Investigating smoke dispersion in rooftop PV fires
Researchers have conducted a small-scale experiment on the behavior of smoke in PV-related fires. They have found that in homes featuring rooftops with a pitch of less than 45 degrees, residents only have about four minutes to safely evacuate.
Sunwind releases vertical PV kit with anti-theft structure
Sunwind’s patented Vertisolar solution features two 352 W full-black PERC solar modules, a microinverter, a connection system, and a monitoring device. The package includes an anti-theft system that also protects the wiring and the microinverter.
Alpex Solar launches highly oversubscribed IPO
Alpex Solar, an India-based solar manufacturer, says it plans to use the proceeds of its highly oversubscribed initial public offering (IPO) to expand its PV panel capacity from 450 MW to 1.2 GW, in addition to setting up an aluminum frame manufacturing unit.
Malaysian researchers claim reflectors for PV modules are feasible
The research team tested a PV system prototype with a mirror reflector and found it could be economically feasible “under Malaysian climatic conditions.” Their analysis was based on the cost-effectiveness factor (FCE), which is a parameter that must be considered when designing an enhancer such as a reflector or a cooling technology in PV systems.
Qcells, Solarcycle aim to jointly recover 95% of solar panel value
Qcells and Solarcycle have established the first US solar recycling alliance.
New research sheds light on results achieved by major perovskite solar manufacturers
A team of researchers from China and the United States has summarized the commercialization status of several manufacturers, including Saule Technologies, Solaronix, Panasonic, Toshiba, Utmolight, Wonder Solar, Kunshan GCL, and Microquanta.
Sekisui Chemical to open solar module factory in Slovakia
Denisa Sakova, Slovakia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minster of Economy, has signed an agreement with Japanese plastics manufacturer Sekisui Chemical, which is developing flexible photovoltaic panels. Sakova says the aim is to explore the possibility of producing the panels in Slovakia.
Laser-assisted hermetic encapsulation tech for perovskite PV modules
Pixel Voltaic, a spinoff of University of Porto, has launched a laser system to hermetically seal glass-glass and glass-steel perovskite PV modules up to 30 cm x 30 cm. The company’s technology roadmap is to increase capacity to accommodate larger device areas of up to 1 m2, and to modify the process to operate within a roll-to-roll line.
Engadiner Kraftwerke energizes second PV plant on Swiss retaining wall project
Swiss hydropower company Engadiner Kraftwerke said the new PV system went into service in the Swiss Canton of Graubunden to generate 230,000 kWh per annum. The array utilizes solar modules provided by Lithuanian manufacturer Solitek.
New approach to integrate PV-powered heat pumps into greenhouses
Scientists have proposed to use PV energy and heat pump-driven HVAC system in greenhouses conceived to grow tomatoes in the Mediterranean area. The system was found to have a payback time of only 2.9 years in southern Spain.
