EVs as advantage of market incentivisation. a Virtual Power Plant? A modular system is a compelling solution TS: We are not alone in suggesting this. In for energy storage applications and January 2023 nature.com published a study micro-grid construction. It promotes predicting that electric vehicle batteries technology to expand energy storage alone could satisfy short-term grid storage systems, which can form a large-capacity demand by as early as 2030. energy storage system with smaller capacity hybrid inverters at their heart. EV batteries can be connected and controlled online to create Electric Vehicle Virtual Power PES: What products and services are Plants (EVVPPs) that can be aggregated emerging that anticipate/respond to the within a self-contained micro-grid or linked increased need for onsite storage? to a national grid. EVVPPs can export electricity during periods of peak demand TS: We recently launched our new range of 6th and/or low renewables generation. generation energy storage inverters. These include key enhancements such as a larger EVVPPs can help to reduce grid stresses by charge and discharge current of 125A for a prioritising vehicle charging when power global equivalent power range; single or three demand is low and restricting it when demand phase functionalities; and millisecond is high. Combined with onsite solar electricity switchover times during supply interruptions. generation, EVVPPs can relieve grid stresses, WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 75

ASK THE EXPERTS As the overall trend is geared towards larger batteries and large solar systems, we are designing higher capacity systems to meet the electricity demands of the future. Our sixth generation ‘1+N’ concept facilitates 2022 the plan included a dedicated EU Solar That said, the recommendations include the integration of modules and Strategy to double solar photovoltaic scrapping planning permission for solar functionalities that enable smart matching capacity by 2025, and install 740 GW by 2030, panels and reviewing whether they should between user demand and scenarios, while combined with a Solar Rooftop Initiative that be mandatory on new building projects. enabling ‘super terminal’ capability. At the phases-in a legal obligation to install solar MP Chris Skidmore, author of the review, same time, as I mentioned, installation time panels on new residential, public and calls for a ‘rooftop revolution’ with solar is reduced by 20% through quick and easy commercial buildings. becoming the norm for all new buildings; operation and convenient application. potentially starting with public and other Shorter permitting times for solar and large-scale buildings. Unlike other providers, Solis does not dictate renewable energy assets are also the choice of battery brand when we specify encouraging. Solar projects have been PES: How do you see these ideas our storage inverters. This is proving popular prioritised for a maximum permit processing progressing in the short and long term? with distributors and installers alike who, period of three months. France and parts of particularly since COVID induced supply Germany have already interpreted TS: As the overall trend is geared towards chain constraints, are looking for flexibility in REPowerEU by making solar panels larger batteries and large solar systems, we how they mix, match and backup their mandatory for new car parks. are designing higher capacity systems to system components. meet the electricity demands of the future. Unlike Europe, the UK’s recent Net Zero For example, we are developing an 8-15kW PES: What about legislation? Review does not specify a target to make hybrid residential inverter and a 100kW rooftop solar a standard for buildings. Like commercial hybrid inverter. We see those TS: It is encouraging to see initiatives like the rest of the industry, we would urge the being crucial to the development of our REPowerEU, the European Commission’s Government to consider options for energy future as we move past oil and gas. plan to rapidly reduce dependence on including solar panels installation as part of Russian fossil fuels and fast forward the its retrofit support scheme. www.solisinverters.com green transition. When it launched in May 76 PES SOLAR

Solis Commercial & Industrial PV Inverter Solis-110K-5G Efficient Safe 10 MPPTs, Max. efficiency 98.7%, > 150% DC/AC ratio AFCI protection, proactively reduces fire risk High power tracking density 90MPPT/MW Built-in PID recovery for better module performance (optional) Compatible with bifacial modules Type I SPD for AC (optional) Smart Economic Night SVG function Power line communication (PLC) (optional) Intelligent string monitoring. Smart I-V curve scan Support \"Y\" type connection in DC side Remote firmware upgrade with simple operation Supports aluminium wire access to reduce cost www.solisinverters.com t: +44 (0)113 328 0870 | e: [email protected]

