Nighttime Science

Science does not only take place during the day in the laboratory, but from time to time also at night. In the PV sector in particular, there are also often so-called outdoor measurements on site. For example, in addition to their work in the laboratory, the scientists at HI-ERN (Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg) also carry out these kind of measurements in the form of experiments and test series using existing PV systems in operation. As a result of current research activities in a joint German project, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, two prototypes for outdoor photoluminescence measurements were recently evaluated on a wide variety of module concepts at our test facility in Bad Staffelstein. (more…)

The making of: Kabai Solar Park

The number of large scale solar parks is growing worldwide and we at IBC SOLAR are also contributing to this. From countries within Europe to Asia with projects in Japan and India. More and more countries want to increase their share of a green power supply with the help of photovoltaics. And each of these projects is unique in terms of the task at hand, always exciting in its implementation and peppered with some challenges. The most recent example is Hungary’s largest solar park in Kabai with around 43 MW. It emerged from the collaboration between IBC SOLAR Energy (the international project division of IBC SOLAR AG) and MET Asset Management AG during the course of 2020. A year full of surprises and challenges for the entire Energy team. (more…)

A forest, a PV system and clean drinking water

Often one hears and reads about the potential of photovoltaics and how it can be used everywhere. It is a fact that PV is not only one of the most popular and cheapest types of electricity generation, but also highly flexible and often the solution for difficult situations. The latter applied to the community of Urphertshofen in Middle Franconia, Germany. Here, a photovoltaic system is used for the treatment of drinking water – in the middle of the forest. (more…)

Hybrid inverters conquer the market

Everyone is currently talking about hybrid inverters, i.e. the combination of photovoltaic and battery inverters. No wonder, because they offer decisive advantages. These devices are particularly efficient, flexible and combine two essential products of a photovoltaic system –   the inverter and the solar battery. Conversely, for the user this means that both space and costs are saved and, of course, less installation work is required. Another plus point of these combination devices is the possibility of a back-up function in case of an emergency. (more…)

Our 2020 annual highlights – this time virtual

These are no doubt special times that we are currently experiencing. Instead of being in the middle of preparations for upcoming trade fairs over the past few weeks, such as the Intersolar Europe in Munich, many companies have been switching to a virtual alternative to highlight and present their products and topics of the year. We have done the same at IBC SOLAR. What will this look like? We have created an innovative platform for our customers that not only presents the highlights, but also gives an interesting insight of the future of the industry – over a period of eight weeks. Starting on the 20th July 2020. (more…)