Connect with us

Published

on

Weather Guard Lightning Tech

ONYX Insight Acquires ELEVEN-I

ONYX Insight has acquired UK-based ELEVEN-I, a company that specializes in advanced blade monitoring technology. The acquisition shows the wind industry’s move towards supporting companies that can prevent expensive turbine breakdowns.

Sign up now for Uptime Tech News, our weekly email update on all things wind technology. This episode is sponsored by Weather Guard Lightning Tech. Learn more about Weather Guard’s StrikeTape Wind Turbine LPS retrofit. Follow the show on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Linkedin and visit Weather Guard on the web. And subscribe to Rosemary Barnes’ YouTube channel here. Have a question we can answer on the show? Email us!

Twenty twenty-five has been a record-breaker for energy deals – over four hundred billion dollars in acquisitions, the highest in three years. But buried in all those massive oil and gas mergers is a quieter revolution happening in the wind fields of the world.

It started in March last year when Macquarie Capital, the Australian investment giant, made a move that sent ripples through the wind industry. They acquired Onyx Insight, a British company that had been quietly revolutionizing how wind turbines are monitored. Onyx wasn’t just another tech startup – they were monitoring seventeen thousand turbines across thirty countries, serving seven of the world’s top ten wind operators.

Macquarie knew what they were buying. This wasn’t just about the technology – it was about the data. In the wind business, data is the new oil, and Onyx had been collecting it from turbines spinning from Texas to Tasmania.

But Macquarie wasn’t finished.

A few days ago, Onyx announced they had acquired Eleven-i, a smaller British firm run by Bill Slatter. While Onyx could monitor most parts of a wind turbine, they had a critical blind spot: the blades themselves.

Slatter had spent six years perfecting sensors that could detect blade problems weeks before they became catastrophes. His technology had successfully spotted a crack smaller than one meter, three weeks before the most sophisticated drones could see it. In an industry where a single blade failure can cost millions and shut down entire wind farms, that’s pure gold.

Here’s what they don’t tell you about the wind industry: it’s not just about building bigger turbines anymore. As these giants grow longer than football fields and taller than skyscrapers, they’re failing in ways nobody anticipated. Blade detachment, tower collapse, catastrophic gearbox failures – the list goes on.

The smart money – and we’re talking about some of the biggest infrastructure funds in the world – has figured out that the real value isn’t in building more turbines. It’s in keeping the ones already spinning from falling apart.

The math is simple: artificial intelligence and data centers are driving electricity demand through the roof. The U.S. could see data centers consuming twelve percent of all electricity by twenty twenty-eight. That’s staggering demand that can’t wait for new power plants to be built.

So investors are swarming companies that can squeeze more power out of existing infrastructure. Onyx, with its Macquarie backing, can now offer wind farm operators something they’ve never had: a complete picture of their turbine’s health from the foundation to the blade tips.

The Eleven-i acquisition fits perfectly into Macquarie’s broader energy strategy. They’ve been on a buying spree – solar developers, waste management companies, renewable energy platforms. In Australia alone, they’ve completed sixty-five acquisitions across the energy sector.

But here’s the bigger picture: the wind industry is consolidating at breakneck speed. Just like oil and gas, where the top fifty companies have been whittled down to forty through mega-mergers, renewable energy is heading the same direction.

The survivors won’t be the companies that build the most turbines. They’ll be the ones that can keep them spinning reliably for twenty, thirty, even forty years.

As Dr. Zhiwei Zhang, Onyx’s chief commercial officer, puts it: “Failures don’t just drive unplanned costs – they can escalate into catastrophic events, including blade detachment and full turbine collapse.”

The wind industry’s gold rush days of easy government subsidies and guaranteed returns are over. What’s left is the harder work of engineering reliability into machines that must withstand decades of punishment from Mother Nature.

In this new reality, a small British company that learned to listen to wind turbine blades whisper their troubles has become worth millions to one of the world’s largest infrastructure investors.

And Bill Slatter? He didn’t just sell his company and walk away. Last month, he announced on LinkedIn that he was taking on a new role as Director of Blade Products at Onyx Insight. After six years building Eleven-i, he’s now helping integrate his blade-whispering technology into a global platform that monitors turbines on five continents.

