Technology and engineering

Posts about Technology and engineering

How does far shading affect solar plant efficiency?
Technology and engineering

How does far shading affect solar plant efficiency?

Discover the impact of the far shading / Horizon effect on solar plant efficiency and learn how RatedPower’s Horizon Importer helps optimize PV installations for maximum performance
Top 5 Solar Inverters used in pvDesign
Technology and engineering

Top 5 Solar Inverters used in pvDesign

Read this post to discover the five most popular solar inverters used in utility-scale PV projects. We look at specifications, features, popularity based on regional use, and more.
16 May, 23UPDATED 17 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
Utility-scale solar plants in desert climates
Technology and engineering

Utility-scale solar plants in desert climates

Deserts would seem to have the ideal conditions for a solar plant. But what are the advantages and challenges for large-scale PV projects in desert climates?
6 Sep, 22UPDATED 9 May, 23Jim Vaughan
The potential for solar PV to enhance hydropower plants
Technology and engineering

The potential for solar PV to enhance hydropower plants

Adding floating solar photovoltaic panels to hydropower plants can maximize electricity generation efficiency. Read on to find out the latest developments.
25 Nov, 21UPDATED 9 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
Why are renewables being blamed for energy blackouts?
Technology and engineering

Why are renewables being blamed for energy blackouts?

Fear of blackouts as the renewable percentage increases and grid stabilization solutions.
30 Jun, 21UPDATED 9 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
The state of PV recycling: Building a solar circular economy
Technology and engineering

The state of PV recycling: Building a solar circular economy

What happens to solar panels when they reach the end of their lifespan? Unfortunately, many end up in landfills. Find out what steps are being taken to improve solar recycling.
15 Mar, 21UPDATED 9 May, 23Gabriel Cañadas
The bright side of cold weather: solar panels efficiency
Technology and engineering

The bright side of cold weather: solar panels efficiency

With our current snow storms in Europe, it is interesting to see that, unless extreme weather conditions, the cold may have its efficiencies in solar generation.
9 Feb, 21UPDATED 9 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
Cable sizing: Soil resistivity and temperature
Technology and engineering

Cable sizing: Soil resistivity and temperature

How do soil conditions affect the cable requirements in a solar photovoltaic plant? Here, we’ll dive into how RatedPower’s pvDesign can help you account for the impact.
6 Dec, 22UPDATED 9 May, 23Altair Veiga
Solar cell efficiency and how to improve it
Technology and engineering

Solar cell efficiency and how to improve it

Cell conversion efficiency is an essential metric for PV design. Here we look at how to improve solar cell efficiency to make your PV plant more productive.
3 Nov, 22UPDATED 9 May, 23Altair Veiga
Meeting the challenges (and exploring the solutions) of grid saturation
Technology and engineering

Meeting the challenges (and exploring the solutions) of grid saturation

Grid saturation is causing a number of problems around the world. Read on to find out what these challenges are, what’s causing them, and some of the solutions to overcome them.
29 Oct, 21UPDATED 9 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
Surge Protection Device (SPD): What is of utmost necessity for a solar plant?
Technology and engineering

Surge Protection Device (SPD): What is of utmost necessity for a solar plant?

PV design should always consider the risk and impact of potential electrical surges. Here we look at how to protect your plant against this issue — including the use of SPD.
7 Nov, 22UPDATED 8 May, 23Hassan Farhat
Rare metals in the photovoltaic industry
Technology and engineering

Rare metals in the photovoltaic industry

What role do rare earths and minor metals play in the clean energy industry? What are the alternatives emerging for solar photovoltaic technologies?
23 Sep, 21UPDATED 8 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
How cloud computing is transforming the renewable energy industry
Technology and engineering

How cloud computing is transforming the renewable energy industry

What is the role of cloud computing in the renewable energy sector? Here, we look at how cloud technology is transforming the industry.
27 Jun, 22UPDATED 8 May, 23Maksym Kharuk
Cybersecurity in solar plants: how to keep solar power supplies secure
Technology and engineering

Cybersecurity in solar plants: how to keep solar power supplies secure

As technology evolves, so do the risks of cyber attacks. But what does cybersecurity look like for the solar industry in particular? Read on to find out.
11 Nov, 21UPDATED 8 May, 23Annhelen Cervera
How 3D mapping is revolutionizing renewable energy and engineering
Technology and engineering

How 3D mapping is revolutionizing renewable energy and engineering

3D mapping is giving developers new capabilities in optimizing energy installations. Use the new 3D feature in Rated Power’s pvDesign software to plan your next solar project.
11 May, 21UPDATED 8 May, 23Laura Rodríguez
Choosing PV structures: Trackers vs Fixed vs East-West (Case study inside!)
Technology and engineering

Choosing PV structures: Trackers vs Fixed vs East-West (Case study inside!)

