In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that summer weather and a heat dome have brought increased irradiance to both US coasts. As a result, much of the continental United States saw irradiance moderately above average, 5-10% above historical June averages, with the increase most notable along the East Coast.

In addition to producing renewable electricity, solar energy can also enable the clean production of hydrogen. Its potential in different applications is being assessed by several teams of researchers around the world. Adrian Pennington reports on some of this R and D and how IEC Standards can help in the third of the IEC columns for pv magazine

The updated IEA PVPS Task 12 Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts associated with PV systems. It highlights the significant advancements made in PV technology, emphasizing improved efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints.

In May 2024, high-efficiency panels, predominantly glass-glass modules equipped with tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cells began to converge on price with mainstream offerings, writes Martin Schachinger, of pvXchange. Production volumes for these negatively-doped, “n-type” cells and modules have been ramped up in China while the increasingly restrictive customs situation in the United States may already be having an impact. For the European market, ever-lower prices for the latest module technology would suggest that demand would continue to rise were it not for a number of disruptive factors.

Bidders are asked to provide qualifications requirements that include business registration or incorporation documents, valid Guyana Revenue Authority and National Insurance Scheme Compliance certificates, value-added tax (VAT) registration certificates for domestic parties, experience, technical ability, and financial capacity. Bidding is scheduled to begin for three projects on Sept. 26.

According to a new survey, 91% of respondents support the expansion of renewable energy sources in Jordan. Strategic interests of geopolitical actors, in particular the US, are seen as hindering the country’s energy transition, however.

Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has started accepting proposals to set up 1 GW/2 GWh of standalone battery energy storage systems (BESS) connected to India’s interstate transmission system (ISTS). Bidding closes on Aug. 5.

The latest North American manufacturing hub report from Sinovoltaics maps current and planned capacity for 95 plants in the region’s PV module supply chain. The report tracks announcements of current and future capacities at plants producing PV modules, cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and metallurgical-grade silicon.

The Bulgarian Ministry of Energy is readying to launch a tender on September 2 and provide Capex support for the construction and commissioning of 3 GWh of standalone energy storage facilities. The public call is for projects equal to or greater than 10 MW with at least two hours of storage capacity, which will be primarily used in the frequency regulation markets.

A group of scientists from the UAE-based energy utility has developed a new method to conduct I-V curve measurements without transporting the solar modules to laboratories for detailed analysis. The proposed Suns-Vmp approach reportedly offers a “very low” average root mean square error between the simulated and the real I-V curves.

Researchers in China have developed a floating structure for offshore PV that reportedly offers improved stability and dynamic responses compared to conventional semi-submerged floating designs. The floating structure consists of pontoon-truss platform composed of four pontoons and a steel truss connected by soft ropes.

In the apostolic letter “Brother Sun,” the pontiff announced the agrivoltaic system for the “complete energy sustenance” of the country. The plant will be built in the countryside of Rome’s 49th district.

India installed about 11.7 GW of utility-scale solar capacity and another 3 GW of rooftop solar capacity in the 12 months ending March 31, 2024.

Scientists in Spain have implemented recursive least squares (RLS) algorithms for anomaly detection in PV systems and have found they can provide “more realistic and meaningful assessment” than traditional energy analysis.

Trina Solar says it has launched mass production of 430 W to 455 W full-black PV modules. The Vertex S+ panels have efficiencies of up to 22.8% and weigh 21 kg, with a 1.6 mm x 1.6 mm dual-glass design.

World4Solar has launched a pre-assembled residential solar canopy, HelioWing, at an event in its warehouse in Miami, Florida.

New research from the United Kingdom sees potential to double efficiency of antimony selenide absorbers, beyond today’s champion cells with 10%, by applying latest growth methods, reducing vacancy concentrations, and materials optimization.

Dutch company offering bird-proofing solution for solar installations expands its range with a trio of launches – with high hopes that its business can take flight on commercial rooftops.

Research at three Canadian locations tried to identify which crops can grow between differently spaced rows of vertical agrivoltaic systems. The scientists concluded that all traditional corps could be grown at the research sites, including arugula, beets, bok choy, celery, coriander, collards, fava beans, kale, lettuce, parsley, parsnips, peas, swiss chard, and thyme.

At Intersolar Europe 2024, pv magazine spoke with Helena Li, executive president at Trina Solar, about fierce competition and consolidation in the PV industry. She believes the strongest manufacturers will become stronger in the months to come and says only product diversification and innovation can help companies move ahead in the current overcapacity scenario.

As part of our Intersolar 2024 interview series, pv magazine spoke with Bill Mulligan, CEO of Singapore-based IBC solar module maker Maxeon. He states the IBC technology will remain competitive despite overcapacity and dropping modules prices and says Maxeon may enforce intellectual property rights with all existing and new back contact competitors that are allegedly utilizing its technologies.

As part of our Intersolar 2024 interview series, pv magazine spoke with Amy Fang, senior PV analyst at InfoLink Consulting, about new solar factories coming online and decreasing solar modules prices. She says the downward trend may continue until the first half of next year, with prices reaching $0.07/W, and estimates global module demand for this year could reach between 470 GW and 500 GW.

The Norwegian PV manufacturer praises the south central US state for “its robust clean energy, manufacturing ecosystem and workforce development programs” as well as its “its competitive business offerings and site acceleration options.”

AGL Energy has teamed with solar panel recycler Elecsome to explore the development of a PV materials recovery facility at the site of the coal-fired Bayswater power plant in New South Wales, Australia.

Chinese battery manufacturer CATL is expanding its presence in the Middle East and Europe via a 4 GWh long-term supply agreement with Israeli integrator BLEnergy.

The Happurg pumped storage plant was shut down in 2011 for safety reasons after the base of the upper reservoir was damaged. Uniper has carried out feasibility studies on the site, with a view to reconnecting it to the grid in 2028. The facility can store approximately 850 MWh of electricity in the form of pumped water.

At Intersolar Europe 2024, ESS News spoke with George Hilton, research and analysis manager at S&P Global, about the state of play in the battery energy storage supply chain and falling prices. According to Hilton, the overcapacity at every level of the supply chain has led to prices that are no longer sustainable for many market players. Meanwhile, technological innovation has led to an unprecedented variety of battery storage technologies on offer, and for a great number of markets the right time to jump in is now.

The Chinese company says its new product has a storage capacity of 2,240 Wh and an expected lifespan of 6,000 cycles.

The Turkish manufacturer said its Varm BCP heat pump has a heating capacity of 3 kW at 20 C outdoor temperature and a coefficient of performance ranging from 3.62 to 4.48.