The acquisition wave rolling through renewable energy isn’t just about money changing hands. It’s about building the technological backbone for a world running on wind, solar, and batteries instead of coal, oil, and gas.

The companies getting swallowed up aren’t failing – they’re succeeding so well that the infrastructure giants can’t afford to let their competitors have them.

This consolidation represents a fundamental shift in renewable energy from growth at any cost to operational excellence and reliability – a maturation that signals the industry’s evolution from startup phase to industrial scale.

https://weatherguardwind.com/onyx-acquires-eleveni/

Continue Reading

Renewable Energy

At One Time, Satire Played an Important Role in Citizens’ Lives

Published

on

The idea suggested at left is most closely associated with 18th Century French writer Voltaire.

It’s of particular relevance today, as our right-wing government is aggressively muzzling anti-Trump comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel.

At One Time, Satire Played an Important Role in Citizens’ Lives

Continue Reading

Renewable Energy

How Much Energy Does One Solar Panel Produce in Australia?

Published

on

Have you ever wondered, “How much energy does one solar panel produce in Australia?” Or maybe you’ve asked yourself,
“Can one panel really make a difference on my energy bill?”

These are the kinds of questions that thousands of Australians ask every day when considering a switch to solar.

Undoubtedly, with Australia’s rising electricity costs and abundant sunshine, solar power has become an integral part
of
our everyday lives.

Quietly, panel by panel, it’s showing up in suburbs, small towns, and even off-grid shacks, helping Aussies take
greater
control over their energy use and, most importantly, their power bills.

However, before making the costly investment in a complete system, it’s smart to understand the basics, such as how
much
energy a single panel actually produces in Australia.

The truth is, there is no universal answer that applies to every solar panel. From blazing outback regions to cloudy
coastal towns, your geographical location matters. This could make a real difference.

So, let’s break it down and figure out what one solar panel can do to power your lifestyle!

In this blog post:

Some Key Factors: Know Before You Buy!

Before determining how much power a solar panel generates, you must understand a few basic terms. This includes:

  • A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of electrical power equal to 1000 watts.
  • Kilowatt Hours (kWh) is the amount of electrical energy consumed in one hour, which equals 1000 watts.
  • Direct current power (DC) is the energy generated by a solar panel.

Solar Panel Technology: A Look at the Different Types

To fully comprehend solar panel output, you must first understand the type of panels used. Solar panels are
classified
into different types. However, the most common types of solar
panels
installed in Aussie homes are monocrystalline and
polycrystalline.

The reason?

Well, Monocrystalline panels are more efficient and can produce more energy. Although they have higher initial costs,
monocrystalline panels are the best as they can produce more solar energy in warmer temperatures or shaded areas.

On the flip side, Polycrystalline panels are less energy-efficient
than monocrystalline panels but are more
cost-effective. They also perform less effectively at higher temperatures.

So, choosing the right solar panel for your home will help you maximize
efficiency
. You can use the sun’s power with an
efficient, high-quality solar panel.

The Science Behind Solar Panels| How Sunlight Becomes Electricity?

We all know that solar panels convert sunlight into electricity, also known as photovoltaic (PV).

They are composed of numerous solar cells, which are made up of semiconductor materials such as silicon.

But how does a solar panel actually work? Let’s see!

A solar panel works by converting sunlight into electricity through a process known as the photovoltaic effect. When
sunlight falls on the panel’s surface, the solar cells made from silicon absorb sunlight and release electrons.

These moving electrons create an electric current, which is captured and can be used to power homes, devices, or
stored
in batteries. Essentially, solar panels convert sunlight into usable electrical energy in a clean and sustainable
way.

From Sunlight to Electricity

The electricity generated by solar panels is direct current (DC). However, in Australia, households and businesses
use
alternating current (AC) to run the appliances. Therefore, the conversion from AC to DC is necessary when generating
electricity using solar energy.

This conversion is done by a device called a solar
inverter
. Once converted, the electricity can power appliances,
charge electric vehicles,
or be stored in a battery for later use.

What is the Output of a Solar Panel?

