Modules & Upstream Manufacturing

German researchers have proposed a new model, based on a range of parameters, to influence the LCOE of bifacial PV plants, with a focus on components, land costs, inclination angles, albedo, and weather conditions.

Barbara Pompili, the French minister of ecological transition, recently announced new bonus incentives for BIPV projects during a visit to a Sunstyle factory that aims to produce 1 GW of “Made in France” solar tiles by 2025.

Scientists led by the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have developed a new stress testing protocol for PV modules, one designed to simultaneously expose modules to multiple stresses, as they likely would be in the field. Putting modules through this test, the researchers have already been able to reveal new information regarding backsheet degradation, and they promise new insights into other degradation mechanisms both known and unknown as well.

In an update to its International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaics, the German engineering association the VDMA said that solar module sizes of up to 4.0m² may be brought to mass production in the future.

Australian researchers have made a significant discovery in the fight against light-induced phase segregation in next-generation PV cells.

As one of the world’s top ten PV module manufacturers and an experienced EPC supplier of solar PV power stations, Talesun Solar expanded its business globally based on steady capacity growth and targeted marketing actions. Before the largest solar PV exhibition and conference of the North America, the Solar Power & Energy Storage International (SPI) 2020, PV Magazine has the opportunity to interview with Mr. William Sheng, the president of Talesun Solar, and listen to his view of the PV market, module products with different techniques, and other hot topics.

The South Korean manufacturer has launched a new 60-cell panel with a power output of up to 365 W. The 21.1%-efficient module features a 320 W microinverter with an efficiency of 97%.

Netherlands-based technology companies Avy and Wattlab have conducted the first test flight of a drone prototype that is planned to be used in medical projects in Africa.

The French organic PV specialist has achieved the record efficiency for cells exposed to low light (1000 lux). Armor sees potential in energy-intensive applications.

The NEA has revealed more than 1.3 GW of solar capacity was added to Chinese rooftops last month, with more than 500 MW of it in Shandong province. While poly maker Daqo was forced to revise down its latest sales forecast it predicted a quick rebound in the current quarter.