EU expresses reluctance on opex support for solar, cleantech manufacturers
The European Commission has told pv magazine that it will unlikely prioritize operating expenditure (opex) support for solar and clean technology manufacturers, citing concerns about potential market distortion, even as insolvencies rise across the European PV sector.
What standards for agrivoltaics?
The technology which combines solar PV panels and agriculture is gaining ground. IEC Standards for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems already exist, but more might be required, dealing with some of the more specific issues relating to agriculture.
Chinese researchers build 21.60%-efficient perovskite solar modules via blade coating
A research team led by the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics in China have used tetramethylammonium chloride in the fabrication of perovskite solar cells and modules, demonstrating that it improved both stability and efficiency results. The group’s 10 cm × 8 cm modules achieved certified 21.60% power conversion efficiency. The novel interfacial modification enabled the use of scalable blade coating to deposit both transport layers and the perovskite layer.
Collision of art, culture and solar sets Guinness World Record
A residential building’s vibrant, art-drenched solar façade brought renewable energy to new heights, setting a Guinness Book of World Record for the largest solar panel mural.
Fraunhofer ISE estimates Germany’s agrivoltaic potential at 500 GW
Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) says Germany could deploy up to 500 GW of agrivoltaic capacity, based on a nationwide assessment of all agricultural land types and site suitability criteria.
Solarix Solar launches new terracotta solar panel
The Netherlands-based solar façade panel and mounting system provider has added a new terracotta rooftop module to its product range. It also announced it is expanding it sales network and boosting its manufacturing capacity after raising €5.5 million in financing.
German solar glass maker GMB files for insolvency
German solar glass manufacturer Glasmanufaktur Brandenburg GmbH has filed for insolvency, affecting 247 employees at its Tschernitz facility, according to multiple media reports.
Shakti Pumps raises funds to build 2.2 GW solar module plant in India
Shakti Pumps (India) Ltd. has raised INR 2.93 billion ($34.2 million) through a qualified institutions placement to fund a greenfield 2.2 GW solar cell and module manufacturing facility in central India.
Optimizing photovoltaic systems in harsher climates
A recent report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) covers guidance on improving the performance of PV systems deployed in climates such as deserts, tropical regions and snowy areas.
NREL develops translucent solar panels for bigger, better crops
Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory grew tomatoes under translucent solar panels, which could play a promising role in agrivoltaics.
