Laser-sharp focus on interconnections
As the world’s solar manufacturers continue to ramp up production at an eye-watering speed, a cell connection technique up to 10 times faster than the industry standard holds rich promise, according to Keven Tremblay, from Canadian laser process specialist Laserax.
Agrivoltaic system achieves 9.9% efficiency, LCOE of $0.033/kWh
Researchers in China have built a prototype of a spectral-splitting concentrator agrivoltaic system (SCAPV) with a PV efficiency of 9.9, a hybrid light-use efficiency rating of 9.05%, and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.033/kWh.
New MPPT approach for multi-string PV systems under partial shading
Egyptian researchers have developed a multi-string PV system with a converter control strategy, achieving 99.81% efficiency with a direct duty cycle for maximum power point tracking (MPPT).
European consortium targets 25% CIGS solar cell efficiency
A consortium of European thin-film PV manufacturers and research institutes are working to advance copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS) solar development in a €5.9 million ($6.4 million) project. It aims to achieve 25% cell power conversion efficiency by improving manufacturing processes and scaling up from lab-sized bifacial devices to small outdoor-tested modules for a range of applications.
Kenyan startup offers PV-powered water filter
Inno Neat has developed a solar-powered water filter that removes contaminants such as bacteria, viruses and heavy metals for rural communities.
Hanersun launches ABC solar module series with up to 23.2% efficiency
China’s Hanersun has unveiled its new HItouch 5A module series, which is based on ABC cell tech and 182 mm wafers. The output ranges from 430 W to 600 W and the efficiency ratings are between 22.0% and 23.2%.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Total residential PV capacity hits 105 GW
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says the nation deployed 33 GW of new residential PV capacity between January and September, bringing cumulative installations to 105 GW, while Flat Glass says it will invest $290 million in new glass factories in Indonesia.
Armor Group acquires 20% stake in French solar panel maker HoloSolis
Armor Group has acquired a 20% stake in French solar panel maker HoloSolis, marking its entry into perovskite-silicon tandem panel production, a mere week after abandoning organic solar module production.
The overproduction conundrum
Solar manufacturing capacity has been ramping up so quickly that even impressive installation growth cannot keep pace. Molly Morgan, senior research analyst at UK-based research firm Exawatt, explores the relationship between PV supply and demand and assesses the likelihood of overproduction.
Collectively owned PV systems improve energy community performance
Researchers have looked into the impact of potential regulated charge exemptions on two types of energy communities in 39 European countries. They have found that communities with collectively owned PV systems achieve greater savings.
