Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

Researchers in China have developed a fault detection method for PV systems that combines both neural networks and fuzzy logic principles within a single framework. It considers seven input variables and an output variable.

Last week, testing specialists PV Evolution Labs launched its latest Module Reliability Scorecard, which names more than 100 products from 26 manufacturers as top performers, after being put through their paces in extensive lab testing. This year’s scorecard reveals an increase in modules seeing at least one failure during the testing procedure, with newly added mechanical stress procedures causing the greatest number of failures.

The system, developed by Spanish specialist Alusín Solar, is being tested by Endesa in a 9.8 MW project for self-consumption. The mounting structure is made with aluminum bars that, instead of being fixed to the roof with screws, are attached through a double-sided adhesive.

The Chinese module manufacturer said the record efficiency of 25.25% was obtained through material upgrades integrated into the cell process and fabrication. The result was confirmed by China’s National Institute of Metrology.

Scientists in India have simulated a perovskite cell based on methylammonium tin iodide which they claim may achieve a short circuit current density of 25.97 mA per square centimeter, an open-circuit voltage of 1.203 V, and a fill factor of 87.79%. The cell is composed of a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) substrate, a titanium oxide layer, a methylammonium tin iodide perovskite film, a copper oxide hole transport layer (HTL), and a layer made of gold (Au).

A pandemic-related sales slump has dealt another blow to domestic panel makers already faced with rising input costs and an expected surge in imports due to the scheduled wind down of safeguarding duties on foreign products from late July.

An international research group is seeking to increase the efficiency of heterojunction cadmium-telluride solar cells by applying back surface field (BSF) layers made of antimony selenide. It claims the addition of this compound may raise CdTe cell efficiency by around 9% and has the technical potential to reach efficiencies over 40%.

The ruling was issued on Thursday after the matter was referred by a U.K. tax tribunal which, in March last year, upheld the U.S.-headquartered solar manufacturer’s claim the assembly of cells into panels is an important step, which should render such products Indian.

Czech specialist module manufacturer Fill Factory has signed up to take €500,000 worth of Valoe’s inter-digitated back contact cells under a one-year supply contract.

The trade body has highlighted a lack of explicit PV industry support in EU member states which already host domestic manufacturers, such as Germany, France, Austria, Belgium and Lithuania, and says the focus on green hydrogen could exacerbate the solar trade deficit with Asia.