New research shows impact of dust on PV module temperature, performance
New research from Pakistan shows that dust could reduce PV panel performance through the shielding effect and the “dust-temperature” phenomenon. The scientists tested two PV systems in different parts of the country.
Wacker Chemie’s sales, earnings fall in tough market
German chemical group Wacker Chemie says its sales fell 22% year on year to €6.40 billion ($6.9 billion) in 2023. Its polysilicon division contributed EUR 1.6 billion to sales, down from EUR 2.29 billion in the preceding year.
Canadian startup offers 35%-efficient indoor perovskite PV modules
Canada’s Solaires Entreprises says its indoor perovskite modules are suitable for powering a range of electronic devices, such as wireless keyboards, smart door locks, electronic shelf labels, and sensors.
Cloud fraction nowcasting method for PV applications
Researchers in China have developed a novel way to predict the cloud coverage of PV plants. The method uses geostationary satellite and recurrent-neural networks.
How to combine residential heat pumps with PV, battery storage
New research from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) has shown that combining rooftop PV systems with battery storage and heat pumps can improve heat pump efficiency while reducing reliance on grid electricity.
NREL says long-term degradation of 8 GW of US solar ‘matches expectations’
Research by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) on the degradation of almost 8 GW of US solar shows that PV systems are degrading at a modest rate, within expectations. It says most PV systems experience minimal damage from short-term extreme weather, but warns of the risk of powerful hail, wind and snow.
Germany’s Nexwafe mulling US wafer factory
German wafer manufacturer Nexwafe says it has set up a subsidiary in the United States to evaluate the potential to produce wafers in the country.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Hoshine continues PV supply chain expansion
Hoshine says it will build a solar glass factory in Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang region, where it is also planning a 20 GW vertically integrated module manufacturing facility.
AEG launches 23.3%-efficient ABC solar panel with 40-year warranty
AEG is currently offering three versions of its new ABC solar panels for rooftop applications, with power outputs of 445 W to 455 W and efficiency ratings ranging from 22.8% to 23.3%. They feature half-cut ABC cells with n-type technology.
Mixed signals for solar cell price prospects
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.