ASK THE EXPERTS The technology revolution of vegetation management With the growing season approaching, PES caught up with Renu Robotics’ CEO Tim Matus to find out the latest on autonomous technology in the solar industry and how it can help solve issues around vegetation while keeping costs and energy use in check. 78 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS PES: Tim, it’s always good to talk to you. PES: We note Renu is operating solar Tim Matus When we’ve spoken in the past, you’ve facilities at utility-scale across the US and always done a great job of bringing us up to we see industry projections of exponential TM: Yes, that’s right. The fact it can mow at speed on how Renu Robotics’ autonomous growth not only in the States, but also night has been a game changer for some technology is solving the solar industry’s globally. So with more bigger solar facilities O&M managers since it has never been done growing vegetation management problems. going online every year, that means more before. They like the fact that the grass can So what’s the latest on Renu and its plans acreage and growth potential? be mowed at night in a certain sector of the for 2023? facility before crews arrive in the morning for TM: Absolutely. Current projections estimate maintenance or repairs. This is an industrial Tim Matus: I’m happy to talk to PES again. there are more than one million acres in the machine that’s rugged, reliable and We continue to grow and we have a lot United States alone to maintain and that’s significantly cuts vegetation management planned for 2023. In the last year we’ve more growing as we speak, especially after the costs and carbon emissions. than doubled in size, while fulfilling orders for Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) became law. It’s existing customers and talking to new ones led to a massive amount of investment in the PES: You mentioned how Renu is learning all almost every day. In early 2019, there were a solar industry and incentivizes the time and with more Renubots now out in handful of us and now we’re 50+ employees decarbonization efforts, which favors a the field than at any time in your company’s and growing. We’re in the process of looking product like the all-electric Renubot. history, how have lessons learned translated for another building to expand our into the bot’s capability and performance? operations, engineering, manufacturing and Plus, with the Solar Investment Tax Credit Mission Control. (ITC), there’s a section that applies both to TM: It’s a good question and I’d start by commercial solar and utility-scale solar saying the Renubot was designed by solar Our primary core market remains US facilities. The combined IRA and ITC tax O&M professionals specifically for utility-scale solar power plants, but we’ve credits can save companies building new solar vegetation management on these locations. also entered the commercial airport market, facilities as much as 40 percent in some cases. This collective experience internally which we anticipate will continue to grow. On supported by conversations with asset the solar side, we’re operating in 16 states The growth of the solar industry is rapidly owners and O&M managers were the from Maine to Hawaii. expanding on every continent and is likely to guidelines we used in enhancing the Gen-3. do so for a decade or more. Even before the pandemic, there were labor shortages, It has a streamlined body frame that is only reliability issues, damages and safety and 28-inches high to safely mow under panels environmental concerns during routine and solar site infrastructure. The bot’s mowing at these facilities. The Renubot is powered by a high-energy lithium battery, so becoming the preferred solution. its weight is optimized utilizing the latest battery storage techniques and rapid- PES: It would seem like with the diversity of charging capabilities. It can mow 100 acres or the sites in the US, it’s a great opportunity more per month. We use the 5-5-5 rule as a to prove your worth. What does the general guide, meaning it takes five hours to timetable look like to expand in other parts fully charge and the bot can mow five acres of the world? during a five-hour span. TM: We’re getting almost daily enquiries When its lidar detects something in its path, from all over the world about when the maybe some equipment that has been left Renubot will be available abroad. That’s to behind, the bot stops, can go around it as well be determined based on several key as wait for the object to be removed. It can market-driven factors, but we’ll be mow a 15-degree incline with no problem, go expanding at some point in the future. through ditches and has a self-adjusting mowing deck, from 1.5 inches to 9.5 inches, Every day we continue to hone our for maximum flexibility. understanding of vegetation management issues on utility-scale solar plants. Every Its innovative features include controls for solar site is different in its design and energy usage optimization, self-diagnostics specifications, so the Renubot’s ability to navigate precisely is a prerequisite, considering the limited space between the rows of panels and the wiring underneath. We’ve developed artificial intelligence for autonomous operations and use multiple sensors for situational awareness. There are a number of other technological and communications capabilities that make it an autonomous vehicle unlike anything on the market today. Our Generation-3 is designed specifically for vegetation management on large solar plants and other energy facilities. Real-time Kinematic GPS provides horizontal accuracy within two centimeters. PES: We’ve noticed one differentiating factor with the Renubot is that it allows O&M managers the flexibility to mow at night, correct? W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 79

