Using p-type wafers in heterojunction solar cells, not a lost battle
An international research group has reconstructed the trajectory of p-type wafers in the heterojunction solar cell segment and has identified the lack of knowledge about boron-oxygen related light-induced degradation (BO-LID) as the main cause for the limited adoption of these wafers and the success of their n-type counterparts. According to the scientists, however, there is still big room for improvement for p-type technologies in heterojunction cells.
Reverse bias – a hidden challenge for perovskite solar cell stability
New research from renowned PV scientist Martin Green and colleagues at UNSW reveals that perovskite solar cells may struggle to deal with reverse-bias caused by uneven shading or other issues likely to appear in the field. Both the reverse-bias itself and resulting build up of heat can cause several of the materials commonly used in perovskite solar cells to degrade, and these issues have received only limited attention in research published to date. Solutions, however, are at hand.
The PV industry needs 12 times more polysilicon production capacity by 2050
New research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) predicts cumulative polysilicon demand of 46-87 Mt will be required to achieve 63.4 TW of PV installed by 2050.
JinkoSolar unveils battery system for Australian residential market
Having established a strong foothold in the Australian market with its solar PV panels, Chinese manufacturer JinkoSolar is now seeking to expand its influence in the energy storage space with the launch of its modular Suntank home battery storage system.
Enel looks to sell major stake in Australian wind, solar portfolio
Italian utility Enel is reportedly looking to sell a substantial share in its renewable energy platform, Enel Green Power, to help fund an estimated 3.6 GW development pipeline in the country.
Maxeon partners with Reclaim PV to save panels from landfill in Australia
Solar manufacturer Maxeon Solar Technologies has teamed with Adelaide-headquartered solar panel collection and recycling company Reclaim PV Recycling to recover and recycle SunPower branded solar panels in Australia.
Tesla big battery begins providing inertia grid services at scale in world first in Australia
South Australia’s 150 MW / 193.5 Hornsdale Power Reserve, more commonly known as the Tesla Big Battery, will now provide inertia services to Australia’s National Electricity Market after securing approval from the Australian Energy Market Operator. Neoen says it is the first big battery in the world to deliver the service at such a scale.
Australian regulator allows multiple installers to work on the same PV project
The Clean Energy Regulator (CER) said the rule change will afford companies more flexibility.
Australian Capital Territory charges ahead with Canberra’s 250 MW big battery project
The Australian Capital Territory government has firmed its commitment to deliver one of the largest battery storage systems in the Southern Hemisphere to support Canberra’s energy grid and the continued uptake of renewables with funding allocated in the upcoming budget to progress the Big Canberra Battery project.
Australian startup unveils scalable shade solution for commercial applications
Canyon Solar has unveiled a prefabricated solar PV shade structure for commercial carport applications that it claims can be installed at least three times faster than traditional systems and outcompetes rooftop solar PV on a dollar-per-watt basis.
