German researchers identify source of impurities in multicrystalline silicon
Scientists from Fraunhofer IISB, Wacker Chemie and Alzchem say unwelcome metals enter the silicon primarily through coating of the quartz crucible. The finding could enable manufacturers to make predictions about the quality of silicon blocks.
A closer look at JA Solar’s new 785/810 W panel series
According to the product sheet, the new series has dimensions of 2,219×1,765x40mm and weighs 43.5kg. Efficiency reportedly ranges from 20.1-20.8% and the module features a 12-year product warranty and 25-year linear power output guarantee.
Mexican regulator opposes solar energy communities and storage
With the government having already introduced measures which will reduce the volume of renewables in the national energy mix, further new provisions will restrict the deployment of energy storage and the ability of solar energy generators to sell excess power to nearby consumers.
Testing CPM-based passive cooling for CPV systems
An international research team has tested change material heat sinks for heat management on a concentrator photovoltaic system. It found that increasing over height ratios lowers the formation of stratified liquid layers, which in turn reduces the potential hot spots in the upper part of the solar cell.
Energy deal activity down in the Americas but renewables show strength
An Ernst & Young report has found power and utility deals fell off markedly in the Americas during the first half of the year because of the Covid-19 pandemic but commitment to clean energy investment appeared to remain strong.
IRENA wants to improve West African grids for renewables
The International Renewable Energy Agency wants consultants to prepare a plan for grid expansion across West African countries. The ECOWAS region currently has only 16 GW of power generation capacity, with 32% of it from hydroelectric facilities and 68% thermal power.
Talesun unveils 570-590 W solar module series
The new module series is available in five versions with power outputs claimed by Talesun of 570-590 W and reported efficiencies of 20.3-21.0%.
Solar modules with glass-enameled steel backs
U.S.-based Toledo Solar has secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct research on lighter, steel-backed solar modules.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Higher cell prices and plans for 36 GW of new cell capacity
Chinese solar cell manufacturer Tongwei has raised its cell prices by 9% this week after having increased them by 10% three weeks earlier. Another cell manufacturer, Aiko Solar, has unveiled a plan to deploy 36 GW of new cell production capacity.
Jolywood announces bifacial panel with 615 W ouptut
Presented at the SNEC fair in China, the Niwa Super module series has a power output ranging from 570 W to 615 W and a reported efficiency of 22.1%.