ASK THE EXPERTS and operational area setup. The bot’s level surface where it will sit, preferably on continuously monitor, control and update the enhanced environmental assessment concrete or a gravel base. bots in the field. System access can allow for capability will allow it to utilize data so it can security checks, software updates and learn and assess the facility infrastructure as When the bot approaches, the pod doors are adjusting maintenance schedules. it travels. opened and the bot slowly enters, connecting the charge contacts on the back Mission Control gives owners and operators The more discussion there is about climate of the bot and near the base of the pod. The peace of mind with a secured and encrypted change and the world’s use of renewable pod provides protection in all climates and is data flow, allowing for a high-level overview energy as it strives for a carbon-free normally equipped with three individual of their facilities’ maintenance plan. economy, the better it is for the fully converters for charging. A customer can add Whenever it’s convenient, asset owners and electric Renubot, which is great for the converters for a quicker charging cycle – up O&M providers can monitor performance, environment and certainly helps in the fight to six, in fact. But a pod with three converters location and schedules with computers, against climate change. is typical and its electrical setup can be either tablets or cell phones through the Mission standard AC or DC or both, depending on the Control customer portal. PES: You’ve spoken about the Renubot as a electrical availability. Robot as a Service or RaaS model. Besides This center allows for automatic reporting, the bot itself, what are the other If there’s an area where electricity isn’t readily triggering of alerts and allowing for text or components in the model? available, our Solar Charger is the solution. This email messages to be sent to any device. is the redesign of the original Solar Skid, but Mission Control also is linked to a Service TM: Many people are familiar with a SaaS now each skid is a more compact three-panel Management System, allowing for a seamless model for software, so our RaaS model is a configuration. The new configuration is three transition for ‘trouble tickets’ and complete system for vegetation skids together to comprise one solar charger, maintenance repair documentation. management. The Renubot can mow in the which is connected to the Recharge Pod. Each field anytime in a 24-hour period and when it skid is a self-ballasting unit that produces 1,200 It also offers automated predictive analytics completes its ‘cycle,’ it returns to its to 1,500 watts with a 5 to 25 kilowatt-hour through machine learning. This leverages the Recharge Pod to replenish its battery and can (kWh) battery storage option. If a customer built-in automated reporting and notification receive software updates there or in the field wants a faster charge, then we can add more system to alert users of reliability and/or from Mission Control. skids or another complete charger. It’s another maintenance concerns. environmentally friendly component that The Recharge Pod is 7.5 feet wide and 11 feet means O&M directors will never have to worry PES: Renu’s growth the last five years is long. It’s five feet in height, so the bot has about fuel spills again. certainly impressive. What’s on the horizon? plenty of room. It houses the electronics for charging and RTK communications. The pod The other critical piece we’ve built in the TM: There are several ideas being discussed weighs about 1,200 pounds and we RaaS model is Mission Control. It’s located in about the future of the Renubot and most are coordinate with customers so there’s a flat, Renu’s corporate offices where technicians in the categories of other O&M measures, such as cleaning, inspection or security. 80 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS When we’re talking to customers we’re also solution and it needed an ecosystem around for vegetation management, owning a fleet asking, ‘what do you need a bot to do for it, so we developed Mission Control for of Renubots makes fiscal sense. your facility?’ The answers are usually oversight and the solar charger for remote similar to the concepts I’ve mentioned and charging needs. We’ve responded to PES: Tim, thank you again for taking time to sometimes they’re not, but we’ll make customers’ requests on how Renubot can be give us an update on Renu Robotics’ growth. market-driven decisions in the end. a turn-key solution for their solar or energy We look forward to talking again soon. facility and have continuous oversight and Our new Solar Charger and the Recharge data collection that benefits the facility. TM: My pleasure and it’s always great talking Pod’s future modifications could range from to PES Solar. I look forward to catching up aesthetic design changes to standardization Giving customers flexibility is why we offer again in the future. of AC/DC charging capabilities. either ownership or a lease model. But when they compare what they’re currently paying www.renubot.com Mission Control will have the future expansion, which will range from enhanced reporting and mapping to video and image capture. There also will be far more data collection possibilities to help O&M managers. Additional real-time communications and chat capabilities between operators and a facility’s O&M staff also are being considered. We’re not only solving problems in the field, but Mission Control is giving owners and operators more confidence with a secured and encrypted data flow about their facilities’ maintenance. It’s true that more and more asset owners and O&M managers are realizing the Renubot can significantly cut maintenance costs and provide an invaluable carbon-free solution to their annual maintenance issues. PES: Would you agree that as the solar industry grows, technology will continue to develop to meet demand? TM: No doubt about it. We saw an increasing demand for vegetation management in which an industrial autonomous mower was the WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 81

TALKING POINT A simple and practical guide to solar panel maintenance Solar panel maintenance is crucial for ensuring that the installed photovoltaic (PV) system remains in great working condition, both now and in the future. Many problems with solar panels can go unnoticed for some time and may end up being quite costly to fix. There are a few ways you can ensure you’re taking good care of your solar panels. This guide breaks down each of the care methods into easy-to-follow steps. 82 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT Why do solar panels need to be maintained? moving parts, they’ll still require at least some The simplest way to check whether your kind of maintenance over the years. solar panels are functioning correctly is by Looking after your solar panels is critical checking the color of the lights on the control to ensure they continue generating How can the condition of solar panels box during daylight hours. This is when your electricity as efficiently as possible be monitored? solar panels are supposed to be generating throughout their lifecycle. electricity, and if this is the case, you should Sometimes you may not know there’s an see a green light on your inverter. If you Solar panels are static installations, and zero issue with your panels, since any dip in notice a red or orange light during the moving parts means that very little input is generation is usually substituted with power daytime, this means there’s some kind of actually required to ensure they’re looked after. from the electric grid. Fortunately, there are fault with your solar panel system, and you Of course, solar panels are subject to the several ways that you can easily monitor the should call a professional immediately. weather conditions of whatever region you or condition of your solar panels. However, it’s important to note that not all your business resides in. So, while they have no W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 83

