LCOE of monofacial, bifacial solar modules
Does higher energy production outweigh an increase in costs? Clean Energy Associates tries to answer this question in a new case study.
Toshiba claims 15.1% efficiency for polymer film-based large-area perovskite solar module
The result is claimed to be the highest efficiency ever reached for a large-area, polymer film-based perovskite photovoltaic module. The device has an area of 703 square centimeters and was fabricated through a new coating method.
NREL scientists test back-contact architecture on perovskite solar cells
Scientists in the United States explored the use of all back contact architectures for perovskite solar cells. The group notes several advantages to this strategy, as well as challenges to overcome. Ultimately, the work outlines a route to cell efficiencies better than 20%.
JA Solar, JinkoSolar, Longi reach consensus on 182mm module standardization
The three Chinese panel manufacturers found an agreement on the module size and the mounting hole spacing.
Indian home gets 36.72 kW PV system with 540 W panels
Maxwatt Solar has built a PV system that is purportedly India’s largest residential on-grid residential solar installation, with 540 Wp modules. It uses 68 of JA Solar 540 Wp half-cell mono PERC modules and a 27 kW Fronius inverter.
All-perovskite tandem solar cell with 24.9% efficiency via cross-linkable small molecules
Scientists in China found that a change to the hole transport layer material helped to reduce voltage loss in a perovskite solar cell. The discovery demonstrates a promising new pathway to overcoming a major challenge for perovskites – particularly those used as the top layer in a tandem device.
China exported 37 GW of panels in five months
A booming overseas market has offset falls in demand in China caused by rising solar module prices, according to Flat Glass. In common with its PV glassmaking rivals, the company is pressing ahead with production expansion, betting reduced prices for its products will feed even greater demand.
New mounting system for rooftop PV, from Austria
The mounting structure relies on a 5.8m long support rail that does not lie on the roof but is connected directly to a purlin placed below with self-drilling support screws.
Solar-powered airplane to reach the stratosphere
The airplane is powered by 22 square meters of solar cells with an efficiency of up to 24% and 14 kWh of lithium-ion batteries. According to its creators, it can reach an altitude of 25,000m.
Locally-made panels used in 50 MW Jordanian solar project
The Al Husainiyah solar plant, 200km south of Jordanian capital Amman, began commercial operations a week ago with more than 200,000 panels manufactured by 30% joint owner Philadelphia Solar.
