Articles written by Mark Hutchins

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Research & Development
Putting bifacial modules to the test US scientists recently put different bifacial solar cells and modules through a series of tests at elevated temperature, humidity, voltage and mechanical stress levels. The tests revealed a range of light-induced and potential-induced degradation mechanisms that modules will likely suffer in the field.
Mark Hutchins
Nov 01, 2022
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Markets & Policy
Recycling key to solar sustainability A new study of the environmental impacts of renewable energy finds significant opportunities for solar to reduce its impacts in various categories, including human health, resource depletion, and environmental damage. The study notes in particular that more work is needed to establish a comprehensive reuse and recycling network for end-of-life PV products.
Mark Hutchins
Oct 31, 2022
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Technology & Products
The weekend read: Catalyst for an EU solar cell, module comeback Plans for Europe’s largest-ever PV cell and module factory are taking shape, with equipment orders placed and a projected start date in mid-2024. Enel Green Power has received €118 million ($116.36 million) in funding from the EU Innovation Fund to support the project, out of a total €600 million investment. The EU is hoping it will catalyze further investment in similar projects, and start a high-tech comeback for European solar manufacturing.
Mark Hutchins
Oct 08, 2022
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Catalyst for an EU comeback Plans for Europe’s largest-ever PV cell and module factory are taking shape, with equipment orders placed and a projected start date in mid-2024. Enel Green Power has received €118 million ($116.36 million) in funding from the EU Innovation Fund to support the project, out of a total €600 million investment. The EU is hoping it will catalyze further investment in similar projects, and start a high-tech comeback for European solar manufacturing.
Mark Hutchins
Oct 04, 2022
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Markets & Policy
Flexible, roll-to-roll printed perovskite solar cell hits 16.7% efficiency Australian scientists have demonstrated a flexible perovskite solar cell using roll-to-roll compatible “printing” type processes, which could potentially be applied in large-scale manufacturing. Of particular note is the development of a viable roll-to-roll process to deposit the electrode layer, which has thus far been a major challenge. Cells fabricated by the group achieved a maximum efficiency of 16.7%.
Mark Hutchins
Sep 12, 2022
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03028_Jinko_TOPCon3_opt
Research & Development
Improving n-type TOPCon solar cells Scientists in China have studied the formation of contacts in tunnel-oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells, and the role of high-temperature annealing processes on the quality and performance of cells. Their findings could open up pathways for scientists looking to squeeze even more efficiency out this rapidly growing cell technology.
Mark Hutchins
Sep 09, 2022
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Research & Development
Solar perovskite tandems and potential-induced degradation Scientists have found that perovskite solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandems might be vulnerable to potential-induced degradation. They exposed tandem cell devices to PID stress and found that they lost as much as 50% of their initial performance after just one day.
Mark Hutchins
Sep 08, 2022
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Interconnection evolution After a difficult couple of years, things are finally looking brighter for European PV equipment suppliers in 2022, with new projects on the horizon and plenty of space for innovation in the market. Germany’s M10 Solar Equipment is introducing a brand new, flexible approach to cell interconnection that promises big energy yield gains compared to typical half-cut cell multi-busbar modules. And the company is already seeing plenty of interest from producers developing products ranging from conventional modules to building-integrated PV and beyond, as M10 Solar Equipment CEO Philipp Zahn and Business Development Manager Michael Kröffges recently told pv magazine.
Mark Hutchins
Sep 05, 2022
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The stage is set for India At the end of September, the Renewable Energy India (REI) Expo is returning to the India Expo Centre, Greater Noida, for its 15th edition. It comes at an exciting time for energy in India, as the country begins to ramp up its own domestic solar manufacturing, and looks for a leading role in the development of both green hydrogen and electric vehicles. Ahead of the event, pv magazine caught up with Rajneesh Khattar, senior group director – energy portfolio, at Informa Markets, the show organizer, for a look at India’s changing energy landscape.
Mark Hutchins
Sep 05, 2022