TALKING POINT faults will show up on a string inverter display, Green is good, anything else, like orange, red You can clean the solar panels yourself with so you should still be manually checking your or flashing red, is an indication that something products that you probably already have at panels where possible. has gone wrong. This could be anything from home. The challenging part of doing it an energy overload to component damage yourself is actually reaching the roof, and the Another easy way to monitor the health of your from the environment. If you notice that your surface of each panel can be cleaned with solar panels is simply to have a look at them inverter no longer shows a green light during warm water and dish soap. from time to time. Generally, issues occur in daylight hours, you should get in touch with solar panels due to either panel damage or your installation company or a qualified If you’re unable to safely reach your solar obstructions like shade, dust, or bird droppings. professional as soon as possible. panels, then you may want to call in a Microinverters feature module-level professional. Your panel provider or monitoring, which means they are able to Step three: remove any debris installation company should be able to detect damage, shade, dust and droppings by recommend a cleaner to you and may do so analyzing data from each panel. However, Over time, debris from the surrounding area during the installation. string inverters can only detect some instances will no doubt begin to build up on your solar of damage, and are unable to detect issues like panels. It’s unavoidable. We’ll talk you How often should you maintain solar panels? shade, dust, or droppings. If you have a string through how to properly clean your panels in inverter system, you’ll want to keep an eye on the next section. But if you’re living The installation is just one step of the your panels all year round to ensure that there’s somewhere that’s predisposed to high winds process. The lifetime of a solar panel is no damage, dirt, shade, or droppings stopping or tornadoes, sometimes larger items such around 25 years with good and proper care, the panels from picking up the sun’s rays. as branches might collect on or under your and your solar panels need to be maintained panels. These must be removed before they throughout each of those 25 years. You can Keeping track of a drop in electricity cause bigger issues like dislodged follow the steps above to ensure that you’re generation may help you monitor how well components or damaged panels. Even if your doing what you can to keep your investment your solar panels are performing. While region doesn’t experience windy weather, in good working order. digital screens were once a popular method you should make sure to inspect your solar of monitoring solar panel performance, panel system regularly, just in case. You can monitor the health of your PV they’ve become less so in recent years due to system by checking that the light on your their typically short lifespans. Now, it’s more Step four: record solar panel performance inverter displays green during the day and common for users to have access to all the keeping an eye on the panels to ensure they information they need on a mobile app. You can monitor the health of your solar don’t look dirty or obstructed. You should be panels by logging on to your online account following these steps every couple of weeks How to maintain solar panels or viewing performance data on the digital at least, to ensure you’re spotting any issues device that comes with your installation. But as soon as possible. Step one: Keep your panels out of the shade how do you know when to call for help? You should keep a record of readings on a regular Aside from those simple steps you can take It sounds like common sense, but perhaps basis, rather than just glancing over at the to monitor your panels, you can also record the solar panels were installed many years figures once or twice a year. Most inverters their performance. We would recommend ago and the area has since become built up offer accessible data about the system’s noting down any important data from your with greenery. If you begin to notice greenery energy production. Keeping an up-to-date online account or the digital device in your is gaining on your solar panels’ surface area record of your solar energy readings can help home at least monthly, in order to quickly at any point in the day, you should take action you identify dips in performance very quickly. detect any changes in electricity generation. as soon as possible. Make sure the panels are And acting quickly is critical for ensuring that unobscured and get that fresh Vitamin D small issues don’t grow into big problems. How much does it cost to maintain during daylight hours. solar panels? How to clean your solar panels Step two: check your inverters Most people are aware that the upfront cost Despite the fact that solar panels are often of installing solar panels can be quite high, The most common point of failure for any solar located on the roof of a property, they are but many are seldom sure of the solar panel panel system is the inverter. This is the device surprisingly easy to clean. Cleaning your PV maintenance costs involved. Luckily, the that converts the direct current (DC) energy system is crucial for maintenance, and you maintenance on solar panels is relatively from your panels into usable alternating should avoid waiting until you identify a inexpensive given their longevity. Many users current (AC) power for your household. If the potential problem to clean them. We advise will only have to pay for a regular professional inverter fails, your solar panels may not work as that you clean your panels regularly, at least a cleaner, or for a visit from a technician if any they are supposed to. As mentioned above, few times a year, to ensure that you’re issues arise. However, if you find yourself checking the light on your inverter is an easy maintaining their optimal working condition. needing a repair, this can cost you as much as way to monitor the health of your solar panels. $200-300 per panel, so it’s definitely good practice to keep on top of maintenance. Are solar panels worth the investment? Despite the relatively high installation costs, solar panels can help you realize significant cost reductions on your energy bills, and they often pay themselves off in electricity generated over the course of their lifespan. Additionally, the cost of maintaining PV systems is typically low when you follow all the steps outlined in this guide. As long as you’re keeping an eye on dirt build-up, checking your inverter is fully functioning and recording solar panel performance, you shouldn’t end up paying out lots of money on replacement panels. www.hoymiles.com 84 PES SOLAR





SAFE & SMART RESIDENTIAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ELS-5K POWER NOMINAL POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM 5000VA Off-grid PV function EFFICIENCY UP TO Connect up to 4 battery units in parallel to 20kWh+ 96.5% Connect to 48V low battery voltage input 3 innovative modes : Backup, Self-consumption & Peak Valley EEMMEEAA.A.APPSYSSYTSETMEMS.C.COOMM

