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.
New vertical agrivoltaic system from Australia
Australian company Solspan has unveiled a 6.4 kW vertical solar wall system for applications in agrivoltaic projects. It measures 4 m x 4 m and can be interconnected with other units to create MW-sized systems.
Improving solar windows via microfabrication techniques
Researchers in Europe are investigating semi-transparent solar windows, applying microfabrication technniques to both CIGS and perovskite devices, to overcome the view-impeding properties of earlier solar window concepts.
China moves to curb solar overcapacity, stabilize pricing
China’s top industry officials have vowed to curb low-price competition and excess capacity in the solar sector, as authorities begin implementing measures aimed at stabilizing supply chains and rebalancing the market.
First attempt to build tandem solar cells based on perovskite, transition metal dichalcogenide
Scientists in India have proposed to design new tandem solar cells using transition metal dichalcogenide as an absorber material for the bottom PV device. Their simulations showed these tandem cells may reach an efficiency of over 35%.
Redwire deploys 60 kW roll-out solar array for first lunar orbit space station
The U.S. company held the first test deployment of its solar arrays designed to power solar-electric propulsion systems for the Gateway space station.
Open-source tools to build self-made management system for surplus PV power
French engineer André Buhart has published the plans and open-source software to create a DIY “solar energy router” to manage PV overproduction. Depending on the configuration, the device can direct excess photovoltaic energy to water heaters, pool motors, or underfloor heating, among others.
US solar panel price from India stable at $0.288/W
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Trina Solar to supply 700 MW to Austrian utility
Trina Solar has agreed to supply more than 700 MW of high-efficiency PV modules for projects in Spain and Italy under a five-year deal with Verbund Green Power, while EVE Energy says it will invest CNY 8.65 billion ($1.2 billion) in a new battery plant in Kedah, Malaysia.
