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.
AI tech for DC arc detection in PV systems
Scientists from China have developed a novel system that can detect DC arcs in PV installations through a back-propagation neural network. The novel technique reportedly ensures a detection time of less than 200 ms.
Fraunhofer ISE, AMOLF reveal details of record-breaking 36.1%-efficient triple-junction silicon solar cell
The two research institutes described the triple junction device’s features in a new paper. The cell relies on a top cell based on gallium indium phosphide (GaInP), a middle cell relying on gallium indium arsenide phosphide (GaInAsP), and a silicon bottom cell.
UAE startup unveils floating structure for offshore PV
Dubai-based Floating Man is currently negotiating contracts for the deployment of a novel floating structure for offshore solar. A 900 m2 system built with the floaters could support up to 200 solar panels.
