China wafer prices jump nearly 4%, ending three-week lull
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Self-powered electroluminescence for daylight PV system inspection
Scientists from Spain have developed a daylight electroluminescence method that uses other strings to supply current to the inspected string. It was simulated and then tested in two 50 MW PV plants. Comparative assessment against lab-electroluminescence resulted in acceptable diagnostic performance.
KAUST, Franuhofer ISE announce 33.1%-efficient fully texturized perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The fully textured tandem cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 2.01 V and an “extended” outdoor stability in the Red Sea coast, according to the researchers.
JinkoSolar launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.8% efficiency
The Tiger Neo 3.0 panel features an 85% bifacility factor that translates into 553-570 W of rear side power output, according to the Chinese manufactuer. The new product is claimed to be the “world’s most powerful solar module.”
pv magazine Homeowner Guide: Understanding the solar installation process
pv magazine is compiling a guide to home solar installations, aimed at those who are interested in installing but are new to the market and want to make an informed decision. We have spoken to associations, installers and industry specialists in major solar markets across the globe to compile best practice guidance and advice that aims to be applicable to home solar installations anywhere in the world.
Korean startup developing perovskite-CIGS tandem solar technology for satellites
Flexell Space is planning to put its perovskite-copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) tandem solar cell technology in-orbit later this year. It has also raised venture capital and signed several collaboration agreements, including a technology transfer with the Korea Institute of Energy Research.
Websol to expand solar cell, module capacity by 4 GW
Websol Energy System Ltd has approved the addition of 4 GW of solar cell and module manufacturing capacity, with a total investment of INR 3,000 crore. The manufacturer said the new cell capacity will be based on TOPCon technology.
Weathered PV backsheets have 46% faster flame spread than unweathered counterparts
Researchers in Singapore have accelerated the weathering of PV backsheets and investigated their flame spread behavior at different intervals. After 6 weeks, they found that weathered PV backsheets show 46% faster flame spread than unwearthered ones. They have also highlighted that current safety standards fail to account for long-term degradation.
All back-contact perovskite solar cell designs at a glance
Scientists from Japan, Saudi Arabia and the United States have investigated existing back-contact perovskite solar cell architectures and have proposed a strategy to help reach commercial production.
New hail test aims to more accurately measure solar panel resilience
A new test curve for determining solar panels’ breaking point from hail uses a broader spectrum of impact energies and testing products.
