New method to predict potential induced degradation in glass-glass TOPCon solar modules
A research group led by Chinese manufacturer Trina Solar has outlined a new approach to predict potential induced degradation (PID) in dual-glass solar panels under multiple typical field conditions. The novel methodology is claimed to facilitate simultaneous PID and light exposure.
EnergySage ranks top solar panel brands in US market
EnergySage, a residential PV marketplace operator, has released a review of the top solar panel brands in the US market.
Spanish company unveils PV-driven thermal system for self-consumption
Spain’s H2 Fusión says its Solar Heat PR5 system uses PV energy to produce hot water for self-consumption in industrial buildings, reaching temperatures of up to 92 C.
Colored modules for building-integrated photovoltaics
Taking inspiration from the 3D photonic structures on a Morpho butterfly’s shimmering blue wings, scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed colored solar panels that can be incorporated into a building’s exterior practically invisibly while maintaining high efficiency.
New method to predict solar module lifespans under sand erosion
A team of researchers in Algeria has designed a new testbed and a novel acceleration law that accounts for both wind speed and sand density. The new methodology was tested on four PV modules and showed lifespans of up to 47 years in terms of sand impact.
TU Delft research suggests back contact tech may push crystalline silicon PV over 28% threshold
Researchers in the Netherlands have investigated how carrier-selective contacts may help achieve stronger performance in back-contact (BC) crystalline silicon solar cells and have predicted efficiencies may reach up to 28.64%. Their analysis considered work function, energy barriers, and energy alignment across the stack of layers.
Solar module downward price trend has been reversed
High-efficiency solar modules are becoming scarce, prompting some retailers to stockpile in anticipation of rising prices, says Martin Schachinger, founder of pvXchange.com. He expects module prices to climb moderately but steadily until at least early next quarter.
Driver charged over fatal road incident involving solar panel
A Sydney man has been charged after a solar panel allegedly “dislodged” from a portable power station he was towing, flew through the windshield of another car and struck and killed its driver.
Polyshine Solar unveils ultralight, flexible rooftop solar panels
The Chinese manufacturer said its new flexible modules have an efficiency of up to 20.1% and a weight of only 7.5 kg, or 2.92 kg/m2. The new products have purportedly a light transmittance of over 91% and “ultra-high” UV blocking ability.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China General Nuclear concludes 10 GW mounting system tender
The selected bidders are Trina Solar, Antai Ke Clean Energy, Xin Yuan Electric, Guoqiang Xing Sheng Energy Technology, and TBEA, with the winning bid prices ranging from CNY 0.209 ($0.29)/W to CNY 0.221/W.
