Researchers identify main source of wide-bandgap solar perovskite degradation
Scientists in Belgium have investigated how perovskite absorbers used in solar cell degrade under three different stress test types and have found that the interface between the perovskite layer and the electron transport layer suffers from weak thermomechanical stability, which creates the conditions for performance losses.
PV industry could account for 40% of global silver demand by 2030
New research from Europe shows that the global PV industry may require up to 14,000 tonnes of silver per year in 2030, with global supply being only 34,000 tonnes. The scientists said more efforts should be made to reduce silver content in TOPCon and heterojunction solar cells.
AGC Automotive’s solar roof for passenger cars is ready for mass production
The Belgium-based company announced that its panorama-style solar roof for passenger cars is ready for mass production. The glass-glass design features high-efficiency back contact solar cells and a uniform full black appearance.
The Hydrogen Stream: eCap Marine to supply fuel cells for marine vessels
eCap Marine says it will supply 8 MW of hydrogen fuel cell systems for four zero-emission vessels under construction for Norway’s Møre Sjø and logistics firm Samskip, with deliveries expected in 2027.
Belgium expected to reach 33.6 GW of PV capacity by 2035
Belgian grid operator Elia says the country might almost double its installed PV capacity from around 12.6 GW in 2025 to 22.5 GW at the end of 2030.
New model to predict moisture ingress in photovoltaic modules
Researchers in Netherlands and Belgium have created a numerical model to simulate the moisture ingress in PV modules. Their research work showed that climate in which a PV module is installed has a much higher impact on the moisture ingress than the choice of materials for the encapsulant of the backsheet.
Belgian grid operator warns of PV overproduction, curtailment in spring
Belgian grid operator Elia says that rapid solar fleet growth is driving earlier seasonal overproduction peaks, raising curtailment risks this spring. It plans to expand flexibility measures to stabilize the high-voltage network.
Fire damages PV system on school in Belgium
A fire damaged around 100 of the 160 solar panels on the roof of Don Bosco school in Halle, Belgium. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, and no injuries were reported.
Mandatory switch to smart meters on track in Flanders
Belgian grid operator Fluvius says it is on course to finish installing smart meters in all solar-powered homes in the Belgian region of Flanders by the end of this year.
Belgian company challenges 800 W limit for plug-in solar panels in Flanders
Belgian smart energy firm Innovoltus is challenging a new rule from the Flanders energy agency in Belgium capping plug-in solar panels at 800 W per meter, arguing the region lacks authority to impose the limit. The move comes as the country begins sales of plug-in solar panels and home batteries ahead of an April 17 connection date.
