Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

An international team of researchers demonstrated perovskite solar cells treated with a molecular passivator based on π-conjugated terpyridine Lewis-base molecules that achieved 25.24% power conversion efficiency, with 90% retained after 2,664 hours of light exposure. The treatment reportedly works at high concentrations without damaging the perovskite film or diminishing cell performance. A protocol was published to reproduce the results, opening the door to testing it on a range of perovskite absorbers.

La Croisière Verte is the name of a 13,500 km expedition from the north to south of Africa in a fleet of four Citroën AMI vehicles, each carrying 5,600 W of lightweight PV panels in foldable packs.

Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin have published a white paper that uses recent module testing and in-factory data to guide the best use of testing and inspection metrics. The paper aims to ensure that solar modules meet acceptable quality standards.

Yale University scientists are seeking industry collaborators to explore stretchy material for panels and growing algae on modules, as well as other efficiency-boosting possibilities inspired by giant clam behavior.

Eternit S.A., a Brazilian construction materials supplier, says it has developed a 50 W panel for building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications. The 1 kg module features monocrystalline passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) tech.

Singapore-headquartered EliTe Solar says the first phase of work at the planned 8 GW solar manufacturing facility in northeastern Egypt will establish a 2 GW solar cell production line, scheduled for completion in September 2025. 

JA Solar has reported a net loss of CNY 874 million ($123.3 million) for the first half of 2024, while Tongwei posted a loss of CNY 3.13 billion. TCL Zhonghuan and GCL Technology also recorded losses of CNY 3.06 billion and CNY 1.48 billion, respectively.

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.

Researchers in Portugal adopted a new light trapping strategy to build an ultrathin perovskite solar cells that may reportedly have a longer operational lifetime. They utilized an LDS coating combined with a checkerboard photonic front structure to protect the cells against UV-enabled degradation and simultaneously improve UV irradiation.

Scientists in Colombia have conceived a new portable electronic device for on-site measurements of the I-V and P-V curves of photovoltaic panels. The novel system considers solar radiation, ambient temperature, electric current, and voltage signals from a PV panel via a cellphone through a mobile application.