First attempt to build tandem perovskite-PERC/POLO solar cells achieves 21.3% efficiency
The tandem cell was fabricated by German scientists through a process flow that is compatible with industrial, mainstream PERC technologies. According to its creators, the device has the potential to exceed efficiencies of over 29% with adjustments in the perovskite thickness and bandgap.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Shangji Automation expands polysilicon capacity by 100,000 MT
In other news, Longi announced it further raised wafer prices and the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) said the Chinese PV market may reach a size of up to 90 GW in 2022.
Sustainable, vertically integrated solar manufacturing in India
A new report by JMK Research and IEEFA says that Indian solar manufacturers need to create a strong foundation for sustainable development by integrating raw materials into their R&D plans, rather than focusing solely on output.
Sonnenstromfabrik plans 300MW solar module line in Germany with patented REC tech
Under a new partnership, Sonnenstromfabrik is expanding its solar module manufacturing operations in Germany with the addition of a new 300MW line. It will use REC Group’s patented split cell and junction box technology in its new PERC products.
Bifacial TOPCon solar cell with 23.84% efficiency, 90% lower silver consumption
Developed by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE, the cell is manufactured with metallization based on a plating process. The device was built with galvanic nickel/copper/silver contacts instead of common silver contacts.
New flexible solar module factory begins operations in the UK
Operated by UK start-up Power Roll, the pilot factory will reach a capacity of 30 MW by year end. The manufacturer uses low-cost roll-to-roll manufacturing processes and patented microgroove patterns to produce flexible solar panels intended for applications on warehouses and agricultural sheds whose roofs are not strong enough for conventional arrays as well as in vehicle-integrated photovoltaics.
New rules allow distributors to roll out standalone power systems in Australia
The deployment of standalone power systems in Australia’s National Electricity Market is expected to accelerate, as the Australian Energy Market Commission has published new rules allowing distributors to install renewables-based technologies in the nation’s five market jurisdictions.
DHL deploys solar in fleet trucks
International express shipper DHL is topping its trucks with solar to limit fuel usage by powering lift gates and ancillary devices.
More than 190,000 plug-in PV systems are now online in Germany
A recent report from HTW Berlin and Verbraucherzentrale NRW reveals that, between 2020 and 2021 alone, around 128.000 new plug-in solar arrays, totaling 51MW of generation capacity, were installed in Germany.
Solar-powered robotic mower for vineyards
Developed by a French start-up, the robotic mower can be used in a 50-unit herd across a property of around 50 hectares and a radius of 20 km. It is powered by polycrystalline cells and equipped with battery storage. The system can operate with a maximum slope of 15% and reach a speed of 300m/h.
