Sinovoltaics updates map of North American solar supply chain
The North American manufacturing hub has added several new producers across the PV module supply chain but analysts see continued cell, wafer, and polysilicon capacity constraints. The report is based on announcements of capacities at sites in the region producing PV modules, cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and metallurgical-grade silicon.
First Solar ships 14.1 GW of thin-film solar modules in 2024
First Solar delivered 14.1 GW of thin-film solar modules in 2024, driving $4.2 billion in revenue. The US cadmium telluride panel maker now faces global policy uncertainty.
Mitigating risks in new PV technologies
The solar energy industry continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. However, as innovative photovoltaic cell and module technologies emerge, they also bring a new set of challenges in durability and performance. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 13, titled “Degradation and Failure Modes in New Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technologies,” offers a comprehensive analysis of degradation and failure mechanisms in current photovoltaic technologies.
Jolywood releases 595 W bifacial TOPCon solar panel for harsh environments
The Chinese manufacturer said that its new glass-backsheet Windproof module utilizes a zinc-aluminum-magnesium surface alloy technology and a high-strength steel substrate. It features a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.03%.
‘Solar module prices will soon go back to over $0.12/W’
The global solar module industry is expected to regain a sustainable balance in the next six months, Yana Hryshko, head of Solar Supply Chain Research for Wood Mackenzie, told pv magazine. She explains why solar module prices may increase soon, suggesting that Tier 1 modules prices could reach $0.14-$0.15/W by the end of this year, and discusses how consolidation is materializing within the global PV industry.
Survey reveals most popular inverter, solar brands for Australian installers
A new survey shows that most Australian solar installers are not concerned about solar panel and battery brands, but have a clear preference when it comes to inverters.
Strategies to reduce perovskite solar cell degradation caused by thermal stress
An international team investigated repeated thermal stress on metal-halide perovskite solar cells and has proposed strategies to boost resistance to degradation effects of diurnal cycles or geographical conditions.
PV-driven mobile homes for disaster recovery
Researchers in Japan have demonstrated solar-powered mobile homes including a bedroom and living room with an integrated kitchen, bathroom, restroom, and lavatory. Their work demonstrates how renewable energy can enhance resilience in temporary housing solutions, reducing reliance on external power sources.
New algorithm for fault detection in renewables microgrids
An Iraqi-Canadian research team has created a new algorithm that can detect direction change in the line current of renewables-based microgrids. The novel approach can be applied to both grid-forming and grid-following infrastructures.
First Solar sues JinkoSolar for alleged TOPCon patent infringement
First Solar has sued JinkoSolar in a US federal court in Delaware, claiming that the Chinese manufacturer infringed upon US Patent No. 9,130,074, which is related to tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar technology.
