Author

benedictodonnell

Benedict joined pv magazine in September 2018. With a PhD in photovoltaics and a taste for technology, he has been reporting on markets and the energy transition since 2013.

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Articles written by benedictodonnell

Markets & Policy

The weekend read: A responsible compromise? Toxicologists are struggling to follow the pace at which perovskite solar cells race from laboratory test benches to factory production lines. While researchers continue to assess the health and safety risks stemming from the lead used at the core of these new materials, the startups commercializing them argue that established encapsulation techniques and sound recycling schemes are enough to safety-proof their potentially disruptive technology and offset broader environmental threats.

benedictodonnell

Nov 16, 2019

A responsible compromise? Toxicologists are struggling to follow the pace at which perovskite solar cells race from laboratory test benches to factory production lines. While researchers continue to assess the health and safety risks stemming from the lead used at the core of these new materials, the startups commercializing them argue that established encapsulation techniques and sound recycling schemes are enough to safety-proof their potentially disruptive technology and offset broader environmental threats.

benedictodonnell

Nov 12, 2019

Applications & Installations

Voltalia acquires French solar installer Helexia The French renewables group has taken over a specialist in C&I rooftop solar and launched a share purchase offer to enable its employees to benefit from the growth of the company.

benedictodonnell

Sep 27, 2019

Flow batteries scale up to GW production Plans for a gigawatt factory in Saudi Arabia, bullet-proof warranties and an international vanadium rental service are propelling a new generation of batteries into the energy storage big league. Pioneers of redox flow technology claim that they can put an end to the degradation and safety issues afflicting lithium-ion batteries. They also expect imminent economies of scale to reduce the cost of bulk energy storage and unlock new markets for solar power.

benedictodonnell

Sep 16, 2019

Applications & Installations

French start-up launches solar engine The invention converts the energy produced by PV cells directly into mechanical motion without the need for batteries or power electronics. Its developers claim the robustness of the solar motor can drive water pumps and ventilation turbines for more than 20 years without the need for maintenance.

benedictodonnell

Sep 10, 2019

Research & Development

French scientists try to uncover the secrets of black perovskite X-ray analysis is said to have solved the mystery of how to preserve optical absorption in perovskite layers. Researchers say the discovery could help stabilize the material and speed up the launch of a new ingredient for PV research.

benedictodonnell

Aug 23, 2019

Technology & Products

Meyer Burger moves to calm shareholders Meyer Burger’s new chairman has acknowledged that the outlook remains tense for Europe’s largest solar equipment supplier, but he is urging shareholders to support the company’s plan to reposition itself to focus on high-yield technologies and markets beyond China.

benedictodonnell

Aug 22, 2019

Markets & Policy

France exempts solar self-consumption from electricity tax The Ministry of the Economy and Finance has eliminated an ambiguity in the tax code: the French are not subject to a tax on the self-consumption of solar energy – even in the case of rented or leased photovoltaic installations. This clarification provides valuable certainty for renewable energy developers who want to innovate their business models.

benedictodonnell

Jul 17, 2019

Does ALD live up to assembly line expectations? As demand for atomic layer deposition equipment spreads among Chinese solar cell manufacturers, experts throughout the industry are sharing their insight on the merits of this emerging manufacturing technology. The numbers they crunch reveal tough competition for incumbent plasma-based deposition techniques. But beyond the hype, does atomic layer deposition truly offer the better deal?

benedictodonnell

Jul 05, 2019

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