Home › Posts tagged energy efficiency

energy efficiency

Meyer Burger and glass-glass bifacial solar modules.

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Swiss-based solar technology company Meyer Burger has recently made an exciting announcement regarding its future plans to focus solely on the production of glass-glass bifacial solar modules. The company’s decision comes as part of its strategic plan to become a leading provider of sustainable and innovative solutions for the global solar industry.

In a press release issued on February 24th, Meyer Burger announced its intention to cease the production of conventional glass-foil solar modules and instead focus entirely on the manufacture of glass-glass bifacial modules. The company’s CEO, Gunter Erfurt, explained the decision, saying:

“We are convinced that glass-glass bifacial modules will become the dominant technology in the solar industry in the coming years. They offer significant advantages over conventional glass-foil modules, including higher durability, longer lifespan, and improved performance under real-world conditions. By focusing our efforts on this technology, we can deliver greater value to our customers and contribute to the continued growth of the solar industry.”

Bifacial solar modules are designed to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, increasing their overall efficiency and output. Glass-glass bifacial modules are particularly well-suited to this purpose, as they have a transparent backsheet that allows light to pass through to the rear of the panel. This design not only boosts energy production but also enhances the durability and longevity of the module, as it is less vulnerable to damage from external factors like moisture and UV radiation.

Meyer Burger’s decision to focus exclusively on glass-glass bifacial modules is a significant one, as it represents a shift away from the traditional glass-foil technology that has dominated the solar industry for decades. However, the company is confident that this move will pay off in the long run, both in terms of customer satisfaction and profitability.

“We are committed to leading the way in sustainable solar technology, and we believe that glass-glass bifacial modules are the future of the industry,” Erfurt said. “By investing in this technology now, we can position ourselves as a key player in the market and deliver real value to our customers.”

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from industry experts, who see it as a positive step forward for both Meyer Burger and the solar industry as a whole. In an interview with pv magazine, solar analyst Finlay Colville praised the decision, saying:

“Meyer Burger’s move to glass-glass bifacial modules is a smart decision. They’re focusing on a technology that offers a lot of benefits in terms of durability and performance, and that’s likely to become increasingly popular in the years to come. By positioning themselves as a leader in this space, they’re setting themselves up for success.”

Meyer Burger’s decision to shift its focus to glass-glass bifacial modules is an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see how the company’s strategy plays out in the coming years. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Meyer Burger is well-positioned to thrive in the rapidly growing solar industry.

References:

Meyer Burger. (2021, February 24). Meyer Burger to exclusively produce high-performance glass-glass solar modules. Retrieved from https://www.meyerburger.com/en/meyer-burger-to-exclusively-produce-high-performance-glass-glass-solar-modules/

Colville, F. (2021, February 25). Meyer Burger to focus solely on glass-glass bifacial modules. pv magazine. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/02/25/meyer-burger-to-focus-solely-on-glass-glass-bifacial-modules/

Read More Solar News:

Newcastle Airport and Snowy Hydro to aim for 100% renewable energy.

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

Newcastle Airport in Australia has recently announced a new agreement with energy provider Snowy Hydro, aimed at achieving 100% renewable energy usage for the airport. This agreement is a major step towards reducing the airport’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainability in the aviation industry.

According to Jonathan Levy, Director of Policy and Strategy at the Environmental Defense Fund, “This is a great step forward in reducing the environmental impact of the aviation industry. By committing to 100% renewable energy usage, Newcastle Airport is showing leadership in the sector and setting an example for other airports to follow.”

Under the agreement, Snowy Hydro will provide Newcastle Airport with 100% renewable energy from sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. This will include the installation of solar panels on the airport’s terminal building, as well as the purchase of renewable energy certificates to offset any remaining emissions.

Peter Cock, CEO of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia, commented that “This is an exciting development for Newcastle Airport and the wider region. By switching to renewable energy sources, the airport is not only reducing its carbon footprint but also demonstrating its commitment to sustainable tourism. This is likely to be a major drawcard for environmentally conscious travelers.”

The move towards renewable energy is part of Newcastle Airport’s wider sustainability strategy, which also includes initiatives such as reducing waste and promoting sustainable transport options. The airport aims to become carbon neutral by 2025, and this new agreement with Snowy Hydro will play a key role in achieving this goal.

The aviation industry is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, and airports have a significant role to play in reducing the industry’s impact on the environment. Newcastle Airport’s commitment to renewable energy is therefore an important step towards a more sustainable aviation industry, and it sets an example for other airports to follow.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the agreement with Snowy Hydro is also expected to result in cost savings for Newcastle Airport. Renewable energy sources are becoming increasingly competitive with traditional fossil fuels, and by switching to renewable energy, the airport is likely to see a reduction in its energy bills over time.

The move towards renewable energy is also likely to have wider economic benefits for the region. By promoting sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint, Newcastle Airport is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable tourism. This is likely to appeal to environmentally conscious travelers, and could help to boost tourism in the region.

Overall, Newcastle Airport’s new agreement with Snowy Hydro is a positive step towards a more sustainable aviation industry. By committing to 100% renewable energy usage, the airport is setting an example for other airports to follow and demonstrating its commitment to reducing its impact on the environment. With initiatives like this, the aviation industry can continue to make progress towards a more sustainable future.