Choosing the right PV structure for your project leads directly to greater efficiency, power output, and ROI. In this post, we outline the three main PV plant structures and share RatedPower analysis of their performance.
19 Jul, 22UPDATED 26 Apr, 23Bernardino Martin
AC vs DC-coupled BESS: the pros and cons
Technology and engineering

AC vs DC-coupled BESS: the pros and cons

AC or DC coupling refers to the way in which solar panels are linked to the BESS (battery energy storage systems). Here we compare the pros and cons of each.
31 Aug, 22UPDATED 24 Apr, 23Natalia Opie
Cable standards: Important criteria and differences between countries
Technology and engineering

Cable standards: Important criteria and differences between countries

Breaking down how the IEC, NEC, AS and GB cable standards differ from each other and their characteristics.
22 Apr, 21UPDATED 24 Apr, 23Álvaro Pajares
How pvDesign can help you to finance your PV projects
Technology and engineering

How pvDesign can help you to finance your PV projects

Financing a new solar photovoltaic project takes time and effort, and there are many variables to consider. In this blog, we’ll look at the steps involved in planning and financing a new PV installation, as well as how pvDesign from RatedPower can help you plan your finances and acquire investment.
Photovoltaic and rail transportation: Is it the future, or a failure waiting to happen?
Technology and engineering

Photovoltaic and rail transportation: Is it the future, or a failure waiting to happen?

What is the potential for installing solar energy systems in railway networks? Is it viable to run trains from rooftop PV panels on a large scale?
Challenges of integrating renewables into today’s power grids
Policy and regulation

Challenges of integrating renewables into today’s power grids

What are some of the challenges grid operators face in the clean energy transition and what are some practical solutions?
The refurbishment of a PV plant that has passed its expected lifetime
Technology and engineering

The refurbishment of a PV plant that has passed its expected lifetime

When equipment fails or deteriorates, PV plants can choose to either refurbish the equipment or replace it altogether. But which is the better route to take?
Flat PV panels: 6 advantages and drawbacks
Technology and engineering

Flat PV panels: 6 advantages and drawbacks

What are the advantages and drawbacks of installing flat solar photovoltaic (PV) panels without a fixed or tracker mounting structure?
Lifecycle analysis of a PV plant: Carbon footprints and recycling modules
Technology and engineering

Lifecycle analysis of a PV plant: Carbon footprints and recycling modules

How does lifecycle analysis work for solar photovoltaic (PV) plants?
Ultimate guide to utility-scale PV system losses
Technology and engineering

Ultimate guide to utility-scale PV system losses

What are solar PV system losses and how can you avoid them to maximize the electrical output from your utility-scale plant project?
Why Hydrogen Fuel is fundamental to clean energy targets
Technology and engineering

Why Hydrogen Fuel is fundamental to clean energy targets

Renewable energy such as wind and solar is crucial to the adoption of hydrogen fuel for meeting clean energy targets for heavy industry. Read on to find out more.
21 Jun, 21UPDATED 13 Dec, 22Laura Rodríguez
A guide through semi-transparent solar cells
Technology and engineering

A guide through semi-transparent solar cells

How do transparent solar cells work and what are the pros and cons of using them in PV projects?
Solar Power Technologies that rocked it in 2022
Technology and engineering

Solar Power Technologies that rocked it in 2022

What are the trends and technologies that will drive the expansion of solar energy in the next few years?
28 Oct, 21UPDATED 14 Nov, 22Avalon Siegel
The importance of solar irradiance and meteorological data for PV design
Technology and engineering

The importance of solar irradiance and meteorological data for PV design

Solar irradiance — the power of solar radiation measured in W/m2 — is an essential metric when designing a PV system.
How to design overhead power lines for utility-scale green energy
Technology and engineering

How to design overhead power lines for utility-scale green energy

Overhead power lines play a vital role in the overall green energy infrastructure. Here we outline how to design overhead lines using pvDesign software.
The power of battery storage: Evolution and alternatives
Technology and engineering

The power of battery storage: Evolution and alternatives

Alternatives to batteries are on the rise. Read on to find out how the development of battery storage technologies is integral to the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.
7 Jun, 21UPDATED 28 Jul, 22Laura Rodríguez
Solar mounting structure construction methods
Technology and engineering

Solar mounting structure construction methods

The success of a PV installation relies on solar panel mounting systems. Here we discuss the four-step approach to selecting the right mounting structure for your PV project.
What is carbon capture — and can it be a climate change solution?
Technology and engineering

What is carbon capture — and can it be a climate change solution?

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is seen as a viable way of minimizing the energy industry’s impact on the environment. But how effective is CCS as a climate change solution?
How to design an optimal solar PV system
Technology and engineering

How to design an optimal solar PV system

Roll up your sleeves and learn how to design an optimal solar PV system. Get a perfect project layout easily with pvDesign.
9 Sep, 20UPDATED 31 May, 22Maïlys Babin
Artificial Intelligence in Renewable Energy
Technology and engineering

Artificial Intelligence in Renewable Energy

What role can artificial intelligence play in advancing the renewable energy sector?
25 May, 22UPDATED 26 May, 22Meyer Montagner
What is the pitch distance and why is it important?
Technology and engineering

What is the pitch distance and why is it important?

What is the pitch distance and what effect does it have on solar PV plant output and efficiency?
DC/AC ratio: How to choose the right size solar inverter?
Technology and engineering

DC/AC ratio: How to choose the right size solar inverter?

