Technology

To perform a wide range of tests on new types of PV modules under realistic conditions, EKO Instruments has introduced PV Blocks, an expandable all-in-one type of system  with capacity for up to 32 modules. It is targeted at research labs, module manufacturers, and testing organizations. 

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.

Fischer Commercial, a UK-based heat pump supplier, has unveiled new air source heat pumps for residential use. It is making them at its factory in Guadalajara, Spain. It claims that they offer a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP) of up to 4.85.

The Siemens Energy-led Hyflexpower consortium has conducted a series of tests on a gas turbine located on the premises of Smurfit Kappa, a paper-based packaging supplier.

Singapore-based PV module manufacturer REC Group has launched in Australia a new series of rooftop solar panels with power ratings ranging from 450 W to 470 W and efficiencies of up to 22.6%.

Detroit-based Grounded has introduced a new all-electric recreational vehicle (RV) built on a GM platform.

Sweden-based Epishine has launched a developer kit based on its 6-cell 50 mm x 50 mm organic PV module for prototyping and testing its use in battery-free indoor sensing and monitoring devices.

Dracula Technologies has built an organic photovoltaic (OPV) module factory in France to make OPV devices with digital printing technology for connected objects. The facility can produce up to 150 million cm² of OPV modules per year, with the first shipments scheduled to start in 2024.

Qcells has expanded its $2.5 billion solar factory in the US state of Georgia. The move is the first phase of its factory expansion plans, increasing module production capacity to more than 5.1 GW.

Scientists from Spain have outlined several scenarios for developing building-integrated PV solutions in a case study building in Palma de Mallorca. Their economic analysis stressed the importance of electricity pricing schemes for the viability of BIPV projects in the Mediterranean area.