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COVER STORY - ENERGY Cover Story - Energy

Another example is called “agrovoltaics”, which
is an idea to mount the panels, maximizing
space and allowing land below to be used for

farming purposes. The solar panels are mounted
high enough for equipment to go under and
with adequate space so the plants get plenty of
light. The plants actually benefit from the partial
shade and the soil retains more moisture, saving
water. Additionally, the panels run cooler due to
the increased humidity below and, of course,
generate clean energy from the sun.

Regardless of where you put the solar farm, it
needs a power electronic converter to tie it to
the grid. The converter consists of an optional Figure 1: Panels on a pumped hydro storage reservoir
voltage boost stage and an inverter to turn the
DC electricity to AC synchronized with the grid. The efficiency of this conversion directly affects the
economics of the project. Silicon carbide (SiC) is the next-generation power switch technology to
improve the efficiency of the grid-tie, shrink the cooling system, and reduce overall system costs.

Solar Power Needs

Silicon Carbide

By Corporate Marketing at onsemi

Solar power is rapidly becoming a crucial piece of the electricity puzzle. Most people are familiar
by now with the incredible 82% decline in costs for solar-generated power over the last 10
years. But many innovations in solar siting (where solar is located) and co-land use (what else the
location is used for) are increasing the economic case for solar power. The most obvious location
is on top of a building. Many retailers and warehouses with large, flat roofs add solar panels as an
economic decision.
Figure 2: Solar Farm using central inverter: 1,100-V and 1,500-V systems

A twist on the co-use concept is the idea of floating solar panels. In this design, the solar panels are
placed on a body of water so that it does not occupy precious land, and the water keeps the panels An important trend in solar power converters is increasing the voltage into the inverter up to 1,500 V.
cool, which increases the solar conversion efficiency. Some have even proposed floating the panels This will reduce the current needed for the same power, thereby reducing the size of the cables
on a pumped hydro storage reservoir, with the panels providing the energy to be stored there. need to carry it.

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