Advancing circular economy in photovoltaics: The Hot Knife PV module recycling method
Recycling is of significant importance in a circular economy, yet some challenges have to be faced when recycling PV modules. The novel Hot Knife method to separate the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module front glass from the backsheet contributes only a few permill to the life cycle related potential environmental impacts of PV electricity.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: JinkoSolar reports strong H1 earnings
JinkoSolar has reported a net profit of CNY 3.8 billion ($526.6 million) for the first half of 2023, while Maxeon has revealed plans to open a 3 GW TopCON cell and module factory in the United States.
Two-terminal perovskite silicon tandem solar cell with 25.6% efficiency
The Fraunhofer ISE has developed an electro-optically optimized transparent conductive oxide layer that can reportedly improve the efficiency of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. A device built with the film achieved remarkable efficiency and fill factor.
First Solar explores potential of quantum-dot solar modules
In a joint development effort with UbiQD, thin-film solar manufacturer, First Solar, is exploring the potential use of quantum dots in enhancing solar photovoltaics.
U.S. startup to produce perovskite glass for tandem modules
Caelux secured series A funding to deploy perovskite glass that can be integrated with existing solar manufacturing processes to boost module efficiency.
Research shows bats stay away from ground mounted solar plants
New research from the United Kingdom claims that ground mounted PV facilities have a negative effect on bat activity. According to the scientists, the panels may be causing some bats to alter their flight paths, potentially resulting in further fragmentation of the ecological landscape.
Novel AI-based tech to identify rooftop solar systems from aerial images
The model utilizes deep learning and image processing techniques and is said to offer “superior performance.” In the future, it might be able to differ between panels of PV and solar thermal systems.
Mitigating residential duck curve via solar pre-cooling
Solar pre-cooling consists of using residential PV systems to run air conditioners to pre-cool residential and commercial buildings. It offers benefits in terms of mitigating low minimum demand in electricity networks, flattening the grid’s net demand profile, and reducing electricity bills.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: CNMIA reports increase in polysilicon prices
The China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNMIA) says that polysilicon prices rose this week, while TCL Zhonghuan raised wafer prices for the second time in 10 days.
Solar bus canopy reduces temperature by up to 20 C
The University of Sevilla has designed a PV-powered “smart” canopy that activates a thermal conditioning system to reduce extreme heat by up to 20 C.
