New approach to improve MPPT in partially shaded PV systems operating at high temperatures
The novel methodology is reportedly able to track global maximum power point and reduce power losses in partially shaded PV systems by up to 33%. It uses a backstepping controller (BSC) algorithm to adjust the pulse width modulation signal and a genetic algorithm to compute the BSC gains to achieve an optimal PV system outcome.
Cadmium telluride solar cell based on indium gallium oxide emitter achieves 17.2%
Developed by the University of Toledo, the cell achived the highest efficiency ever reported for flexible cadmium telluride solar cells to date. The device reached an open-circuit voltage of 861 mV, a short-circuit density of 27.8 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 71.7%.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Canadian Solar, Aiko Solar to build new factories
Canadian Solar says its new 14 GW vertically integrated cell and module factory will require an investment of CNY 9.63 billion ($1.33 billion), while Aiko Solar says it will invest CNY 9.97 billion in a 10 GW facility.
New design for photovoltaic-thermal panels mitigates risk of cracking
Researchers in Sweden have developed a new PVT module using an aluminum alloy structure between the thermal absorber and the photovoltac cells. This architecture reportedly reduces thermal expansion by 20%, thus increasing the chances of mitigating cracks in the PV unit.
Fraunhofer ISE develops vacuum deposition process for perovksite-silicon tandem solar cells
The German research institute is investigating the use of commercially available vacuum-based evaporation equipment to manufacture perovskite thin films and contacts layers in the fabrication of perovskite-silicon tandem cells.
Korean scientists build semi-transparent perovskite solar cell with record-breaking efficiency of 22.02%
Developed by researchers at the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), the novel cell was conceived for applications in bifacial perovskite-silicon tandem PV devices. The academics claim they were able to overcome an intrinsic dopant-induced internal degradation mechanism which leads to undesired lithium-ion diffusion that would have been detrimental to the cell efficiency.
Spanish company offers harmless device protecting solar modules from birds
Prosolarbirds has designed a harmless device to prevent birds from perching on the panels and soiling them with excrement. It is a rotating device, without a motor, that is activated by a slight breeze, and whose movement prevents birds from landing.
Spain announces €750 million incentive scheme for clean-tech manufacturing
Spain’s government has submitted a new incentive scheme to a public consultation. It is designed to support the development of a clean-tech supply chain in the country, including the production of batteries.
India’s Nova Solar expanding PV module capacity to 1.2 GW
Nova Solar (Novasys Greenergy) says it will reach a PV module production capacity of 1.2 GW per year with the commissioning of new stringer machines in the middle of April.
Mine engineers develop air PV for applications in limited spaces
Engineers in Spain have developed a PV system solution that uses steel cables as a mounting structure. They say it is deployable in different scenarios with limited space.