Let's dive into the DC/AC ratio of a PV system —and why it is important when designing it.
The era of standalone energy yield software is ending
Technology and engineering

The era of standalone energy yield software is ending

Let's take a look at the foundations of PV system energy yield calculations, the history of standalone EY tools and the benefit from integrating design, engineering and energy yield in one tool
21 Dec, 21UPDATED 19 Apr, 22Gregory Rosen
How to clean solar panels: 5 tried and tested ways
Technology and engineering

How to clean solar panels: 5 tried and tested ways

Why should you clean solar panels? And, how can you clean to maintain their optimum power efficiency? Read on to find out.
6 Jul, 21UPDATED 8 Apr, 22Laura Rodríguez
Cabling solar installations for maximum efficiency
Technology and engineering

Cabling solar installations for maximum efficiency

The way that cables are laid out in a solar power plant can affect its performance and return on investment. Here’s how.
27 Dec, 21UPDATED 28 Mar, 22Álvaro Pajares
How to battle soiling losses with pvDesign
Technology and engineering

How to battle soiling losses with pvDesign

How do soiling losses affect the output from a solar energy system and how can Rated Power’s pvDesign help to account for them in a PV project?
Limiting shading losses to maximize solar power output
Technology and engineering

Limiting shading losses to maximize solar power output

What are shading losses in a solar energy system? What causes shading? How can RatedPower help to account for them in a solar project?
15 Feb, 22UPDATED 17 Feb, 22Natalia Opie
Bifacial modules: a comprehensive guide on financial and technical performance of the next hot thing in solar
Technology and engineering

Bifacial modules: a comprehensive guide on financial and technical performance of the next hot thing in solar

Looking into the economic aspects of bifacials such as the current industry situation, market leaders, key world regions, LCOE, bifacial modules' history and the future of the solar photovoltaic market with special attention to bifacial solar panels compared to monofacial.
26 Feb, 21UPDATED 24 Jan, 22Laura Rodríguez
The importance of meteorology in solar plant design & how to perform meteorology analysis
Technology and engineering

The importance of meteorology in solar plant design & how to perform meteorology analysis

The meteorology of the location plays an important part in solar panel plant design. Read on to find out what to look out for in meteorological analysis.
Learn PV substation engineering and design automation with pvDesign
Technology and engineering

Learn PV substation engineering and design automation with pvDesign

Do you know why and how a solar farm connects to the grid? pvDesign automatically generates the best solution for an interconnection facility and chooses between a switching and breaking station, a line to transformer substation or a single/double busbar substations.
How to design a PV plant with topography restrictions
Technology and engineering

How to design a PV plant with topography restrictions

When it comes to designing solar plant projects, the topography is incredibly important. Read on to find out how to best plan your solar project with topography restrictions
22 Nov, 21UPDATED 2 Dec, 21Mario Bennekers
Green airports challenge for operators: How to support complex design decisions?
Technology and engineering

Green airports challenge for operators: How to support complex design decisions?

Can aviation really become less polluting? Clean energy at airports could help to achieve this industry-wide goal and install the most obvious renewable power production system: solar photovoltaic. But the list of concerns are seemingly endless: what about glare, power system stability, airside safety and costs?
10 Aug, 21UPDATED 15 Oct, 21Ferenc Kis
Benefits of Agrivoltaics and 5 real-life examples of successful implementations
Technology and engineering

Benefits of Agrivoltaics and 5 real-life examples of successful implementations

Why invest on solar PV or agriculture and livestock farming when you could do both together and better: welcome to Agri PV.
Solar power’s role in supercharging green hydrogen
Technology and engineering

Solar power’s role in supercharging green hydrogen

Solar power is soaring ahead as a low-cost source of electricity for producing green hydrogen, all thanks to solar excess. Read on to find out how green hydrogen and solar are meeting the energy needs of old and new industries.
Sustainability of batteries: Can we afford them?
Technology and engineering

Sustainability of batteries: Can we afford them?

Battery adoption is growing exponentially, however, is all that glitters gold?
15 Jun, 21UPDATED 30 Jun, 21Laura Rodríguez
Solar panel orientation: How using East-West structures improves the performance of your project
Technology and engineering

Solar panel orientation: How using East-West structures improves the performance of your project

Which solar panel orientation and tilt is best for your residential, commercial or utility-scale plant?
Renewable technologies and their geographical location: Why it matters
Technology and engineering

Renewable technologies and their geographical location: Why it matters

What determines the best geographic locations to install renewable energy generation? Read on to find out.
Why and how do solar panels degrade?
Technology and engineering

Why and how do solar panels degrade?

What are the reasons for solar panel degradation? What affects the rate at which solar panels degrade and are there ways to extend their lifespan to avoid them ending up as waste?
Solar glass buildings: Greatest achievable idea or science-fiction?
Technology and engineering

Solar glass buildings: Greatest achievable idea or science-fiction?

Solar glass and the opportunity to build solar buildings to provide 40% of the energy demand.
25 Mar, 21UPDATED 14 Apr, 21Laura Rodríguez

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