Chile announces $2 billion tender mechanism for energy storage
The Chilean authorities plan to hold the first procurement exercise for large-scale storage projects in 2024, with the first systems expected to go online in 2026.
All-perovskite tandem solar cell with 28.5% efficiency
A Chinese research team has fabricated an all-perovskite solar cell with a 3D/3D double-layer perovskite heterostructure that reportedly ensures improved charge extraction. The device achieved an open-circuit voltage of 2.112 V, a short-circuit current of 6.5 mA cm-2, and a remarkable fill factor of 81.9%.
Italy hits 2.3 GW/3.9 GWh of distributed storage capacity at the end of March
Italy deployed 741 MW/1,098 MWh of new distributed storage capacity in the first quarter of 2023.
Cuba to hold 60 MW solar tender
The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is helping Cuba to launch its first solar energy procurement exercise. Interested developers have until July 20 to submit their offers.
France adds 601 MW of new PV systems in Q1
France reached 17.15 GW of cumulative installed PV capacity at the end of March.
German regulator warns of defective inverters in balcony PV systems
The German Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) has identified issues with certain inverters that lack CE markings, instructions in German, or German retailer addresses. The defects render them ineligible for distribution or use in the country.
Off-grid solar kit with quick-swap modular batteries
US-based Runhood has introduced a modular battery design that directly connects to a portable solar array, so it can be quickly swapped in and out of the power bank for off-grid flexibility.
AEG releases 430 W all-black TOPCon solar module with 22% efficiency
AEG is offering three versions of its new all-black panels, with power outputs of 420 W to 430 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 21.5% to 22.0%. They feature 108 half-cut monocrystalline cells with n-type technology.
Sunways unveils hybrid inverters for rooftop applications
Sunways’ new three-phase hybrid inverters have efficiency ratings of up to 98.2% and European efficiency ratings of 97.4%. They are available in seven versions, with power outputs ranging from 15 kW to 33 kW.
Weekend Read: Keeping Ukraine’s lights on
The first half of 2023 has seen a revival in Ukraine’s solar market as some plants resumed operations, including in recently liberated territories. Demand is also picking up among industrial consumers that wish to be less dependent on the common energy grid in case outages return, reports Ian Skarytovsky.