Read More Solar News:

How to Incorporate Solar Into Your Business’s Sustainability Strategy 

Posted on by — No Comments ↓

How to Incorporate Solar Into Your Business’s Sustainability Strategy 

Australian businesses are more united than ever in the fight against climate change, with 96 percent of companies backing the government’s target of net zero emissions by 2050, according to a survey by the Carbon Market Institute. Businesses contribute more than their fair share to greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s only fair that they be on the front line in the fight against environmental degradation. One of the best ways that you can reduce your business’s carbon footprint is by incorporating solar into your sustainability strategy. Solar energy has become a promising option in Australia as a result of falling prices and its availability in most parts of the country. However, being a costly and long-term investment, you need to come up with a well-thought-out plan on how to deploy solar power effectively. 

Start with an energy and waste audit 

An energy audit should be your first step before making any energy-saving improvements in your business, as well as before adding a solar power system to your business. An energy audit will help you gain a clear picture of how you use energy in your business; the total amount of energy you use, the amount of energy you waste, the areas where your business is losing energy, and the problem areas and fixes that need to be prioritised to make your business more energy efficient.

Knowing your energy requirements, you’ll have a good idea of the number of solar panels and batteries you need. While performing your energy audit, it’s also important to find out if there are other ways that your business is being wasteful or destructive to the environment. For example, all your efforts to install a solar power system may be futile if you are still contributing heaps of plastic waste to landfills. You can look for ways of minimising plastic waste in your business such as banning single-use plastics, encouraging homemade lunches, and promoting a recycling culture in your workplace. 

Work out your finances 

Solar power can be a costly investment, and your ability to deploy will depend on various factors unique to your business; availability of discretionary cash, size of the system, and your desire for fast, dramatic energy cost savings. If the cash is available, purchasing the solar power system outright is the best option since cash deals usually have a higher return on investment. However, cash deals require an upfront capital investment that may not be feasible for all businesses.

The good thing about solar energy is that it’s remarkably scalable. You can start small with a solar array that only contributes a fraction of your total energy requirements and build it out over time to cater for all your electrical needs. As you analyse your finances, don’t forget to factor in the incentives offered by the government. For example, if you are generating more power than you need, you can qualify for a feed-in tariff that pays you a sum of money for feeding energy back into the electricity grid. 

Determine how to deploy your solar power system 

You have various options on how to deploy your solar power system. The most popular option is installing solar panels on the roof of your business premises. If your property is not ideal for rooftop solar, you can install a ground-mounted solar power system instead. Another option that is slowly gaining traction in Australia is solar roof tiles, where you replace traditional roofing tiles with photovoltaic shingles that look and function like conventional roof tiles but have energy-producing capabilities. 

Switching to solar energy is not only good for the environment but also for your business’s bottom line. Businesses can save thousands of dollars annually in energy costs by switching to solar energy. On top of that, businesses that take sustainability seriously are gaining a competitive advantage over those who don’t as more consumers become eco-conscious. 

Read More Solar News:

What is Passive Solar and How Does It Work?

Posted on by — 2 Comments ↓

What is Passive Solar and How Does It Work?

With an increased focus on greener building and energy efficiency, the term “passive solar” is being used more and more. Not to be confused with solar panels, passive solar is the use of the natural environment in a way that will optimise the internal temperature of a home. Rather than relying heavily on mechanical cooling or heating systems, a passive solar design will instead focus on building in a way that encourages the retention of warmth in winter and the reflection of heat in summer.

A home with a well thought out solar design will collect heat from the sun and store it in the “thermal mass” of the building (dense materials like concrete and brick that retain heat). Engaging a builder who has experience in passive solar design will go a long way towards improving the energy efficiency of a new house, as passive solar designs will vary based on what climate the home is situated in. Typical methods for improving passive solar include:

  • South Facing Windows: To make the most of the suns natural warmth, windows in the main living areas should face towards the south and be free of shading during the winter months when the sun is lower. If the roof overhang is correctly sized, then this will block excessive heat during the warmer months (when the sun is higher); alternatively, the installation of an awning or shutters can have a similar effect.
  • Thermal Mass: Building materials with thermal mass will absorb heat during the day and then release it slowly at night when the temperature drops. A well-insulated home with products such as brick, masonry or concrete (all commonly used in construction) will assist with warming the house in winter and cooling it down in summer.
  • Energy Efficient Windows: Some people may express concern that installing windows will be counterproductive to passive solar design, but this is not necessarily the case. Energy efficient windows block ambient outside temperature (whether it is cold or hot), while still allowing radiant heat to pass through. This means that a home with energy efficient windows will still benefit from winter sunlight, but with reduced heat loss in winter and improved retention of warmth in winter.

A home with optimal passive solar design will be comfortably cool in summer, warm and cozy in winter and obtain a good deal of sunlight all year round. Although a greater level of energy efficiency can be achieved when passive solar is a consideration before a home is built, existing houses can still benefit from these concepts. Simple and effective steps such as installing shutters, upgrading window glazing or increasing insulation can all contribute to an improved passive solar design. Although some of these tasks could be completed by homeowners, engaging the services of a professional may save time and money in the long run.

Houses that are constructed with a passive solar design will effectively reduce the need to rely on mechanical heating and cooling systems, thereby lowering power usage, minimising utility bills and benefiting the environment.

Solar windows are seeing a massive boost in popularity as the technology improves. We’re looking forward to see where the tech is going for this and also passive renewable energy. 

 

Read More Solar News: