Pocket-sized tool to identify composition of solar panel polymer backsheets, encapsulants
German researchers developed a novel pocket-sized instrument to rapidly identify the composition of solar panel polymer backsheets and encapsulants in the field. The hardware is near-infrared absorption spectroscopy (NIRA) sensor-based.
Comparing thermal runaway behavior of sodium-ion, lithium-ion batteries
Scientists in Germany have analyzed the thermal runaway behavior of sodium-ion batteries and lithium-ion batteries inside a 10-L reaction vessel. They have thermally abused 30 samples, each under a different state of charge level, and have found that both types suffered from runaway when the charge is at least 50%.
Daikin launches new single-zone heat pumps for residential use
The new Oterra 115V heat pumps use difluoromethane (R32) as the refrigerant and have a heating capacity of 9,000 BTU/h to 12,000 BTU/h.
Solar module prices falling with no clear trend in sight
Solar module prices in Europe have fallen by up to €0.01 ($0.01)/W this month, according to pvXchange.com, as the PV market shows resilience amid policy uncertainty and geopolitical risks.
The Hydrogen Stream: Mitsubishi Power completes hydrogen blending project
Georgia Power and Mitsubishi Power have completed a 50% hydrogen fuel blend trial on an advanced-class gas turbine at Plant McDonough-Atkinson in the US state of Georgia, while Proteus Energy and Symbio France have developed a modular 75 kW hydrogen fuel cell system for hybrid and harbor vessels.
Scientists see potential for 3,000 PV-powered methanol sites in Europe
Researchers have analyzed the potential implementation of green methanol from CO2 capture in existing industries, based on European GIS data. While they found 9,213 theoretically viable municipalities, the number fell to 3,016 when considering the space needed for a PV installation around the plant.
New SWIR line-scan camera for silicon PV quality control
France’s New Imaging Technologies has launched a short-wave infrared line-by-line scanning camera for high-definition and high-performance silicon PV inspection systems.
Spanish grid operator claims power outage originated from solar plant
Beatriz Corredor, president of Spanish grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE), said a fault at a PV plant in Badajoz, Spain, triggered a forced frequency oscillation that led to a recent blackout. She said the plant has been “perfectly identified.”
Trina Solar reveals 841 W perovskite-silicon tandem PV module prototype
China’s Trina Solar has unveiled a perovskite‑silicon tandem solar module prototype delivering 841 W and 27.1% efficiency, based on 210 mm tandem cells.
Fox ESS unveils hybrid high-power inverter for C&I applications
Fox ESS has launched a hybrid high-power inverter for commercial and industrial (C&I) use, with parallel operation of up to 10 units enabling 1.25 MW output and 7.2 MWh storage. The Chinese manufacturer says the system offers 97.6% European efficiency and 98.2% peak efficiency.
