Japanese scientists build 23.27%-efficient heterojunction solar cell with 56.2μm-thick wafer
The 4cm2 cell showed a remarkable open-circuit voltage of 754 mV. It was fabricated with a hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) layer, which is said to show lower parasitic absorption and higher external quantum efficiency.
Large format modules present a new set of challenges
As modules change in size and form factor, ripple effects are felt across the entire solar industry, requiring tweaks, modifications, and outright changes to longstanding project development and construction practices.
Dragon scale solar tiles installed on Google buildings in Silicon Valley
Some 90,000 individual solar panels will generate enough electricity to cover around 40% of the electricity used in two buildings for Google.
GCL has no record of performing due diligence on lender which walked away with $120m of its stock
An investigation into internal controls at the polysilicon maker found the company permitted deals to be signed off solely on paper in certain circumstances and also unearthed no evidence anyone had done their homework before handing over 865 million shares to secure a loan which, GCL says, never materialized in full.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Government confirms plan to install 1.2 TW of renewables by 2030
Elsewhere, cell maker Aikosolar has announced two major wafer purchase agreements with manufacturers Shuangliang and Shangji, and Zhonghuan Semiconductor has reported solid financials for the third quarter.
Retractable PV awning for recreational vehicles
The 1.2 kW solar awning can be retracted automatically in the event of adverse weather conditions. The patented technology, developed by Xponent Power, may enable a wide range of additional applications such as for use by the military, for emergency relief, and residential power.
Four winning bidders in India’s gigawatt-scale solar manufacturing tender
Jindal India Solar Energy, Shirdi Sai Electricals, Reliance New Energy Solar, and Adani Infrastructure will each have half of their planned 4 GW annual production of polysilicon-to-module output subsidized by public funds.
What’s next for polysilicon?
The past 12 months have proved profitable for polysilicon manufacturers, as selling prices have soared to levels not seen since 2011. However, with major new capacity expansions on the horizon from most of the leading manufacturers, and new players planning to enter the scene, the market balance looks set to shift. Exawatt’s Alex Barrows rounds up where the industry stands and what might happen next.
Longi achieves 25.82% efficiency for heterojunction solar cell
The result, confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH), was achieved on a heterojunction solar cell based on an M6 wafer.
Solar panels blasted with sound to better understand microcracking
Researchers at NREL and EPRI focused heavy bass sounds on solar panels to simulate the effects of wind-caused deflection.
