Recent ‘auction success’ in Ireland, UK comes with challenges, consultants say
Almost 2 GW of solar was tendered in the latest UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero auction, while almost 500 MW was recently awarded in the latest auction round spearheaded by Irish power transmission operator EirGrid. But these gains come with five challenges, according to analysts from New Zealand-based consultancy firm PSC.
Intelbras unveils 48 V/100 Ah residential battery
Brazilian conglomerate Intelbras says its new storage solution consists of one or more batteries that can be connected in parallel, with up to 10 units. It reportedly has a useful lifespan of more than eight years.
Solcast’s Solstice Forecast – Long term trends and forecast
In its last 2023 update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, presents a long-term analysis on historical average irradiance on Christmas day.
Solar manufacturers unite to develop standards for 700 W-plus modules
Solar module size standardization will enhance supply chain efficiencies, boost production, and lower costs, according to the 700W+ Photovoltaic Open Innovation Ecological Alliance, which aims to accelerate the industrialization of PV modules above 700 W.
France hits average price of €85.20/MWh in 512 MW hydro-wind-PV tender
France has achieved an average price of €85.20 ($93.72)/MWh in a 512 MW hydro-wind-PV tender. It has selected 34 projects, including four wind installations and 30 ground-mounted solar plants, from developers such as EDF, Neoen, and BayWa re.
Thin-film solar is the future of agrivoltaics
In contrast with traditional panels, thin-film solar modules are much more adaptable to these agricultural situations, thanks to their flexible, lightweight design.
SunPower breaches credit agreement, warns business may go under
SunPower, a publicly traded US solar company, has issued a warning about its business in a new regulatory filing, raising concerns about its ability to remain viable.
Fraunhofer ISE develops faster laser system for wafer processing
High throughput and high precision can help reduce solar cell production costs. A research group at Fraunhofer ISE has made progress with a laser system to process wafers for metallization. The system reportedly works 10 to 20 times faster.
Waaree Energies to build 5 GW solar cell, module factory in US
India’s Waaree Energies says it will build a solar module manufacturing facility with an initial capacity of 3 GW per year by December 2024. It plans to ramp up to an integrated 5 GW cell facility by 2027 and has already secured an offtake contract with SB Energy.
ISC Konstanz claims 24% efficiency for tunnel back contact solar cell
ISC Konstanz researchers say their new n-type tunnel back contact (TBC) solar cell features polycrystalline silicon TOPCon contacts on both polarities. The results still need to be confirmed by an independent third party.
