Organic photovoltaics designed by AI at Osaka University
Cheap-to-produce OPV are the focus of research and although the struggle to get beyond 13% efficiency has hindered commercialization, organic PV can be made translucent, making it potentially ideal for applications such as PV-generating windows.
IHS Markit at SNEC: Grid parity within reach in China
At their 2018 PV Market Workshop, across the street from the massive SNEC solar exhibition in Shanghai, IHS Markit offered interesting insights into the further development of China’s PV and energy storage markets, as well as the global PV market as a whole.
Record-breaking SNEC in Shanghai
The annual SNEC photovoltaic power expo 2018, in Shanghai, closed yesterday after the 12th edition of the world’s biggest PV exhibition. Reflecting the rapid development of China’s PV industry, the scale of SNEC increased from 15,000 sqm at the first exhibition to 180,000 sqm last year and 200,000 this year – a 10% year-on-year increase. Preliminary figures show more than 220,000 visits to this year’s edition, with more than 5,000 industry professionals attending the expo and series of high-level conferences.
Toshiba to start power-to-gas supply chain demonstration in Japan
Toshiba has begun a large power-to-gas demonstration project in Japan. In spite of low efficiency and high prices, hydrogen is researched by many companies. In this demo, facilities are powered by Toshiba’s fuel cells, which receive hydrogen from an adjacent hydropower hydrogen generation facility.
India’s rooftop sector still lagging behind
With barely 1.8 MW solar power (roof top) achieved in the first month of the 2018-2019 financial year, against the end of year target of 1000 MW, India’s solar dreams are hitting massive rooftop blocks. Grid-interactive solar power (ground mounted) has fared better, achieving 231.81 MW against the EoY 10 GW target.
Hanwha Q Cells opening 1.6 GW-plus module assembly facility in the US
The South Korean group will start construction of the factory, in Whitfield County, Georgia, this year, with completion slated for 2019
GCL-Si unveils new 300W+ module series
The Chinese manufacturer presented its new high-efficiency modules with MBB technology at SNEC 2018, where the company also announced a change to its marketing strategy
Suntech to supply 304 MW of modules to Voltalia
The news comes after Suntech recently announced a separate 116 MW module supply deal, with both orders related to Egypt’s mega Benban complex
Panasonic to use Meyer Burger’s SWCT in HIT module research
Panasonic has been improving the cost and durability of heterojunction cells for years. Meyer Burger’s smartwire connections could replace three-busbar technology and drive further advances
India’s MNRE to support 2.5 GW wind-solar hybrid projects
India’s Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has announced a Scheme for setting up of 2.500 GW Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS)-connected wind-solar hybrid projects.
