First Solar beats Q1 revenue expectations
US-based First Solar recorded $794 million of revenue in the first quarter, beating consensus estimates by about 10%.
Voltaic Systems unveils battery monitoring system for offgrid PV applications
The U.S.-based PV system provider for infrastructure and industrial equipment without grid access has launched a battery health monitoring software module for its flagship Core Solar Power Systems product line.
Sembcorp, Equinix sign long-term PPAs in Singapore
Equinix and Sembcorp Power have signed two long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) in Singapore. Sembcorp will supply 105 MW to Equinix’s data centers in Singapore, including 75 MW of solar, for up to 18 years.
Midsummer, Kaisheng partner on thin-film solar production
China’s Kaisheng New Energy Technology has agreed to produce a new line of thin-film solar panels for rooftops under an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreement with Sweden’s Midsummer. The modules will be exclusive to the European rooftop market through Midsummer.
TÜV Rheinland certifies organic PV product based on IEC 61215 standard
German certification body TÜV Rheinland has announced the certification of the first organic photovoltaic (OPV) product – an organic PV foil from Germany’s Heliatek – based on the IEC 61215 standard.
Swedish researchers propose tailored PV incentives
Researchers in Sweden have investigated incentive programs for rooftop PV and proposed the adaptation of future schemes to different investor profiles.
UK network operator offers earlier grid connections for 836 MW
UK Power Networks’ (UKPN) distribution system operator (DSO) is expediting grid connections for 25 UK projects, totaling 836 MW.
New water circulation tech promises lower PERC solar cell manufacturing costs
A German team developed models to illustrate water-saving potential in PERC silicon solar cell manufacturing based on a circular approach and commercially available technology. In the case of a 5 GW fab, water savings of up to 79% and wastewater discharge reductions up to 84% could be achieved, a “significant” improvement compared to a reference scenario.
Philippines expects 2 GW of new solar in 2024
The authorities in the Philippines say the nation is on target to add 1.98 GW of solar this year, alongside 590 MW of battery storage, as part of more than 4 GW of renewable energy projects.
New metallization tech for HJT solar cells minimizes silver use, increases efficiency
German research institute Fraunhofer ISE has unveiled a new metallization process for heterojunction solar cells that reportedly increases power conversion efficiencies by over 0.1% while reducing silver consumption. A device built with the new technique achieved an efficiency of 23.2%.
