Weather-related damage to solar assets exceed modeling expectations by 300%
The report from kWh Analytics, with input from several industry leaders, identified 14 risks to be aware of in the solar industry, including risks related to extreme weather, such as hail, and operational risks.
Agrivoltaics for apricots
French developer Solveo Energies has developed a 247 kW agrivoltaic facility spread across 3,500 m2. The system features trackers controlled by the Cultiveo Dynamique algorithm, to protect an apricot farm in Pyrénées-Orientales, France.
Concentrator photovoltaic module based on surface mount technology
A research group in Canada has optimized the performance of concentrator photovoltaics by using the so-called surface-mount technology for thermal management. The CPV module prototype utilizes four non-interconnected III-V germanium cells, a Fresnel lens, and a transparent glass printed-circuit board.
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell treated with n-Butanol achieves 29.4% efficiency
Researchers in China have built a tandem-perovskite solar cell with a top perovskite device based on an absorber treated with n-butanol, which reportedly reduces the detrimental effects of moisture in manufacturing processes carried out in air environment. The result is a tandem cell with improved charge collection.
Philippines opens nation’s biggest solar-powered irrigation system
The authorities in the Philippines have inaugurated the country’s largest solar-powered irrigation system, featuring more than 1,000 solar panels and two submersible pumps. The system benefits over 200 farmers and is the first of its kind to be constructed over an irrigation canal, preserving farming land.
Canary Islands to host hybrid storage project for synchronous grid-forming
Elewit, the tech platform of Spain’s Red Eléctrica de España (REE), has revealed plans to build a hybrid storage project in the Canary Islands, featuring an 18.8 MVA virtual synchronous compensator and a 16 MW hybrid solution based on ultracapacitors.
Winaico presents bifacial 435 W TOPCon solar modules with 22.30% efficiency
Taiwanese manufacturer Winaico said its newest bifacial, n-type, glass-glass TOPCon compact modules are available in a 435 W aluminum-framed version, and a 430 W full-black version. The module efficiency is up to 22.30%.
U.S. startup launches online platform for residential PV system purchase
Two-year old Monalee has developed an online platform for U.S. homeowners looking to buy solar PV and storage systems. Its software enables the process from quotes to financing, installation, and after-sales support.
Carbon-based perovskite solar cell relying on phosphorene achieves 15.58% efficiency
The result is the best efficiency ever recorded for a carbon-based PV cell using unconventional hole transporting materials to date. The device was built with a hole transparent layer based on electrochemically produced large-area phosphorene flakes, which reportedly enable the required band energy alignment within the cell.
New solid state zinc battery with superb cycle performance
Researchers in Australia have developed a new class of solid electrolytes for rechargeable aqueous zinc-iodine batteries, which has allowed for extended lifespan and high-efficiency. Symmetric cells employing this electrolyte have demonstrated excellent cycle performance, maintaining stability for approximately 5,000 hours at room temperature, while all-solid-state ZnI2 batteries exhibit over 7,000 cycles with a capacity retention exceeding 72.2%
