Novel software to optimize PV cleaning strategies
Virtuous-Re’s new PVradar Cleaning App can reportedly model soiling losses and cleaning benefits, while reducing cleaning costs and maximizing the overall economic performance of projects.
Das Solar unveils 22.4%-efficient n-type TOPCon solar panels
Das Solar’s new tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) product, developed for large-scale PV applications, features 605 W to 625 W of power output. Its temperature coefficient is -0.30% per degree Celsius.
Scratching the surface of silicon in tandem solar cells
German scientists have investigated the role of surface texturing in perovskite-silicon tandem cells and have found that several new processes offer the ability to etch smaller, more uniform textures onto the surface of a silicon cell than today’s industry standard. This could help to ease the subsequent growth of a perovskite cell on top of the silicon, enabling researchers and manufacturers to target higher performance.
Sono Motors scraps development of Sion solar cars
Sono Motors, a solar electric-vehicle manufacturer in Germany, has terminated its Sion passenger car development program, as it has failed to secure enough funding to support pre-series production. It says it will now focus exclusively on retrofitting and integrating its patented solar technology into third-party vehicles.
Cooling solar panels with bio-inspired coconut fiber
Malaysian scientists have tested bio-inspired coconut fiber to cool down solar modules. The cooling system features a moist coconut pith encapsulated with a polyurethane sheet. It is placed on the back of a PV module’s surface and acts as a heat sink.
New thermal battery offers fast, efficient performance at low cost
US engineers have built a scalable thermal energy storage prototype system that combines the best latent and sensible heat transfers. The technology, which is now market-ready after three years of testing, consists of engineered cementitious materials and thermosiphons in a combination that enables fast, efficient thermal performance at low cost.
New lithium iron phosphate battery for residential solar applications
China’s GS Energy has developed a new lithium iron phosphate battery system with a nominal voltage of 96 V. It says that up to five 3.74 kWh modules can be stacked and connected in series for a total capacity of 18.7 kWh.
Machine learning predicts residential power yield of large PV system fleets
Dutch scientists have developed a PV forecasting method that uses the XGBoost algorithm. They claim their approach predicts electricity generation levels an hour ahead for big fleets of residential solar arrays.
SAJ unveils new line of residential battery inverters
China’s Guangzhou Sanjing Electric (SAJ) has developed a new line of battery inverters in single-phase and three-phase configurations.
Silfab unveils residential solar panels with conductive backsheets
Silfab Solar’s Elite Series modules for residential PV installations feature conductive backsheets for better production and efficiency.
