Helping the market of solar powered water pumps to thrive
Solar powered water pumps are one of the most important ways for off-grid communities to gain access to water cheaply and cleanly. Standards are required to enable this market to continue growing and the IEC is working on the appropriate specifications.
New IEA PVPS Handbook: A guide to proper solar resource data management
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, IEA PVPS provides a comprehensive overview of the recently released fourth edition of the “Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data”. The 530-page handbook, developed by IEA PVPS Task 16 in collaboration with NREL, elaborates on methods and models for accurately collecting solar data to plan and operate energy projects effectively.
New research shows vulnerability of TOPCon solar cells to contact corrosion
Researchers at the University of New South Wales claim to have identified new TOPCon contact degradation mechanisms that are significantly influenced by the combination of ions and aluminum-silver paste compositions. The primary degradation mechanism was a significant increase in series resistance.
Hail-resistant front covers for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE have tested glass fiber-reinforced polymer as a front cover material vehicle integrated PV modules, finding that it has the potential to reduce weight by 44% to 74 % compared to conventional glass-covered modules. Experimental devices withstood hail tests, avoiding cell cracking after impact.
Waaree unveils 730 W dual-glass heterojunction solar module
Waaree has showcased an n-type dual-glass photovoltaic panel with a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.5%.
Trina Solar files with U.S. Trade Commission to protect TOPCon solar patents
The Chinese solar panel manufacturer filed patent complaints against Runergy and Adani Green Energy.
Future Fund Oman invests $156 million in polysilicon factory
The polysilicon manufacturing facility is currently under construction by United Solar Polysilicon near Muscat. It will have a capacity of 100,000 MT.
Scientists investigate potential of diatomite as a raw material for solar cells
A German-Algerian research team has been investigating ways to produce silicon from diatomite, a fossil material containing amorphous silicon dioxide. The researchers said that, for potential solar cell applications, it will be crucial to extract silion with a low level of impurities.
Solar wafer prices steady amid improving supply-demand balance
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.
Switzerland authorizes removable PV plant on railway track
Swiss startup Sun-ways is planning to build a 18 kW pilot PV system between the racks of a 100-m linear section of a railway line in the Swiss canton of Neuchâtel.
