Photovoltaic-thermal module based on biochar-PCM achieves 79.6% efficiency
Indian scientists have developed a panel with an electrical efficiency of 13% and and thermal efficiency of 66.6 %. They built the system with a 100 W PV panel, a rectangular absorber, and a cooling technique based on a phase change material (PCM) that uses biochar derived from water hyacinth.
Tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells retained 80% of efficiency after 1 year
Saudi Arabia researchers claim to have improved the outdoor stability of a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell by using proper encapsulation. By the end of the first year of operation, the cell’s fill factor remained above 70%.
Trina Solar to expand n-type ingot capacity by 35 GW
In response to growing demand, Trina Solar has revealed plans to ramp up ingot capacity at a new factory in Xining, in China’s Qinghai province.
Tongwei adds solar modules to its PV powerhouse
Chinese PV manufacturer TW Solar (Tongwei Co., Ltd.) TW Solar spoke to pv magazine at the recent World Future Energy Summit (WFES) in Abu Dhabi about its strategy for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and other global markets.
Air conditioning based on air-cooled photovoltaic-thermal system
Chinese scientists have developed a photovoltaic-thermal air conditioning system that uses an air-cooled condenser and a PV/T condenser combined in series. The system reportedly offers better cooling performance under night conditions.
Unimot to triple PV manufacturing capacity in Poland
Poland’s Unimot Group is expanding its production line for Avia Solar monocrystalline PV modules due to growing demand for products made in Europe.
Norsun secures wafer order from Meyer Burger
Norsun, which operates a hydroelectric-powered factory in Norway, has agreed to sell wafers to Meyer Burger, which plans to expand its annual solar cell production capacity to 3 GW by 2024.
Australian scientists hit 30.3% efficiency with tandem perovskite-silicon PV cell
A research team at Australian National University (ANU) has claimed an efficiency of 30.3% for a tandem solar cell made by mechanically stacking a perovskite cell and silicon cell.
Modular solar tech gets nod for Australian off-grid lithium mine project
Australian modular solar manufacturer 5B’s rapidly deployable Maverick technology is set for installation at a 95 MW hybrid power plant in Western Australia featuring solar, wind, and battery energy storage.
Growing US microgrid market hits 10 GW in 2022
Wood Mackenzie estimates that the US microgrid market has seen a 47% increase in solar and storage capacity in 2022 compared to 2017 levels, driven by rising demand for uninterrupted services, military resilience plans, and corporate environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals.
