This year, the international energy and environmental trade fair was opened by Spanish President Pedro Sánchez himself. After all, according to grid operator Red Eléctrica, wind and photovoltaics are the most important renewable energy sources for electricity in Spain. In 2023, wind power accounted for almost 24 per cent of total energy generation and solar energy for 14 per cent.
The climate crisis is making itself felt in the country with a persistent drought. The holiday region of Catalonia has declared a state of emergency - and drastically limited water consumption.
Aiko: ABC module works better with shading
Genera presents solutions for a climate-neutral future. Chinese manufacturer Aiko, for example, is showing a particularly efficient ABC module in a test with a conventional solar panel. When shaded, the conventional module directly supplies less electricity. The water fountain in front of it, which is operated with solar power, demonstrates this well.
The Neostar 2P module also delivers constant power due to this better behaviour when shaded, reaching 450 to 470 watts according to the data sheet. The rear contacting is the reason why the modules deliver more power. Bernhard Weber from Aiko Energy Germany explains why in an interview at the trade fair in Düsseldorf.
In addition to the product presentations, the Genera programme in Madrid will be accompanied by lectures, forums and congresses taking place in various areas of the trade fair. A platform will facilitate the exchange of knowledge between associations, companies and institutions. The aim is to improve co-operation between all players in order to overcome energy policy challenges and promote a future with clean energy.
SMA, Kostal, Sonnen and Co. also involved
Many German companies and brands are visible in the two halls packed with visitors: Baywa r.e., SMA, Kostal, Sonnen, Krannich Solar as well as IBC Solar and Tesvolt, to name but a few. K2 Systems introduces itself to the public with its new site manager Miguel (more in this interview).
Genera 2024 will also once again feature an Innovation Gallery in the networking area of Hall 9, an initiative that showcases the technical advances of the energy transition. A panel has selected 33 innovative projects. Below we briefly present some of these projects and products.
PMT Easy: simplifies maintenance, reduces downtime
Niels H. Petersen
The PMT Easy mounting system from the manufacturer of the same name enables efficient and safe installation of large photovoltaic modules on flat roofs. The mounting system and push & click technology make handling the modules easier. The system simplifies module maintenance, reduces downtimes and thus extends the service life of the entire system.
See also: MET Group commissions first solar park in Spain
PMT Easy is suitable for roof surfaces with a pitch of between zero and 10 degrees and can be used in almost all European wind and snow load zones. During the planning process, unused roof areas and disturbed areas are efficiently converted. The result is an optimised use of space, which in turn leads to an increased solar harvest in relation to the available roof area.
Stand-alone solution with integrated batteries
A project for a self-sufficient stand-alone supply utilises a battery storage system from Nidec with a capacity of 115 kilowatt hours. This is supplemented by a powerful DC charger and a biodiesel generator, which guarantees an off-grid charging solution at all times. With the energy management system developed by Nidec - and the control software - the supply can be seamlessly switched between the battery, the generator and the solar system (if available).
Different charging requirements for different vehicles are also taken into account here. The solution presented is particularly important in situations where the power grid is limited or not available at all, but at the same time extremely fast charging of electric vehicles is required. This solution is completely independent of the grid.
Niels H. Petersen
Slenergy: intelligent overall system for residential buildings
The so-called iShare-Home from Slenergy is a complete package from a single source: it consists of solar modules, a hybrid inverter, a battery storage system and a mounting bracket, an intelligent energy management system as well as a heat pump and an intelligent AC wallbox. The so-called iSmartbox offers comprehensive protection.
The main feature of the improved system is its intelligent operation, maintenance and operation via app. By using this networked hardware, operating data is collected in real time and translated into intelligent control strategies. This gives homeowners control and insight into electricity generation and consumption. This leads to lower costs and greater self-sufficiency with more solar self-consumption.
Plug and play for Agri-PV projects
The Smart Climate Agri-PV project presents a system that combines artificial intelligence and drone-based monitoring technology. This optimises climate-friendly crop cultivation and solar energy in agri-PV systems. Digital solutions of modern agriculture such as artificial intelligence, spectral sensors and remote monitoring with drones are used to define a flight planning protocol and a methodology for data collection in the greenhouse. Agri-PV is currently en vogue in Spain. However, this topic is encountered more frequently at the trade fair. (nhp from Madrid/mfo)