ASK THE EXPERTS Moving in to top gear with EVs Fuel prices are rising exponentially across the world and demand for cleaner, cheaper electric vehicles is growing. We thought it was a good time to catch up with Soltaro CEO Tynan Coles, to get his take on the market, the opportunities it presents for the solar industry and what uptake has been like so far. PES: Welcome to PES Tynan, thanks for Tynan Coles: Soltaro is a 100% Australian head office, along with our core business, taking the time to speak with us. It would be owned and operated solar battery research and development and design team useful to begin with some brief background manufacturer, having a combined 30+ are based there. to Soltaro, for readers who may not be years’ experience in the renewable aware, if you wouldn’t mind? industry. We started in Australia and our We now have offices in Australia, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Portugal and South 88 PES SOLAR

ASK THE EXPERTS Africa, with an expanding network of momentum for a while now hasn’t it? How Tynan Coles approved installers and partners worldwide. has it been evolving from your point of view and why? consideration to purchase a new petrol In 2016, Soltaro opened its own battery vehicle over an EV. The running costs are manufacturing and assembly facility. We TC: Yes, it’s been evolving quite rapidly over much cheaper too, so we just need to get the offer our customers a selection of unique the past couple of years. Tesla has done a lot of overall purchase price down to see a greater energy saving battery solutions of the work to promote its EVs and now other car deployment of EVs. highest quality. Our experienced R&D team manufacturers are following in their footsteps. are passionate innovators, dedicated to It’s created a more competitive market which their craft. ultimately is making the investment for an EV cheaper. This will allow more people to make PES: There has been much focus in the the switch to an EV sooner. news of course around the energy crisis, how do you see the rise of EV helping with Another barrier was the amount of charging this potentially? points for EVs. Every day, countries are investing in new EV charging infrastructure so TC: Switching from petrol to electric vehicles that it’s practical to travel in your EV to is a must if we are going to meet our carbon wherever you need without the worry of emission reduction targets. In some sense, running your battery empty. There is still a with the increase in petrol costs, people are long way to go before charging points are as being forced into making the change to EVs available as petrol pumps, but we are heading sooner than they would have liked. However, in the right direction at a reasonably rapid rate. once they make the change, they’ll never regret it. Not only are they saving the PES: Is cost the biggest problem and the environment, but their running costs become main consideration for your customers? considerably lower too. TC: At this stage, yes. If electric vehicles PES: The expansion of EV has been gaining were cheaper then it wouldn’t even be a WWW.PESSOLAR.COM 89

ASK THE EXPERTS Supply chains are also a major problem. TC: Soltaro has just released its 7kW single proving popular, or is there more to be done Many people are waiting over 12 months phase and 22kW three phase EV charger. Our to increase interest here? from the date of purchase before they EV chargers are compatible with our smart receive their EV. Some people need a new software that can control the EV charger TC: I feel that the increased uptake in EVs will vehicle now, so purchasing an EV is just not based on multiple factors. For example, we make it more feasible for workplaces to an option in this circumstance. have a solar-only mode, where it will ramp up install EV charging stations. I believe that and down the charge rate based on how much once EVs become more common, the PES: Are your customers also mindful of excess solar is available at the site. Energy workplace will be the most practical place to the environmental advantages of tariffs can also be tracked so the EV charges charge your EV. It makes the most sense as switching to EV? at the lowest tariffs only, to avoid any high we can utilize the cheapest form of tariff peaks. This is all done automatically renewable energy in solar power while people TC: Most definitely. The overall costs for a through our software, once you have are at work. petrol vehicle, including running costs, are specified the parameters and modes you still much less than an EV. I believe most would like the charger to work in. If you charge your car at home, then you need people make the switch because of the to rely on battery power, or lower overnight environmental advantages, rather than being PES: Is workplace charging for businesses tariffs to maintain lower charging costs. This driven by cost at this point. still doesn’t compare to excess solar power PES: As the EV market evolves are you witnessing different types of EV charging coming through too? TC: The EV chargers themselves are pretty settled in the design of what has been previously available. However, what we are seeing coming through now are different types of ways to utilize the actual EV charger. There is progression in these areas, such as only utilising excess solar, or taking advantage of tariffs that the utilities offer to use power at certain times of the day. For example, in Australia there is an energy company that offers free power between 12pm and 2pm every day. This is a perfect opportunity to charge your car for free, which ultimately assists the utilities by taking power off the grid when there is generally an oversupply of solar. PES: Can you give some examples of your latest products? 90 PES SOLAR

STILL USING XENON? INvEST SMarTEr! MBJ LED Sun Simulator No lamp change ■ Minimum maintenance effort ■ Excellent spectrum and stability ■ rOI < 3 years MBJ Solutions GmbH +49 4102 778 90 10 Jochim-Klindt-Straße 7 [email protected] DE-22926 Ahrensburg www.mbj-solutions.com solutions to meet the needs