The amount of DC power solar panel systems produce under ideal conditions is used to rate them. It is measured in
watts
(W) and represents the power your panels can produce.

Most residential solar panels have power ratings ranging
from 250 to 400 watts, with higher power ratings preferred over
lower ones. Under the same conditions, higher-wattage solar panels generate more electricity than lower-wattage
panels.

Is It Necessary to Store Solar Energy in Australia?

Whether you are in Australia or any other part of the globe, adding solar battery storage can be a game-changer to
your
energy system.

While solar panels produce electricity during the day, energy needs often extend into the night. However,
renewable
energy sources
are intermittent in nature, meaning they cannot generate power continuously.

And there comes the battery, which stores the excess electricity produced during the day and illuminates your home
when
the sun isn’t shining. It ensures a reliable, steady supply of solar energy, even after sunset.

From ensuring greater energy independence to reducing household energy
consumption
, integrating battery storage can help
you fully leverage the benefits of solar power.

Calculating the Energy Produced by One Solar Panel

To calculate how much energy one solar panel produces, you multiply the number of sunlight hours by the panel’s wattage.

Most residential solar panels in Australia are rated between 250 and 400 watts, meaning they can produce that amount of direct current (DC) power under ideal conditions.

Here’s the formula for calculating panel output:

  • Hours of sunlight x Wattage of your solar panel = Solar panel output

For example, if a 350 W panel receives 4 hours of full sunlight, it would generate 1.4 kWh of electricity in a day.

4 hours × 350 W = 1400 Wh or 1.4 kWh.

Therefore, in Australia, where average daily sunlight hours range from approximately 3.5 to 5, depending on the location, a single panel typically produces 1.2 to 1.8 kWh of energy per day, or roughly 500 to 650 kWh per year.

This makes the wattage of each panel a key factor in both energy output and the total cost of a solar system, as solar pricing is often calculated in dollars per watt.

Maximizing Solar Panel Efficiency | Get the Most From Your System!

In Australia, maximizing solar panel efficiency involves more than just installing panels and hoping for sunny days. It requires thoughtful planning and regular maintenance to ensure your system performs at its best.

The key factors include:

  • Orientation and tilt

The tilt angle of your solar panels can also impact their efficiency. Therefore, ensure your panel faces the sun for the longest period each day, typically north-facing in Australia.

  • Shading

Shades from trees, buildings, or other obstructions can significantly reduce power output. So, it’s crucial to install panels in a clear, unobstructed area, which will increase their energy output.

  • Maintenance

Keeping panels clean and free from dust, bird droppings, or debris also helps maintain maximum energy absorption. Regular cleaning and maintenance keep your solar panels at peak performance for years.

  • Temperature & Efficiency Losses

Do you know that excess heat reduces panel efficiency?

Moreover, additional losses from wiring, inverter inefficiency, dust, and installation issues can further reduce output.

For instance, a 250 W panel might produce nearly 186.7 W under real conditions.

  • Season & Weather

Summer yields more energy, whereas winter and cloudy days significantly reduce output, even if panels still generate power.

  • High-Quality Components

Using high-quality components, such as inverters and monitoring systems, allows you to track performance and quickly identify issues, thereby eliminating the risk of excessive damage and costly repairs.

Lastly, battery storage can enhance overall efficiency by storing excess energy for use during periods of peak demand or at night.

By paying attention to these factors, you can significantly increase the return on your solar investment and reduce reliance on the grid.

While the energy output of a single solar panel can vary, it’s clear that solar panels can significantly reduce reliance on traditional energy sources and contribute to a greener future.

Long-term savings on energy bills can offset the initial investment in solar panel installation.

So, if you’re considering switching to solar energy, now is a great time to take advantage of Australia’s sunny climate and harness the sun’s power.

Your Solution Is Just a Click Away


Get Started

Top 5 Benefits of Solar Energy for Australians

Australia, the sun-soaked continent, is increasingly popular for the power of the sun to fuel its future. Solar energy, a clean, renewable, and abundant power source, transforms how Australians live and work.

The following benefits are mentioned to inspire more Australians to join the sustainability revolution.

