China wafer, polysilicon prices climb 33% since early July
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Scientists build bifacial CIS solar cell with record efficiency, power density
Researchers in South Korea have demonstrated a lower temperature process for bifacial copper, indium, selenium (CuInSe₂) solar cells with a rear-side efficiency of 8.44% and 15.30% on the front. The device has been developed for applications in tandem solar cells.
Researchers highlight importance of site-specific agrivoltaics design
A research team from Temple University in Philadelphia analyzed the synergies and trade-offs of land conversion to agrivoltaics and other multi-use solar energy landscapes globally. They found that co-located solar systems should be specifically tailored in order to offer optimal performance and minimize negative impacts.
Thermal batteries offer alternative to lithium-ion storage
Jaicky Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Voltanova – a deep-tech firm incubated by the Foundation for Science, Innovation and Development (FSID) at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) – speaks to pv magazine about the company’s thermal battery system and how it compares to lithium-based energy storage.
Glass-free PV modules tested on bulk cargo ships
Japan’s Eco Marine Power announced a trial of an integrated solar PV system aboard a bulk cargo ship to demonstrate both practicality and performance. It features glass-free monocrystalline silicon modules from U.S.-based Merlin Solar Technologies.
Photovoltaic-thermal solar air heater based on PCM cylinders, air convection
Researchers in Malaysia designed a photovoltaic-thermal system that can be used in solar drying, space heating, rooftop systems, and off-grid thermal applications. It relies on a double-pass cooling technique based on air convection and phase change material that can reportedly increase PV efficiency from 7% to 9% and thermal efficiency by 31.45%.
Agrivoltaics on rice fields, not a lost cause
Researchers in Japan have made another attempt to make agrivoltaics on rice fields technically and economically feasible, despite well-known productivity issues when rice is grown below solar modules. They used double-axis tracking, finding potential with careful management of shading and tilt angles.
How long do residential solar batteries last?
Multiple factors affect lifespan of a residential battery energy storage system. We examine the life of batteries in Part 3 of our series.
EcoFlow Stream Ultra X launches, offering bigger battery for balcony solar
EcoFlow’s new Stream Ultra X adds a 3.84 kWh storage capacity model into the mix, while remaining compatible with previously launched Stream products for adding more home storage and AI smarts.
Vertical bifacial photovoltaic balustrade for building edges
Conceived by scientists in Hong Kong, the solar balustrade integrates bifacial PV panels and is considered an ideal solution for “cool roofs.” Roof albedo and module orientation are critical drivers of system performance.