ASK THE EXPERTS that is generated throughout the day whilst PES: For the solar industry in particular, are you think the future holds for EV, you are at work. I can see a model where the there benefits to be gained from EV here? If particularly in terms of the solar industry? property owner sells its excess solar to staff so, what are the main advantages? that are working at their premises at a TC: The future for EVs is very bright. It’s significantly discounted rate. This means TC: EVs create many opportunities for the going to provide greater flexibility for the that the property owner gets a better return solar industry. The major issue the solar solar industry, through smart technology, on their solar PV investment and the staff are industry has now is that new solar PV with almost double the amount of solar reducing their car charging costs. generators are creating problems for energy generation. We can also start using EVs as a distribution networks. When the solar is not remote power source or even in a blackout. PES: Is it possible do you think for the being consumed by the site, the excess solar With the current energy crisis, I believe the technology and production to keep up can cause an oversupply which leaves the transition to EVs will be fast tracked with at with demand? network operators the only option of limiting least 90% of new vehicles purchased in 2030 the solar export. EVs can take that excess to be EVs. TC: I don’t think production can keep up solar off the grid creating an opportunity for with demand at this stage. While the energy more solar PV generators to be installed. PES: And for Soltaro? Do you have new crisis is driving the fuel costs up, there is products in the pipeline that you are able to going to be a greater demand for EVs than PES: What can be done, do you think, to give us an idea of? the market can supply. It may take a couple incentivise more people to switch to EV? of years for the EV manufacturing market to Are there grants and other incentives TC: We have just launched our single phase be able to supply enough EVs to keep up available that might help? and three phase EV charger. In September we with demand. will be launching our 3 Phase All In One ESS. TC: The major difference in cost for new EVs This will include an inverter range from That said, the technology is available now. versus petrol vehicles, is the battery. Over 5kW-12kW and a battery range from 16kWh What we need to see is more utility companies the life of the vehicle, the running costs can to 32kWh. Our US All In One ESS will then be working with smart technology companies to recoup the initial costs of the battery in the launched by the start of next year. This will be help stabilize the grid through an EV charging EV. In effect, you’re paying for the running the last one needed to cover all domestic and network. This will allow a more stable energy costs for the life of the vehicle up front in an small commercial solar battery applications. grid and allow more opportunities for new EV. A way to subsidize an EV could be with an renewable energy generators. interest free loan on the battery costs, Our smart software is also coming along bringing the up-front cost of the EV in line nicely, with new features becoming available PES: What measures are you taking at with a petrol vehicle. The loan could then be every few months. The next feature will be Soltaro to ensure this is the case? paid back annually with the savings you make our arbitrage model which can better utilize from your EV running costs. This would then batteries based on the wholesale pricing the TC: Our in-house software developers are allow everyone to transition to an EV when utilities offer. We should see this available on constantly working on improving the they purchase a new vehicle. our software platform well before the end of functionality of our smart software so this year. utilities can have access to our EV charger PES: This is a growing market for sure, and network through their servers. one that holds enormous potential. What do www.soltaro.com 92 PES SOLAR

Ultimate STORAGE ENERGY your when needed • Lithium Ion Phosphate chemistry, one of the safest lithium technology available today. • Cycle Life, up to 3500 cycles at 100% DoD. • Embedded BMS developed with a multitude of safety features and measuring points • Front LCD screen, easy accessible menu driven display. • Fast charge capability of up to 1C offers unparalleled charging performance on single unit mode. • Modbus and Canbus communication available. ...covering your needs for Renewable Energy Storage Our Leoch Lithium 48V100MB is our answer to the ever increasing requirement for renewable energy storage. Lithium-Ion batteries offer greater cyclic abilities and longer design life. This series boast extreme safety with its built in BMS and allows user to get the most out of their system thanks to the front LCD screen. 19-inch rack mounting design facilitate easy replacement in existing installations and easy maintenance. For enquires please contact LEOCH BATTERY UK LTD. By phone on 01858 433 330, email us at [email protected] or visit our website www.leochbattery.co.uk

THINK TANK Making the difference with ultra-black glass Growth is rapid, demand is strong and technology is advancing, but letting high standards slip now is an unthinkable option for those companies who are innovating in the solar sector. Ultra-black double-glass panels present an opportunity to offer customers the best of all worlds, but where might this innovation go next? 94 PES SOLAR

