New study shows reducing number of solar modules per string reduces risk of hotspots
Scientists in Indonesia have investigated early operational defects in a 24.9 MW solar PV system in Sumatra and have identified hotspot formation as the dominant defect. They also detected 282 cases of glass cracking, 350 cases of junction box failures and shading effects linked to module defects.
Longi sues JinkoSolar for alleged patent infringement in China, United States
Longi filed the lawsuit in China at the Jinan Intermediate People’s Court in Shandong, demanding an immediate halt to the manufacturing, sales, and offers to sell the allegedly infringing products. The lawsuit in the United States was filed at District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.
Backsheet buoyed PV manufacturers
Hard-pressed Asian solar manufacturers have switched from multi-layer polymer backsheets to a single layer of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), with a protective coating on both sides of their modules. Backsheet makers confirm these products, known as “CPC,” are now mainstream. There is little evidence to demonstrate that they can withstand 30 years-plus of outdoor use, however.
Water-based recycling of perovskite solar cells
An international team has developed a new technique to recycle perovskite solar cells (PSC) made on glass substrates using a water-based solution. Tests showed that the recycled cells were as efficient and stable as the original devices.
Hybrid solar vanadium battery system withstands Australia’s harsh weather
Energy solutions company Australian Flow Batteries has rolled out its containerised solar vanadium battery system in Western Australia, which can be stowed in less than an hour to protect modules during the region’s annual cyclone season.
US-based company introduces new solar carports
Brooklyn Solar Company announced a new post-truss, cantilever and wood-post solar carports.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: SPIC begins work on 10 GW heterojunction cell, module factory
The new manufacturing facility will require an investment of CNY 8 billion ($1.1 billion) and will be located in Suining, Sichuan province.
Tongwei drops plan to acquire Runergy
Tongwei originally intended to invest CNY 5 billion ($700 million) to buy a 51% stake in Runergy.
Photovoltaics for sea cucumber aquaculture
Scientists in China have conducted a year-long study on six “aquavoltaics” farms hosting sea cucumber aquacultures under the solar panels. Due to the lower water temperature, the hibernation period of the animal was reduced, as was mortality, compared to the previous year.
New database for PV module fault detection
Scientists in Colombia have created a 10-year open dataset for PV panel fault detection. Data was acquired using an electronic load system, oscilloscope, and thermographic camera in outdoor environmental conditions.
