BayWa re to sell PV product distribution business
BayWa AG is strategically realigning BayWa re so it can sell its solar trade business. In the future, the subsidiary will focus on international projects as an independent power producer (IPP).
Novel design for intermediate band solar cells
A UK-Australian research group has built an intermediate band solar cell with a quantum ratchet semiconductor nanostructure that reportedly increases the ratchet band state lifetime of the device. Their new design builds on a cell structure known as the Vaquero–Stainer Device (VSD).
Fraunhofer ISE founder, solar pioneer Adolf Goetzberger dies
Adolf Goetzberger, the founder of the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and an early proponent of photovoltaics, passed away on Feb. 24 at the age of 94.
US solar developers take on module manufacturing risks
Multiple deals over the last six months have shown that solar panel manufacturers are using long-term solar module supply agreements with developers to drive factory finance.
FuturaSun unveils n-type heterojunction solar modules
Italy’s FuturaSun has developed new bifacial double-glass PV modules based on n-type heterojunction (HJT) half-cut multi-busbar solar cells. The Velvet Pro line features M6 cells with power ratings ranging from 380 W to 480 W for rooftop applications. The Velvet Premium line features M12 cells, with power ratings from 615 W to 700 W for large-scale applications.
Chinese IT company enters solar module business with 8 GW factory
China’s 35.com said it will invest CNY 1.5 billion ($218.4 million) in the production of solar modules based on heterojunction cells.
Perovskite alkylammonium chloride solar cell achieves 26.08% efficiency
The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has certified that a South Korean research team has achieved a 25.73% efficiency rating with a perovskite PV cell based on alkylammonium chlorides. The champion device built by the scientists reached an efficiency of 26.08%.
Lightsource bp expands First Solar module supply plan to 8.3 GW
Lighsource bp has ordered 4 GW of US-made thin-film solar panels, adding to the 4.3 GW it ordered in 2021. Silicon Ranch, meanwhile, expanded upon its master supply agreement with First Solar, which includes a 4 GW transaction announced in April 2022.
DMEGC unveils 570-580 W TOPCon solar module series
DMEGC Solar says its new tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar panels combine a double-glass design with half-cut n-type cell technology. It says the efficiency ratings range from 22.07% to 22.45%.
Das Solar unveils 22.4%-efficient n-type TOPCon solar panels
Das Solar’s new tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) product, developed for large-scale PV applications, features 605 W to 625 W of power output. Its temperature coefficient is -0.30% per degree Celsius.
