Kaneka presents 29.2%-efficient 2T silicon-perovskite tandem solar cell
Kaneka’s two-terminal tandem perovskite solar cell has achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded for such a device based on an industrial Czochralski (CZ) silicon wafer. It has an open-circuit voltage of 1.929 V, a short-circuit current density of 19.5 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 77.55%.
Enerparc COO signals 10-20% potential increase in European PV module prices
Growing interest in European-made solar modules for rooftop systems and PV plants reflects a willingness to increase investments, according to Enerparc COO Stefan Müller. In a recent interview with pv magazine, Müller discusses the market for corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs) and the viability of German solar PV tenders.
Tools to monitor PV hybrid system performance
Owners and operators of PV hybrid systems need to monitor and control system operation and performance, which generally involves the collection of big data sets. Data visualization techniques can simplify the monitoring and allow issues to be quickly recognized, says IEA-PVPS.
Solar for railway signaling sites
Australia’s largest rail infrastructure project, the Melbourne-Brisbane Inland Rail freight line, has made the switch to solar to power its signaling systems. The move is expected to deliver an estimated AUD 25 million ($16.93 million) in cost savings.
Malaysia opens its renewable energy market to PPAs, cross-border trade
The Malaysian government is developing a new strategy to expand renewable energy use in the country and also boost the domestic renewable energy industry.
Solar, renewables to reduce land use
A new Nature Conservancy report offers a land-use reduction scenario and framework to help energy planners and policymakers execute net-zero strategies.
Phelan Energy connects 86 MW PV plant to grid in South Africa
The plant, Solar Capital’s third major project in the country’s Northern Cape, is located in Loeriesfontein. Chinese manufacturer Sungrow supplied its SG3125HV PV inverters for the project.
German heat pump sales grow by 111% in first quarter
Sales of gas and oil heating systems are also increasing, however, as the current figures from the Federation of German Heating Industry show. Overall, the market grew by 38% to 306,500 new heaters sold. However, the German Renewable Energy Federation warns against postponing the country’s Building Energy Act requirements to 2027.
The Hydrogen Stream: Australia to invest $1.35 billion in hydrogen
The Australian government has presented its 2023-2024 budget, with AUD 2 billion ($1.35 billion) to be invested in hydrogen, while Austria, Germany, and Italy said they have started moving forward on a southern hydrogen corridor from North Africa to Northern Europe.
Serbia seeking partner for 1 GW of solar, 200 MW battery storage
The Serbian government is seeking a strategic partner to develop at least five PV plants with a cumulative capacity of 1 GW/1.2 GWdc and at least 200 MW/400 MWh of battery energy storage. State power company Elektroprivreda Srbije (EPS) will own and operate the assets.
