New photovoltaic tiles from Estonia
Estonian startup Solarstone has developed two solar tiles with an efficiency of up to 19.5% and an operating temperature coefficient of -0.41% per C. It recently secured €10 million in funds to expand sales across Europe.
Spain launches 140 MW auction for distributed solar power
The auction will be held on October 25 and will be open to solar projects not exceeding 5 MW in size.
A new day at sunset
For the many millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa who lack access to electric lighting, sunset brings an almost enveloping dark. But Light Libraries is one handy solar-powered program that brings an affordable end to darkness for school students. pv magazine sat down with Sofia Ollvid from SolarAid to discuss how these libraries work.
PEM fuel cell with novel biomimetic design
Spanish scientists developed a proton exchange membrane fuel cell with a bipolar plate based on a nature-inspired structure. This architecture, according to its creators, shows remarkable performance when operating at high relative humidity values of 90%.
Rayzon unveils 540 W bifacial solar module
The Indian manufacturer said the new panel has a 10-busbar design, a transparent backsheet and a power conversion efficiency of up to 20.98%.
Heat wave sparks fire at solar park in the Netherlands
The fire affected an area of around 5,000 square meters but did not damage the solar panels. The local fire brigade was able to control the fire in around two hours.
Compressed air storage vs. lead-acid batteries
Researchers in the United Arab Emirates have compared the performance of compressed air storage and lead-acid batteries in terms of energy stored per cubic meter, costs, and payback period. They found the former has a considerably lower Capex and a payback time of only two years.
Made-in-USA solar for stable supply chains, lower emissions, fair labor
Toledo Solar founder Aaron Bates joined pv magazine USA to explain the benefits of US-made solar and cadmium telluride technology.
Behind-the-scenes look at solar panel production shines light on Australian manufacturing
With the International Energy Agency leading calls to diversify the world’s solar PV supply chain, Australia’s only solar panel maker Tindo Solar has released a video following the manufacturing process at its new $7.6 million production facility in Adelaide.
Slovakia restarts rebate program for residential PV, heat pumps
The authorities in Slovakia are offering rebates to cover up to 50% of the cost of buying and installing solar water heaters, PV systems with generation capacities of up to 10 kW, heat pumps, biomass systems, and solar-thermal collectors.
