UK firm to supply argon recycling tech for 2 GW of solar in India
Gas Recovery and Recycle Ltd. (GR2L) has revealed plans to supply its ArgonØ machinery for 2 GW of solar capacity in India. Its ArgonØ tech can recycle up to 95% of the argon used in the fabrication of silicon wafers for solar panels.
Benchmarks for solar energy data, methods
The lower the uncertainty in solar resource data, the lower the investment costs. IEA PVPS Task 16 has organized and published two benchmarks to make uncertainty of models and data comparable – a first important step. The benchmarks included modeled solar resource data and methods to fill gaps in measurements.
Indian scientists making high-purity polysilicon ingots from recyled PV cells
Indian scientists have produced high-purity polysilicon ingots from recycled solar cells using “spark plasma sintering” (SPS), and claim they may achieve a purity level comparable to commercially available products.
Solar giants bet big on US manufacturing
Major solar panel suppliers have announced the construction of three new factories, collectively adding 15 GW of manufacturing capacity. In 2021, there was only 7 GW of module manufacturing capacity in the United States.
Brazil’s solar module imports hit 7.8 GW in H1
Brazil imported 7.8 GW of solar modules in the first half of 2023, with Chinese manufacturers Canadian Solar and JinkoSolar providing 2.4 GW of the total. This marked a 19% reduction in panel imports from the first six months of 2022, according to consultancy Greener.
EUPVSEC: Cautious optimism over local production
As the 40th edition of the European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EUPVSEC) gets underway in Lisbon today, it’s clear that European PV manufacturing faces some difficult challenges in the current climate of low prices and strong competition on all sides. Nonetheless, the show is already revealing plenty of optimism among the continent’s PV manufacturing players.
Cyprus starts first nanogrid project
The University of Cyprus and energy developer Ecotricity Holdings have jointly installed a nanogrid system for a single building in Cyprus. The aim is to minimize the site’s energy consumption costs and eliminate the power system’s carbon footprint.
Armenia builds first floating PV project
France’s Nepsen has completed the first floating solar project in Armenia. The 150 kW array, which is installed on Lake Yerevan, will serve as a pilot for future floating PV plants in the country.
Weekend Read: Getting to the bottom of TOPCon degradation
Should the industry be alarmed at the potential degradation susceptibility of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells? Or are the problems easily addressed and more a reflection of rushed-to-market products? pv magazine contributor and consultant Götz Fischbeck reports.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Rystad forecasts 150 GW of new solar in 2023
Rystad Energy believes China could be on track for another record year in 2023, with expectations for more than 150 GW of new PV capacity. The Norwegian consultancy says the country could also potentially install 165 GW in 2024 and 170 GW in 2025.
