TOPCon IP battle intensifies with Qcells launching infringement notices
Qcells has launched an intellectual property (IP) dispute over alleged unauthorized use of its patented laser-enhanced contact opening (LECO) tech in tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells. The case underscores rising tensions in the PV industry over TOPCon patents.
A copper-bottomed answer to solar’s silver dependence
The solar industry has dragged its heels on the issue of silver-dependence for cell metallization, but China’s Jiangsu Xianghuan Technology (JXTC) is moving into commercial production with a copper plating process that overcomes many of the challenges that have limited interest from cell manufacturers.
Exide Industries invests $17.2 million in lithium battery plant in India
Kolkata-based Exide Industries has invested INR 1.49 billion ($17.2 million) in Exide Energy Solutions through a rights offering. The investment will support the construction of a greenfield lithium battery plant in Bengaluru, India, in addition to other funding needs.
Bolivia’s YLB signs lithium deals with Russian, Chinese companies
The agreements provide for the installation of carbonate industrial plants in the department of Potosí, which will receive royalties and investments of around $2 billion.
China’s CGN New Energy announces winning bidders in 10 GWh BESS tender
CGN New Energy has selected seven winners from 50 bidders in its 10 GWh battery energy storage system (BESS) tender, with the lowest bid at CNY 0.458/Wh ($63/kWh).
Wind tunnel tests show spacing between panels is key to reduce soiling
Scientists have placed four PV panels in a 21-meter wind tunnel and run different tests regarding tilt angles, mounting height, spacing, and incoming flow direction. They found that when the spacing between panels exceeds twice the panel height, the mutual influence on dust deposition becomes negligible.
Open-source dataset for rooftop PV generation in urban environments
A group of scientists has developed an open-source dataset comprising three years’ worth of data from Hong Kong’s largest behind-the-meter rooftop solar power project. Power generation was collected at 5-minute intervals, and meteorological data at 1-minute.
US bans five Chinese PV firms under Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act
Under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), the US authorities have banned five Chinese companies from providing products and services in the United States.
Solis releases three-phase string C&I inverters with fuseless design
The Chinese inverter said its new inverters have an MPPT current of up to 54 A and support more than a 150% DC/AC ratio. The new products also feature a maximum efficiency of 98.8% and a European efficiency rate of 98.3%.
Adani Green Energy hits 11.6 GW of operational renewables capacity
Adani Green Energy commissioned 3.13 GW of renewable energy capacity – 2.69 GW of solar and 438 MW of wind power – in the April-December 2024 period, taking its cumulative operational capacity to 11.6 GW.
