Forum Solarpraxis: From energy decentralization to digitization
The energy sector has undergone huge changes over the last years, mainly due to the decentralization of energy systems and the increasing role of renewables. While the sector’s defining characteristics continue to shift, a new trend has emerged: the digitization of energy. What it is, and who will benefit the most was discussed at this year’s Forum Solarpraxis.
Sunpower introduces new PV module design, offers 2016 guidance
Sunpower has introduced a new PV module series based upon a novel interconnection technology, as well as warning of a fall in revenues and a loss in 2016 as it plows more projects into its yieldco.
Trina sets a new world record of 21.25% efficiency with multicrystalline silicon
This new world record for a multi c-Si cell beats Trina’s previous record of 20.78%. Trina says that the processes used can be easily integrated into mass production.
SolarEdge reports record revenues, healthy profit in Q1 FY 2016 results
The power electronics firm notes that cost reductions have out-paced the fall in selling prices. During the most recent quarter SolarEdge rolled out its HD Wave, which features a novel inverter architecture.
Smart and AC module market to grow nine-fold by 2020
GTM Research predicts that integrated smart and AC modules will not only benefit from growth in the larger module-level power electronics market, but will gain a larger share of that market over the next five years.
Off-grid solar market worth $300 million annually
The off-grid solar market now represents US$300 million annually, with more than 13 million products having been sold to date, according to a new report. The sub-Saharan market is said to be reporting the strongest growth, followed by South Asia.
19.1% efficient PERC PV cell produced using 1366's Direct Wafer technology
Customer trials have yielded PERC PV cells with an average 19% efficiency on industrial lines. 1366 says its cast wafers can be produced at half the cost of conventional processes.
Neo Solar Power produces 21.1% efficient mono-PERC solar cell
NSP will show the new PERC cell at the PV Taiwan trade show this week, and the product will be ready for engineering sampling at the end of 2015.
1366 chooses New York to build its first commercial-scale wafer facility
After years of delays, 1366 Technologies has announced plans to break ground on the factory to produce its proprietary Direct Wafers no later than the second quarter of 2016.
SolarCity to begin production of >22% efficient PV modules this month
Calling it the world’s most efficient rooftop solar panel, the company says it will produce PV modules with greater than 22% efficiency at a pilot facility.
