German startup unveils ‘self-aligned’ back-contact TOPCon solar cell
EnPV GmbH has developed a TOPCon solar cell concept featuring a novel type of back contact technology. The cell can reportedly be produced at signifcantly lower costs compared to conventional TOPCon cells and its manufacturinng process is claimed to be easy to introduce in existing TOPCon production equipment.
Gridparity launches modular solar carport
The German PV system provider said its new solar carport is an ideal solution for shopping centres, supermarkets or do-it-yourself stores. It was conceived to operate with either standard or semitransparent bifacial double-glass PV panels.
A few micrograms of particulates enough to affect PV power generation
New research from South Korea has shown that even a 10 μg/m3 increase in atmospheric particulate matter can considerably reduce solar power generation and impact revenue of PV system owners.
New model for diffuse, shadow effects on vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
Researchers at the Polytechnic University of Madrid have validated a model to simulate solar resources for vehicle integrated PV in urban settings, taking into account reflections and shadows of buildings and objects.
Solar Asia unveils 730 W heterojunction panel with 23.5% efficiency
Pakistan-based Solar Asia said its new heterojunction product uses 210 mm cells provided by Chinese manufacturer Tongwei. The panel is designed and engineered in Germany by Sonnex Energie and is initially intended for sale in the Pakistani market.
The shifting sands of PV module supply
Chinese solar manufacturing capacity faces a downturn that is unlikely to translate into growth in other regions, writes S&P’s Edurne Zoco.
Hinen unveils all-in-one home energy storage solution
Chinese manufacturer Hinen has launched an integrated battery energy storage system with power options ranging from 3.6 kW to 25 kW for on- and off-grid residential applications.
Magnetocaloric heat pump for residential applications
Researchers in Denmark built a magnetocaloric heat pump prototype for heating purposes in residential buildings. Although more work is needed to bring the system closer to commercial maturity, it can reportedly achieve a 36.9 % heating power improvement with measurement feedback control.
Power-generating breakwaters for floating photovoltaics
Scientists from Singapore have designed new floating breakwaters integrating wave energy converters that can be used to reduce the impact of waves on offshore PV systems. Their analysis showed that the wave energy systems can achieve the highest additional power output when the wavelength is shorter.
NREL researchers want to use tetracene to make singlet fission solar cells
Tetracene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that is commonly used in organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), or as a sensitizer in chemoluminescence. Singlet fission solar cells can produce two electrons from one photon, making the cell more efficient
