Pumped hydro storage for rivers, coastal lines
Scientists in Germany have developed a new methodology to identify suitable areas for pumped hydro storage projects close to rivers or shorelines. Their new method considers parameters such as the minimum required flat area for the reservoir, the allowable slope of the terrain, the minimum head, and minimum required head to distance ratio between two reservoirs.
Cadmium-free kesterite solar cell with 9.7% efficiency
Researchers in China developed a new kesterite solar cell they say has improved efficiency and stability. The device was able to retain around 90% of its initial efficiency after 100 days without encapsulation.
First Solar secures 600 MW order for ‘made-in-India’ PV modules
US manufacturer First Solar will supply its thin-film panels to Indian developer Azure Power.
A new era of made-in-USA solar
There are both challenges and benefits to boosting solar manufacturing in America. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 includes a host of measures to support the production of US renewable energy technologies and could foster a new era for made-in-America solar. pv magazine USA Senior Editor Anne Fischer explores the current status and outlook of US solar manufacturing.
The mobility rEVolution: Lightyear 0 makes history as the world’s most aerodynamic production car
In other news, Our Next Energy reveals 240-Ah anode-free cell with high energy density, ABB E-mobility expands its manufacturing footprint in the US, and Volvo’s parent company Geely unveils 600 kW supercharging technology.
Solar PV employed around 3.4 million people in 2021
Almost half of the workers were employed in China, around 280,000 in North America, over 260,000 in Europe, and some 50,000 in Africa, according to a new report by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The vast majority of workers were employed in manufacturing and installation of new capacity, with solar jobs paying lower wage premiums than the nuclear, oil, and gas industries.
Switzerland launches tender to assign free-of-charge areas for PV along highways
The Swiss Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) started yesterday the selection process to assign these areas free of charge to solar developers. Interested developers will have time until February 24 to express their interest in these surfaces.
Longi achieves 26.12% efficiency for gallium-doped p-type heterojunction solar cell
The result, confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH), was achieved on a heterojunction solar cell based on an M6 wafer.
Pakistani regulator clarifies net metering proposal
A consultation about raising the level of payments made for excess household electricity injected into the grid appears to have prompted fears it could raise solar power prices across the board.
India’s Jreda launches tender for 2 MW canal-top solar project
Jharkhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (JREDA) has invited bids to build a 2 MW grid-connected solar project on top of the Sikdiri Canal in the Ranchi district. Bidding closes on October 6.
