New bio-inspired based algorithm to improve PV output under partial shading
The novel algorithm is based on the behavior of marine animal tunicates and reportedly provides remarkable results in terms of power errors. It was tested in four PV system configurations with five different shade patterns.
Australian PV system prices trending into new territory
SunWiz says that 10 kW solar systems in Australia have become cheaper than 6.6 kW arrays on a per kilowatt basis for the first time.
Underground photovoltaic water pumping system with average system efficiency of up to 8.5%
Developed by Egyptian scientists, the PV-powered water pumping system may produce up to 181.8 m3 of water per day. The system consists of two PV arrays with each a capacity of 4.6 kW and a pumping unit made up of a 7.5 kW three-phase alternating current motor, a multistage submersible pump, a deep well, and a 15 kW inverter.
Leapton Energy increases PV module capacity in China to 3.5 GW
Leapton Energy, an 11-year old integrated PV module and battery technology company, is expanding capacity at its factory in China to reach 3.5 GW.
Off-grid solar canopy charges electric tractor at California winery
Paired Power partnered with Monarch Power to deliver the emissions-free off-grid solution. The winery’s solar canopy is a 38.5 kW array comprised of 72 panels, 535 W each.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: JinkoSolar wins CHN Energy’s 2 GW module tender
JinkoSolar has agreed to sell more than 2 GW of its solar panels to CHN Energy at prices ranging from CNY 1.225 ($0.17)/W to CNY 1.230/W.
Sharp unveils all-black 420 W TOPCon solar panel with 21.51% efficiency
Sharp’s new IEC61215- and IEC61730-certified solar panels have an operating temperature coefficient of -0.30% per degree Celsius, with 21.51% efficiency.
Heat pump design to reduce footprint of solar thermal installations
A US-Mexican research team has investigated how linking heat pumps with solar thermal collectors may help reduce the surface needed to deploy the collectors themselves. The scientists found the proposed solution may not only significantly reduce the footprint of solar thermal systems but also provide a lower levelized cost of energy compared to fossil fuels.
Panasonic testing BIPV glass based on perovskites
Panasonic is now testing perovskite-based power-generating glass with Japanese property developer Mitsui Fudosan Residential at a new building in Kanagawa prefecture, Japan.
New perovskite material for lead-free solar cells
An Algerian research group has analyzed the electronic, elastic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of the KGeCl3 perovskite to verify if this lead-free material may be used for solar cells and other electronic devices. The scientists found that the novel material has a direct bandgap semiconductor with bandgap energies of 0.92 eV, 1.26 eV, and 1.88 eV for cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases, respectively.
