European consortium achieves 21.6% efficiency in flexible perovskite solar cell
Half way through its three-year research program, the Pearl consortium of European research institutes has surpassed 21% efficiency on its flexible perovskite solar cells featuring bendable substrates and has demonstrated scalable roll-to-roll processes.
PV industry could account for 40% of global silver demand by 2030
New research from Europe shows that the global PV industry may require up to 14,000 tonnes of silver per year in 2030, with global supply being only 34,000 tonnes. The scientists said more efforts should be made to reduce silver content in TOPCon and heterojunction solar cells.
China’s intelamp sets world record for solar-powered LED display
Chinese solar lighting company intelamp set a new world record for the largest display of solar-power LEDs with an array of 36,862 of its solar lights in the Mingsha Mountain dunes of western China.
Vehicle integrated PV potential measured over a million km in Netherlands, Germany
Researchers have collected data from solar sensor-equipped vehicles, racking up over a million km mainly in the Benelux and German region, to be able to make more accurate efficiency and yield predictions. The research project is part of an ongoing three-year European assessment of VIPV.
Solar floodplains and fault lines
With the early expiration of key US solar tax credits in 2026 and 2027, solar developers from the United States and Europe are looking to diversify, and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region represents attractive prospects for many. But unpredictable site conditions can defy even the most experienced developers’ assumptions, causing delays and cost hikes. Upfront due diligence is vital, argue Clean Energy Associates engineers Nicholas Hudson and Evan Woolard.
Chinese scientists develop colorless solar concentrator for PV windows
The research team’s semi-transparent solar concentrator can be directly coated onto standard window glass. It uses liquid crystal films to reflect and guide circularly-polarized sunlight to solar cells installed toward the edge of a window. A 1-inch diameter prototype was found capable of directly powering a 10 mW fan under sunlight.
Rable offers mounting system for east-west PV systems on low-load flat roofs
The Dutch startup said it is developing markets in France, Sweden, and Belgium after completing more than 50 solar rooftop projects in its home market based on its east-west oriented, self-supported mounting system.
Domain adaptation framework for PV power forecasting
A team of researchers have developed a domain adaption framework capable of transferring knowledge from solar power plants with abundant data to plants that need to be trained without labelled data. The framework has been tested at three solar power sites in Germany and was found to perform better than reference models.
Italy issues new fire safety rules for PV and storage systems
Italy’s fire service has introduced binding guidelines for PV systems up to 1,500 V, adding rules on storage, spacing, compartmentalization, and maintenance.
Nextracker acquires Origami Solar for $53 million
Nextracker has acquired US steel solar frame maker Origami Solar for $53 million, expanding into panel frame production to accelerate installations, support local supply chains and improve system durability.
