New model to optimize desert PV plant cleaning schedule
Scientists have used a CPLEX-based MIP model and tested it on a section of the 10 MW Masdar City Solar Photovoltaic Plant. In their simulation, they assume the use of two robotic cleaners to operate over a 90-day horizon. Total cleaning costs were estimated at $7,987.
Record heat, rain fail to prevent solar gains across Asia
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that Japan, Thailand, South Korea, eastern China and Taiwan all recorded solar irradiance above seasonal norms in August, while Indonesia and Malaysia experienced declines.
Clickcon launches solar PV fence for residential, commercial sites
The German mounting system specialist has developed a new vertical ground-mounted system compatible with commercially available framed PV modules.
China TOPCon solar module market awaits Q4 policy signals
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.
BASF begins building 50 MW industrial heat pump
Germany’s BASF has begun constructing an industrial-scale heat pump that will use electricity from renewables to produce up to 500,000 MT of CO2-free steam each year. Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2027.
Silver price surge drives PV makers to cut silver usage further
The price of silver rose above $44 per ounce this week after gaining more than 30% in six months, with silver expert Philip Newman telling pv magazine it could exceed $50 per ounce next year, raising pressure on PV module makers to curb silver use.
Survey backs Australia solar plan, doubts linger over Singapore exports
A Charles Darwin University study shows strong support for SunCable’s planned Australia-Asia PowerLink, but weaker approval for exporting its power to Singapore.
Scientists report experimental breach of Shockley-Queisser efficiency limit for silicon solar cell
A Chinese-US research group claims to have achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 50% in an n-type single-junction solar cell by inhibiting light conversion to heat at extremely low temperatures. The result was achieved at temperatures of 30-50 Kelvin, which are a few tens of degrees above absolute zero.
Qcells secures release of detained South Korean solar cells for US factories
US Customs has released Qcells’ South Korean solar cell imports for its Georgia factories after detaining them under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA).
China Three Gorges commissions world’s largest PV-CSP solar plant
Hybrid project pairs a 100 MW linear Fresnel concentrated solar power (CSP) with a 900 MW PV facility, delivering 24-hour output and demonstrating large-scale storage integration.
