Solar Energy Technologies in the Spotlight

Solar Energy offers a huge potential in driving the global shift to renewable energy. It has grown widely in recent years as a result of better affordability and reliability of technologies available to harness solar radiation and convert it to electricity or thermal energy.

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), solar energy led the nine-percent growth in total renewable energy capacity in 2021 after it registered a 19-percent increase to 843,086 MW. It comprised 27.7 percent of total global renewable energy capacity last year, over two percentage points higher than the previous year. *

Given its critical role in the Energy Transition, this month’s spotlight is on Solar Energy Technologies. We have compiled a list featuring seven (7) innovative technologies, composed of solutions that either directly convert sunlight to energy or allow the effective distribution of the generated energy. Six (6) of these technologies have been proven in an actual operational environment (TRL 9), and one has been at least demonstrated in an operational environment (TRL 7).

Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) PV Hybrid System by Global Power Technologies | The Most Reliable Offshore Transitional Energy Solution Available

Reliable, low-emission, and cost-effective off-grid power solutions for remote and environmentally challenging places, and in all weather conditions. TEG/PV Hybrid systems, which consist of TEG Power, Solar Power, Battery Power and Power Distribution Systems delivers up to 5 kW of power. It offers an optimum balance of power availability with minimal footprint while producing significantly fewer carbon emissions.

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EnergyPod by Amphibious Energy | Clean alternative to diesel gensets

EnergyPod, one of the Renewable Energy finalists of the Tech for the Energy Transition Awards 2021, is a transportable, autonomous and compact wind and solar-driven electrical generator. With a footprint of only 7.5m2 and can be monitored remotely, this technology is durable, safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

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ZigZagSolar by Wallvision B.V. / ZigZagSolar | Solar facade for energy-efficient buildings

ZigZagSolar is an energy-harvesting architectural facade that uses the Building-Integrated Photovoltaics system. By using this sun oriented setup with reflective decorative paneling harvesting sun all day, the electric yield is increased (126% of actual yield in kWh per m2 PV panel, as per information provided by supplier) and the solar panels will be invisibly integrated into the building.

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Solar Energy by Volta Energy | Green mobile energy

Volta Energy’s Solar Energy combines energy generated from solar power with energy storage from lithium batteries, resulting in a sustainable, clean and self-sufficient system that recharges itself. Its solar-generators produce between 6 and 120 kW, and are connected via IoT (Internet-of-Things), allowing Volta Energy to assist clients in optimising energy generated as well as to know when there is service due.

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NoGrid Power by Solartechno B.V. | Modular, plug and play solar power for remote locations

The NoGrid Power system is a modular system integrating a solar module, charger and lithium-ion batteries with passive cooling. The system is plug and play and several systems can be connected in series to service higher power loads, making it ideal for power supply in remote locations.

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Floating PV by HelioRec | Sustainable, simple and powerful floating PV

HelioRec’s Floating PV provides wind- and wave-resistant floating solar technology. HelioRec utilises a combination of flexible materials, along with a unique design of the connectors between floating elements to help reduce mechanical stresses on the system. This technology is supported by HelioRec’s algorithm that predicts energy generation and optimises operation and maintenance.

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PIONIERKRAFTwerk by Pionierkraft GmbH | Direct Tenant-To-Tenant Energy Sharing Technology

This technology allows direct tenant-to-tenant energy sharing without using the public grid. If the neighbours need more energy than you can provide, they can draw the difference from the supplier of their choice. The integrated IoT functionality connects the PIONIERKRAFTwerk to the PIONIERKRAFT platform, allowing the analysis of energy use and operating conditions to ensure optimal and smooth functioning of the solution.

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*Renewable capacity highlights (2022). International Renewable Energy Agency. Retrieved 20 April 2022, from https://www.irena.org/publications/2022/Apr/Renewable-Capacity-Statistics-2022

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IN CASE YOU MISSED IT:

Solar PV Potentials in Driving Energy Transition

To explore the full potential of solar in driving global Energy Transition, along with the challenges that must be addressed to realise this, we invited Nancy Haegel from the United States National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) to answer a few questions touching on the potential of solar photovoltaics (PV) in supporting the Energy Transition.

PREVIOUS TECH IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Tidal Energy Technologies in the Spotlight

Despite the many benefits of using Tidal Energy as a renewable source of energy, the uptake is slow compared to other sources. As such, we would like to encourage its growth and development highlighting Tidal Energy Technologies in this month’s Technologies in the Spotlight.

Here you will find three technologies that harness energy from movements of tides. All three have technology readiness levels of at least 8, making them readily available for deployment. Check the list and click their photos to direct you to their pages where you will get more information about the technologies and the innovators behind them.

Energy Storage Technologies in the Spotlight

Given its critical role in the Energy Transition, this month’s spotlight is on Energy Storage Technologies. We have compiled a list featuring eight (8) innovative technologies. There are many technologies available for Energy storage, but they all differ based on these key characteristics: energy density, lifespan, materials used, cost, application, efficiency and safety. Here you will find novel technologies that are in testing phase with key industry players as well as proven ones that have already been deployed in operational environments.