Solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
A research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 61 of the solar cell efficiency tables. The tables include a world record for a silicon heterojunction cell, announced by Longi earlier this week, as well as five more new results.
Lithium-vanadium battery for renewables storage
AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group has energized its first hybrid storage system based on lithium-ion batteries and vanadium redox flow batteries in Germany. The system reportedly combines the advantages and electrochemical properties of both storage technologies.
Bauer Solar unveils 420-430W bifacial glass-glass module for rooftop applications
Germany-based Bauer Solar has launched a bifacial glass-glass module series with an output of 420 W to 430 W. The new series has 108 monocrystalline n-type half cells and an efficiency of 21.51% to 22.02%.
Solarspace opens TOPcon solar cell factory in China
China’s Solarspace has inaugurated the first stage of a 16 GW n-type TOPCon solar cell manufacturing facility. The facility will also start producing high-efficiency TOPCon solar modules at the beginning of 2023.
Qcells, European consortium launch production line for tandem silicon-perovskite solar cells
South Korea-based Qcells and a research group led by Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) have established a pilot manufacturing line for silicon-perovskite tandem cells in Thalheim, Germany. The project aims to speed up the technology’s mass manufacturing and market penetration.
Microwave heating for glass separation in end-of-life solar modules
Scientists in Thailand have used microwaves to separate broken glass from PV panels. The process can be performed at temperatures ranging from 45 C to 55 C.
Toshiba, Marubeni launch rock-based thermal energy storage tech pilot
Toshiba and Marubeni have revealed plans to build commercial projects based on thermal storage technology using rocks. They have set up a demonstrator with 100 kWh of storage capacity and a relatively high heat storage density.
Building renewables emits carbon, but building them faster emits far less
A new study by Columbia University’s Climate School looks at the carbon emissions needed to build renewable energy.
Solar for extreme Arctic conditions
US researchers have installed a pilot 4.3 kW solar system at Oliktok Point, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. They want to determine which PV system designs and technologies are most efficient in extremely cold climates with limited sunlight.
US startup raises $120 million to expand deployment of VPPs
Swell Energy has raised funds to support the development of virtual power plants (VPP) and the deployment of 200 MWh of additional contracted capacity.