THINK TANK Belinus is a premium brand oriented on Placing importance on offering solar Higher efficiency results in better panel high-end customers to give them secure, solutions that deliver customer satisfaction performance trustworthy solar solutions. Its portfolio and build trust, all its products are currently includes three products: M8 IBC manufactured in Tier 1 factories, to exacting Aside from quality, what makes Belinus ultra-black double-glass, M8 HJT double-glass European quality standards. The business is different from others on the market? and M7 ultra-black double-glass, alongside two confident that it has achieved this too, as in Importantly, it is the only company offering solar energy storage batteries: Energiewall LV addition to its high quality modules, it also IBC Ultra-black double-glass solar panels 10 kWh and Energiewall HV 11 kWh. provides an unmatched all-in-one, complete under the M8 name, while also offering M7 system warranty covering 35 years for ultra-black double-glass panels too. As a brand, it is on a mission to create a better modules and 12 years for batteries. home concept for its high-end clients. Belinus’ new solar panel is manufactured with the IBC and glass-glass technology and provides an ultra-high efficiency of as much as 22%. Practicalities aside, the ultra-black design also provides an elegant look and status on your roof. Suitable for private roofs, commercial and industrial applications, the M8 ultra black double glass module, measuring 166 x 83 mm, consists of N-type IBC, with 120 cells. IBC stands for Interdigitated Back Contact, which means that the solar cells have contact points on both the front and back of the panel. This reduces shading at the front of the cell, which in turn increases efficiency. The M7 ultra-black double glass module, measuring 166 x 83 mm also consists of 120 cells and has an efficiency of 21% and a temperature co-efficient of 0.27%/C°. Although the maximum power of M7 panels is slightly higher than that of the M8 IBC panels, this does not necessarily mean that the M7 panels are better. Another important factor is the efficiency of the panels. Higher efficiency results in better panel performance. In particular, the N-type silicon cells are better than P-type silicon cells because the temperature coefficient is lower and the power degradation over time is less. The yield plays an important role in determining the surface area of the roof. Panels with a higher efficiency generate more energy per square meter and therefore require less surface area. This is perfect for roofs with a small surface area. The temperature co-efficient also affects the total power of the panels. When the temperature of a solar panel exceeds 25C°, the solar panel power will decrease according to the temperature coefficient value. At a lower value, the performance of the panel is higher. This means that M8 IBC panels have an advantage over M7 panels in this case. The temperature co-efficient is important, but not the only factor to consider when calculating the long-term performance of your solar system. As mentioned earlier, the efficiency of the panels, the energy production capacity and the rate of degradation over time should also be considered. Although the maximum power of the M7 panel is 10W higher, the M8 IBC is still better than the M7. Mainly because of the higher panel efficiency, the lower temperature coefficient and the fact that there is no potential induced (PID) or light-induced degradation (LID). W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M 95

THINK TANK In a period of very fast growth and high demand, the objective remains to maintain the highest quality standards and keep the promise to its end users. Whatever the weather storing solar energy, is on track to more than the market, such as the Energiewall LV 10 double this year. kWh and Energiewall HV 11 kWh. Solar panels still generate electricity on cloudy, rainy days or in foggy weather. A little And it’s not just the demand for solar panels In short, the future of solar is bright and bit of snow is even good for cleaning solar and clean energy that’s growing. Demand for Belinus will keep it up, supporting European panels, and the snow doesn’t impede their better batteries to store that solar energy to companies in designing solar panels and production significantly since some sunlight use later is growing too. Technology is managing supply chain risks and working hard can still pass through a thin coat of snow. And catching up. Because of all the interest in to fulfill its mission to turn buildings into because the panels are typically installed at storage now and interest in going green, power plants with its energy modules. an angle to help with sun reflection, the tilt of long-duration batteries are starting to enter the panels also acts as a slide for the snow to https://belinus.be/en/ naturally fall off. A big snow storm with a large blanket of snow around your home and street could increase your solar production because the sun reflecting off the snow acts as a mirror, boosting the intensity of the sunlight reaching your panels. Most solar panels are produced to withstand an average-sized hail storm and winds of about 50 mph. There is always a chance that severe weather, such as large hail, lightning or hurricane-force winds, could damage a residential solar energy system, but these situations are rare. Cooler, sunny days are the most efficient in terms of solar energy production. However, in the northeast, cold, sunny days are equated with late fall, winter and early spring, which also means shorter daylight hours. So while energy production is at an optimum peak, the number of hours that sunlight is hitting the panels is at its lowest point of the year. Belinus partner installers calculate annual, monthly and seasonal shading percentages at home which allow them and us to design a system that meets your specific energy needs. The future is brighter with solar So in a fast-moving industry where demand is growing rapidly, what’s next for Belinus? It’s R&D team, naturally, is always striving to stay ahead of industry trends, with two new PV modules currently in the planning stages. In a period of very fast growth and high demand, the objective remains to maintain the highest quality standards and keep the promise to its end users. In terms of where the market may go next, Photovoltaics (PV) and concentrating solar power are likely to continue to grow rapidly. Also, battery capacity, which is critical for 96 PES SOLAR

The world's only producer of ultra-black double-glass IBC PV modules 35yr 35yr 35yr Product Performance Service warranty warranty warranty Power 400W www.belinus.be E ciency 22%

