Italy’s FuturaSun has developed new bifacial double-glass PV modules based on n-type heterojunction (HJT) half-cut multi-busbar solar cells. The Velvet Pro line features M6 cells with power ratings ranging from 380 W to 480 W for rooftop applications. The Velvet Premium line features M12 cells, with power ratings from 615 W to 700 W for large-scale applications.

DMEGC Solar says its new tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar panels combine a double-glass design with half-cut n-type cell technology. It says the efficiency ratings range from 22.07% to 22.45%.

China’s GS Energy has developed a new lithium iron phosphate battery system with a nominal voltage of 96 V. It says that up to five 3.74 kWh modules can be stacked and connected in series for a total capacity of 18.7 kWh.

South Africa’s new rebate program for private rooftop solar arrays has a budget of ZAR 4 billion ($216.7 million). It does not cover inverters, battery storage systems, or installation costs. However, some industry analysts have already criticized the scheme for failing to fully address the country’s load-shedding problem.

Netherlands-based BirdBlocker has developed a plastic strip that can be placed under solar panels installed on pitched rooftops. The long needles prevent birds from nesting under the modules. The structure is attached to the frame of the modules with stainless steel clips.

Zigor has developed a modular central inverter that can convert AC power to DC power for battery charging. It has an output of 3.3 MVA and a DC voltage of up to 1,500 V.

Solargiga is offering three versions of its new bifacial panels, with power outputs of 415 W to 425 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 21.25% to 21.76%. They feature 108 half-cut monocrystalline cells with n-type technology.

Landatu Solar has introduced a lightweight, plastic system that can be filled with water, sand, or gravel to function as a solar mounting system on flat surfaces. The units can be stacked on top of each other to facilitate transport.

On the first day of Spain’s Genera tradeshow, pv magazine spoke with Joan Groizard Payeras, Managing Director of Spain’s IDEA (Instituto para la Diversificación y el Ahorro de la Energía) about the current state of solar manufacturing in Spain, and what the government is doing to the make its domestic industry more competitive.

The isolation of Portugal’s electrical grid is hindering the growth of renewables, according to GlobalData’s latest report. Storage will play a pivotal role if the country hopes to achieve its solar and renewable installation goals, it says.