China

A research team at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) has developed a new generation of lithium metal batteries, representing a significant advancement in the field. The innovation centers on microcrack-free polymer electrolytes, which promise extended lifespan and enhanced safety at temperatures as high as 100 degrees Celsius.

Global tracker shipments reached 92 GWdc last year, according to WoodMackenzies’ latest report. The US accounted for the majority of the global market, with three US-based manufacturers, Nextracker, Array Technologies and GameChange Solar, ranking as the three largest shippers in the world.

Developed by scientists in China, the proposed approach uses mathematical morphologies for image processing, such as image enhancement, sharpening, filtering, and closing operations. It also uses image histogram equalization and edge detection, among other methods, to find the soiled spot.

China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says the country installed 102.48 GW of new solar capacity in the first half of 2024, bringing its total installed solar capacity to approximately 710 GW.

Trina Solar says it has started evaluating potential violations of some of its patents for tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) tech. One of the patents focuses on the number of busbars and their width in TOPCon solar panels.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat has criticized China for an alleged lack of transparency in its state support framework and has urged the nation to improve its subsidy notification process.

China’s regulators are reportedly considering a comprehensive fire safety inspection and upgrades of operating energy storage facilities. For older storage stations, enhancing fire safety measures will significantly increase non-technical costs, potentially up to CNY 0.2 per Wh ($0.028/Wh).

ZNShine Solar says it has applied to list H-shares on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). The company runs three factories in China with a total capacity of about 10 GW.

Yang Meng, Sungrow’s director of distribution in Europe, says that despite signs of slowing demand in parts of the residential segment, Europe’s overall solar and storage markets are on a stable path, with potential for growth in the commercial and industrial storage space.

A research group including scientists from Chinese module maker Longi has developed an undoped monocrystalline heterojunction cell that uses the promising MXene compound for the hole transport layer. The experimental device achieved an efficiency of 12.2% and was able to retain around 86% of its initial efficiency after 105-day exposure in ambient environment.