TALKING POINT Kindling hope with the power of the sun © Energie Solaire 85 Shifting environmental factors constantly challenge the efficiency of solar arrays; dust, debris and shade can drastically lower power output. With a conventional ‘string’ inverter system, the least-performing module determines the productivity of the entire array. APsystems’ microinverters give more power, independently optimizing the output from each solar module, something that will no doubt be welcome in the shift towards carbon-free living. 98 PES SOLAR

TALKING POINT In this period of global energy crisis against solar power growth increased by 47% from microinverters to make the best technology a backdrop of tensions and conflicts, solar 28.1 GW in 2021. available to all. technology continues to nurture the hope of our ability to implement progress towards a APsystems’ mission is part of this world Microinverter systems are traditionally carbon-free world. A world in which energy vision, where innovation continues to push known to bring many benefits to residential will be accessible to as many people as the limits, creating new applications and solar rooftops. They eliminate shading possible. According to Solar Power Europe, accelerating energy transitions around the problems, offer installation flexibility, the EU added a record-breaking 41.4 GW of globe. With over 3 GW of microinverters maximize energy production, and the user solar power in 2022. The new capacity delivered worldwide and customers in more can rely on safety by opting for a Plug and is equivalent to the power needs of than 100 countries, the group, now listed on Play system. This last advantage has also led 12.4 million European homes. Annual EU the Shanghai stock exchange, continues to to the development of new uses with offer innovative multi-module individuals wishing to implement their own energy production at home; the emergence of what is commonly called the ‘Do It 99 Yourself’ segment. From standalone balcony systems in Germany With a growing awareness that power cuts could occur in Europe since the start of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, the already strong demand for solar energy for homes has accelerated further since winter 2022. In Germany, for example, micro- installations for balconies have increased in popularity. This type of application, favored by local legislation authorizing direct injection into the home’s electrical network of up to 600 watts from solar energy, allows families to reduce their energy bill covering all or part of the related needs of a refrigerator, air conditioning system or washing machine, for example. Thus, every family can now guard against energy shortages without having to make a substantial investment beforehand, due to it being a very small installation. The microinverter is by nature ideal for this type of application, and there is very strong demand for dual microinverters for this type of solution in Germany in particular. On the strength of this DIY demand, the company also plans to introduce a range of microinverters that are even easier to put into service, with integrated wifi technology enabling a direct connection with the user’s internet router, to control the correct functioning of the installation or to proceed with upgrades of the electrical grid. This range of microinverters is scheduled to launch in Germany in the spring of this year. To switching 22 gas-powered apartments to solar in the Netherlands Driven more generally by self-consumption, now a well understood energy use case demanded by people across the globe, the microinverter continues to be adopted by system owners to cover residential and commercial rooftops. Professionals no longer hesitate in choosing microinverters for larger projects, combining rooftops and sometimes cladding. For example, a recent 88 kWp project in the Netherlands used 110 DS3 microinverters to switch 22 gas- powered apartments to clean electricity from solar, including hot water and heating. W W W.P E S S O L A R .C O M

TALKING POINT Erik de Zwart from Zonnepaneel Zeeland, the few on the west and south. In this way, every stations via solar powered carports led to installer in charge of this project, explains: ‘It home is guaranteed a minimum yield. many debates in the National Assembly in was decided to connect every home to 10 France. It finally resulted in legislation last solar panels. Together, these would provide ‘Actually, connecting all those panels with December that outdoor car parks of more 4,000 watts peak to each residence. different orientations together with a string than 1,500 m² will have to be equipped with However, space was lacking, and the roof would have never worked. The flexibility photovoltaic structures by 2028. offered too little capacity. So I considered offered by the DS3 dual microinverters from completing the solar powered roof with a APsystems ensured that every home would As APsystems introduced the QT2 at the end cladding project for 20 panels which, get an optimal ‘solar power generation of 2022, its second generation of native according to our calculations, was the package’ to cover its boiler and heating.’ three-phase quad microinverters, the above optimum size of the installation. However, example in France is an illustration of how the a new challenge arose. How do you divide all C&I solar for supermarket car parks C&I solar segment is evolving. It is paving the those panels among the residents in a fair in France way for a new generation of rooftop solar way? We chose the ideal mix. Each house systems, leveraging at an affordable price received 10 panels, some on the east, also a Converting unused parking spaces across the most advanced communication and supermarkets in France into clean energy conversion technologies embedded in APsystems microinverters like the QT2. Some design offices, EPCs and developers have considered the use of microinverters for large rooftops only when a shading problem appears. The belief remains that it is too expensive compared to a string inverter, but the reality is quite different. A native three-phase microinverter like the QT2 guarantees on the one hand a perfect phase balance while connecting four modules of 500 or 600 watts per device. Therefore, for a 100 KW installation, only 25 microinverters are needed. They guarantee optimum production from each of the PV modules independently, without any impact on the panel located next to it. Cleaning of the panels, frequently needed for this type of installation with string inverters, is now much less of a priority, since each panel operates independently. This is a definite benefit for the project owner in terms of cost. Because microinverters produce more power while requiring minimal maintenance, the 100 PES SOLAR