Accelerated testing procedures for perovskite solar cells
Scientists in the US developed a series of accelerated testing procedures designed to predict how perovskite solar cells will perform when installed outdoors for a long period of time. The study finds that combined, simultaneous exposure to light and heat gives the most accurate of how a perovskite solar cell will perform in the field.
The importance of solar mini-grids in universalizing energy access
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, the International Solar Alliance (ISA) explains how to expand the deployment of mini-grids for electricity access, especially in less developed countries.
Silfab Solar signs deal with NorSun for US-made wafers
NorSun recently raised $8.5 million of new equity to further develop clean energy manufacturing projects in the United States, including a 5 GW ingot and wafer factory.
European solar manufacturers demand EU support
Solar module prices have hit a new low in recent months, due to market forces that SolarPower Europe describes as a “perfect storm.” The European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) says domestic solar module production fell from 9 GW in 2022 to 1 GW this year, with production now almost at a standstill. The associations say that urgent action is needed to prevent a potential wave of insolvencies in Europe.
Longi betting on back-contact solar cell tech
Longi Chairman Zhong Baoshen said last week that that the company’s hybrid passivated back contact (HPBC) technology will dominate its production capacity in the future.
Tata secures $425 million from US development bank for 4.3 GW solar fab
Tata Power’s greenfield 4.3 GW solar cell and module manufacturing plant in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu is expected to start PV module production by the end of this year.
New control strategy for PV-powered water pumps operating under variable atmospheric conditions
Scientists in Turkey have developed a new algorithm to optimize the efficiency of PV-powered water pumps. The novel technique is based on the Extended Kalman–Bucy filter, which is a predictor-corrector algorithm used extensively in control systems engineering for estimating unmeasured states of a process.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Trina buys 40 GW of factory lines from Robotechnik
Trina Solar said it will use the equipment at its factories in Huaian, Yangzhou, Dongtai, and Tinghu, which are all in Jiangsu province.
Residential solar average payback period is 8.3 years in U.S., said EnergySage
Pricing is beginning to cool slightly, but financing terms have changed from 2.99% to 4.99% for a 25-year loan.
How long do residential solar panels last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar panel. In the first part of this series, we look at the solar panels themselves.