Significant Cost Savings

One of the most tangible benefits of solar energy for Australians is the significant cost savings it offers.

With the sun as a free and abundant energy source, Australians who have installed solar panels enjoy reduced electricity bills.

According to the Australian Photovoltaic Institute, a typical Australian household can save up to $540 per year on electricity bills by utilizing solar energy.

Energy Independence

Solar energy is helping Australians achieve energy independence. Households and businesses can generate electricity by installing solar panels, reducing their reliance on the grid.

This energy freedom also provides energy security, shielding Australians from fluctuating energy prices.

Job Creation

According to the Clean Energy Council, the renewable energy sector, led by solar, employed over 25,000 Australians in 2020. As the industry continues to grow, it is expected to create even more jobs, boosting the Australian economy.

Environmental Sustainability

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of power. Australians reduce their carbon footprint by using the sun’s power and contribute to a more sustainable environment. Solar energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions, making it a key player in Australia’s efforts to combat climate change.

Increased Property Value

According to a study by the University of Melbourne, homes with solar panels sell for an average of 3.8% more than comparable homes without solar panels. This makes solar energy an environmental investment and a smart financial decision.

Government Incentives and Rebates on Solar Energy

The Australian government offers a range of incentives and rebates to encourage the use of solar energy. These
include
the Small-scale
Renewable Energy Scheme
, which provides certificates that can be sold to recoup a portion of the
cost of
installing solar panels.

This makes solar energy an even more attractive option for Australians. From significant cost savings to
environmental
sustainability, the benefits of
solar energy
for Australians are clear.

As the country continues to harness the sun’s power, these benefits are set to grow, making solar energy an
increasingly
important part of Australia’s energy future.

With the government’s support and the industry’s growth, the sun shines brightly on Australia’s solar energy
landscape.

How to Ensure Your Solar Panels Are Working Efficiently?

The solar panels are linked to a control panel known as an in-home display. This wireless device can determine
whether
your system is producing enough electricity.

If you suspect that your solar panels are underperforming, get in touch with the installer or manufacturer. They have
the option of dispatching a professional technician to investigate the issue.

You can also contact Cyanergy for expert solar advice and solutions and
receive a free solar quote!

So, don’t forget to check out our exclusive deals and budget-friendly solar packages to start your renewable journey in
Australia.

The post How Much Energy Does One Solar Panel Produce in Australia? appeared first on Cyanergy.

How Much Energy Does One Solar Panel Produce in Australia?

Continue Reading

Renewable Energy

ACORE Statement on New Framework Introduced for Permitting Reform by the House Problem Solvers Caucus

Published

on

ACORE Statement on New Framework Introduced for Permitting Reform by the House Problem Solvers Caucus

Statement from Ray Long, American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) CEO on the new framework introduced for permitting reform by the House Problem Solvers Caucus:

“We’re heartened to see the new framework for permitting reform from the House Problem Solvers Caucus and eager to expand conversations around transmission. The reality is, the U.S. needs to add the equivalent of 133 Oklahoma Cities’ worth of electricity to the system by 2030 if we’re going to achieve energy dominance and remain competitive globally. Cutting red tape to expedite the buildout of critical transmission lines, while also promoting grid-enhancing technologies and other common-sense reforms, will ensure we have a modern grid that keeps the lights on and withstands future challenges, like extreme weather events and rapid increases in electricity demand. We look forward to continued conversations about permitting reforms that will get more electrons generated and transmitted to the American communities, businesses, and families that need them.”

###

ABOUT ACORE

For over 20 years, the American Council on Renewable Energy (ACORE) has been the nation’s leading voice on the issues most essential to clean energy expansion. ACORE unites finance, policy, and technology to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy. For more information, please visit http://www.acore.org.

Media Contacts:
Stephanie Genco
Senior Vice President, Communications
American Council on Renewable Energy
communications@acore.org

The post ACORE Statement on New Framework Introduced for Permitting Reform by the House Problem Solvers Caucus appeared first on ACORE.

https://acore.org/news/acore-statement-on-new-framework-introduced-for-permitting-reform-by-the-house-problem-solvers-caucus/

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 BreakingClimateChange.com