Technology and R&D

Socomec says its new modular energy storage system includes a converter and up to six battery cabinets. At maximum capacity, it can store 1,116 kWh.

An international research team claims to have achieved optimal passivation in inverted perovskite solar cells by applying thin layers of low-dimensional perovskite on top of a 3D perovskite film. The resulting cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.19 V, a short-circuit current density of 24.94 mA cm2, and a fill factor of 85.9%.

A comparison between monofacial and bifacial PV systems in Ghana showed how changes in system parameters can affect the bifacial gains. The researchers found that changing the albedo of a land-based system can increase the bifacial gain from 5.25% to 14.5%.

A Turkish research team has tested a hemispherical shell-shaped organic active layer for photovoltaic applications. The group found the shape maximizes light absorption and angular coverage when compared to flat-structured cells, suggesting the structure would be beneficial for applications requiring flexible light capture such as wearable electronics.

Brite Solar, a Greek specialty module manufacturer targeting the agrivoltaics greenhouse and PV canopy segments, is building a 150 MW production line. Marketing its modules to farming cooperatives, integrators and installers since the end of 2022, Brite solar has pilot installations in North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe. In January it announced raising $9.26 million in venture capital.

Vikram Solar has developed new glass-glass bifacial PV modules based on n-type heterojunction (HJT) G12 half-cut solar cells. The modules are available in power ratings ranging from 700 W to 725 W, with efficiencies between 22.53% and 23.34%, respectively.

Kaco New Energy’s new silicon carbide inverters feature an efficiency rating of 99.1% and a European efficiency of 98.7%.

Swedish virtual power plant software platform developer Fever Energy is expanding into Europe enabled by a $10.81 million round of venture capital.

GoodWe has developed a 60 kWh battery for commercial and industrial PV systems, featuring a compartment for its ET15-30kW inverter series.

Researchers led by the Imperial College London have analyzed the effects different kinds of air-to-water heat pumps will have on the UK energy system, based on their coefficient of performance and price. They also identified a point of diminishing returns, after which it is more cost-effective to invest in centralized energy generation and storage.