Back-contact VIPV modules based on glass fiber-reinforced composite sheets
A university team in Poland has developed lightweight bifacial vehicle integrated PV (VIPV) mini-modules with back contact cells and glass fiber-reinforced composite sheets. Fabricated in a low-cost process, larger versions of the device are planned for use in a custom-built solar car for international competitions.
How to identify interruption of ribbons in solar modules
Scientists in Spain have investigated the total or partial interruptions of ribbons that connect solar cells in modules and have proposed a classification based on their type and location.
Dielectric capping layers improve heterojunction solar module reliability
A research group from France claims to have found a way to reduce indium consumption in heterojunction solar modules by 85 % while maintaining good performances and durability levels. The scientists tested different cell designs and the use of several capping layers to protect the cell from moisture degradation.
Eternit’s brazilian subsidiary abandons PV manufacturing
The Brazilian subsidiary of the Belgian company reports that the board of directors deliberated and approved the “discontinuation of the photovoltaic product line,” a decision prompted by Chinese competition. It launched its last module on the market in September 2024.
Global module prices trend upward in Q2
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Indian startup testing 15%-efficient perovskite solar modules
P3C Technology and Solutions plans to initially produce the 30 cm2 modules at a pilot 60 MW manufacturing facility.
Tilt angle has greatest impact on power losses caused by soiling
Scientists in China have analyzed the impact of soiling of PV module performance and have found that tilt angle has the greatest impact, followed by irradiance intensity and dust deposition density.
Testing photovoltaic modules in Antarctica’s summer
The Turkish Antarctic Expedition placed four different PV module types – monocrystalline, polycrystalline, flexible and transparent – outside of their research camp for three months to compare performance, finding that monocrystalline was the clear winner.
India’s MNRE says imported silicon wafers do not meet domestic PV criteria
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has ruled that solar cells made with imported diffused silicon wafers, known as “blue wafers,” do not qualify for government programs requiring domestically manufactured PV cells.
US startup offers portable factory for ground-mounted PV plants
Charge Robotic’s portable factory system assembles solar equipment including tracks, mounting brackets and panels on-site and then puts it into place via an automated robotic vehicle. The company’s first commercial deployments are scheduled for this year.
