Modular raft system for floating PV plants
Qi-energy and Candock have developed a raft-based system for utility-scale floating PV plants, based on special high-density polyethylene “dock cubes” supporting a nonmetallic frame.
Wood Mackenzie expects 115 GW of solar this year
If confirmed, the global newly installed PV capacity for this year would be 5% more than that of 2019. China is forecast to be once again the world’s largest market, with 39 GW.
Triple junction perovskite cell hits 16.8% efficiency
Scientists in the Netherlands fabricated three different perovskite layers, all using the same process. The three cells are all tuned to different bandgaps in order to absorb different wavelengths of light. A triple-junction device incorporating all three achieved 16.8% conversion efficiency. This, the researchers say, is a promising result for the technology, though would require the development of new wide-bandgap perovskites to push much further.
Australian green hydrogen project secures first commercial offtaker
BOC will compress green hydrogen produced at HyP SA, which taps South Australian solar generation.
First Solar posts strong Q4 results, announces 445 W module
Strong net sales, 1.6 GW of bookings, plans for a 445 W panel, and environmental recognition for the Series 6 line point to another successful quarter.
Cape Town mayor Plato anything but philosophical about Eskom power
The city’s executive mayor has said his officials are working with staff at the national Treasury to draw up a program for municipalities across the nation to turn to independent generators for electricity.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Stable wafer and cell prices and another 2.2 GW solar-plus-storage project
Solar manufacturers Longi and Tongwei have frozen next month’s prices.
Engie EPS deploys ‘power-to-power’ hydrogen-based storage solution
Engie’s storage subsidiary has unveiled its hydrogen-based energy storage system, built with its proprietary technology, in Agkistro, Greece.
UK utility trials ‘world first’ renewables-friendly energy market
UK Power Networks’ ‘Power Potential’ project offers small scale generators the chance to be rewarded for voltage-balancing reactive-power services alongside traditional power stations.
Fraunhofer to develop battery inverter for whole-area UPS and renewables integration
Industrial and academic partners are developing a battery inverter which can be grid connected under normal operation but can also use nearby renewables generators to form an island grid, for whole-area uninterrupted power supply.
