SunDrive lands $13 million to scale copper-based solar tech
Australia’s SunDrive has completed a new AUD 21 million ($13 million) funding round to help commercialize its revolutionary solar cell tech, which replaces silver with copper to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Beijing, polysilicon suppliers discussing prices
The Chinese government has started talks with major companies about polysilicon costs and supplies. Datang has revealed the results of its latest 5.5 GW solar panel procurement tender, while Tongwei has announced its third-quarter financial results.
European Commission formally endorses solar industry alliance
The Solar Photovoltaic Industry Alliance is one of the European Union’s key strategy initiatives under the REPowerEU plan that was adopted in May 2022. The European Commission has now formally endorsed the initiative, which is expected to launch by the end of this year.
AE Solar unveils n-type TOPCon solar modules with 22.2% efficiency
Germany-based AE Solar said its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.35% per degree Celsius and come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 87.4% of the initial yield.
New off-grid solar generator
US manufacturer Jackery has unveiled Solar Generator 1000 power kits, which are designed for off-grid operations and emergency backup power.
Ventilated facade with integrated solar panels
Germany’s Sto says its novel solar facade technology for residential buildings allows the alignment of modules in vertical or horizontal arrangements.
Vertical PV to protect biodiversity at German airport
An 8.4 kW pilot vertical PV project is now operating at the airport in Frankfurt, Germany. The solar panels are vertically arranged to protect the biodiversity of the site. In the final stage of expansion, the system will reach up to 13 MW of output.
Contendre Solar unveils 550 W half-cut mono PERC modules
India-based Contendre Solar has unveiled its new CG X 144 series mono PERC modules, with power outputs ranging from 535 W to 550 W, and a power conversion efficiency between 20.7% and 21.3%.
Australian company targets solar panel industry with high-grade silica
Allup Silica aims to target the booming solar PV panel industry after independent tests confirmed the presence of premium silica sands – a key component of high-end glass manufacturing – at its Sparkler project in Western Australia.
Reflective coating to reduce solar tile temperatures
Australian scientists have tested different reflective coatings in solar tiles and have found that they could improve the performance of building-integrated PV devices by up to 6.6%. They are currently working with building product manufacturers to bring their tech closer to commercial production.
