All-weather imaging tech to detect PV module faults
The system combines software that applies a modulated electric current to the PV panels and an indium-gallium-arsenide (InGaAs) photodiode detector that takes a sequence of images of the panels. According to its creators, the proposed technique works with any lighting conditions and in all weather.
Australia’s biggest battery cleared for testing following fire
Energization testing is set to resume this week for Neoen’s 300 MW/450 MWh Victorian Big Battery, following a fire that caught global attention and destroyed two of its Megapacks on July 30.
APsystems reveals dual microinverter
The 97%-efficient microinverter has a power output of up to 960 VA and APsystems claims it is the most powerful dual microinverter in the world.
Renewables vs. Nuclear: 256-0
The latest World Nuclear Industry Status Report shows that the world’s operational nuclear capacity grew by just 400 MW in 2020, with generation falling by 4%. By contrast, renewables grew by 256 GW and clean energy production rose by 13%. “Nuclear power is irrelevant in today’s electricity capacity market,” the report’s main author, Mycle Schneider, told pv magazine.
The Hydrogen Stream: Mongolia’s potential for producing green hydrogen at $3.30/kg
A German research group has identified Mongolia’s South Gobi region as an ideal location for the production of cost-competitive green hydrogen. Elsewhere, the U.K. is seeing more on and offshore-powered renewable hydrogen projects.
Longi announces 400 W solar panel with 22.2% efficiency
Conceived for rooftop applications, the module is also available in a full-black version with a power output of 390 W. It features a temperature coefficient is -0.29% per degree Celsius.
Sharp launches 540 W half-cut PV module with 20.9% efficiency
The IEC/EN61215 and IEC/EN61730-certified panel features 144 half-cells based on M10 wafers and a 10-busbar design. Its operating temperature coefficient is -0.341% per degree Celsius and its power tolerance reaches up to 5%.
Solar-plus-hydrogen for air traffic control
A 19.8 kW PV system is powering a telecommunications antenna at a French air control center. When it produces more energy than needed, the surplus is used to produce hydrogen which is then utilized to produce new electricity via a fuel cell system and provide power to the antenna during a period of up to five days. For short-term storage, lithium-ion batteries are used.
Large area perovskite solar cell with copper metal contact
An Indian research group has built a perovskite cell that has a metal contact based on copper, instead of expensive gold. The device showed almost the same efficiency as a cell developed with gold metallization but its stability was much lower. In order to overcome this issue, the scientists suggest using a metal contact made of a thin layer of gold and a thicker, overlying copper layer.
Adani, Reliance to set up solar gigafabs in India
Adani, Reliance New Energy, Jindal India Solar and Shirdi Sai Electricals have been put on a shortlist for India’s production-linked incentive scheme for high-efficiency PV module manufacturing. The list includes 14 other companies vying for the incentives.
