Why TOPCon is leading the n-type market breakthrough
This year has seen a raft of developments in n-type technology, as the PV manufacturing industry looks to keep both efficiency and long-term performance figures rising. There are a few different cell technologies gaining ground under the banner of n-type, however, tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) looks set to be first to gain a real share of the module market. In this pv magazine Webinar, we analyze market trends and the potential for TOPCon over the coming years, and take a closer look at some of the technological developments allowing this. Chinese manufacturer Jolywood will share details of its technological progress and impressive expansion plans for TOPCon, as well as the increased reliability that allowed it to partner with insurance provider Munich Re to offer 30 years of warranty protection to customers.
Gallium arsenide nanowire solar cell with 7.7% efficiency
Norwegian scientists have developed a gallium arsenide (GaAs) nanowire solar cell that can be used as a top cell in a dual tandem cell with a bottom silicon cell. The device is claimed to be the most efficient single-junction GaAs nanowire solar cell grown on a silicon substrate so far.
New laser-cutting system for half-cut, shingled PV cells
German manufacturer 3-D Micromac said it has developed a new machine that can produce more than 6,000 wafers per hour. It is suitable for solar cells with temperature-sensitive coatings, or depositions such as heterojunction devices.
The world’s largest seawater heat pump based on CO2 as refrigerant
Swiss-headquartered technology corporation ABB is supplying integrated electrical infrastructure for the construction of a 50 MW seawater heat pump in Denmark. The heat pump technology will be provided by German specialist MAN Energy Solutions.
Lithuanian module maker says European and US clients moving away from Chinese supply chain
Vilnius-headquartered Solitek is preparing to ramp its output next year on the back of rising orders in Scandinavia, and says its new partnership with New York-based Convalt Energy will reduce its dependence on Asian semiconductors and solar cells.
Established thin film processing for 18%-efficient perovskite mini-modules
Scientists in Germany applied vapor-based deposition techniques and laser scribed interconnection – both well established processes in existing thin-film solar manufacturing – to fabricate perovskite mini modules. The group achieved a maximum efficiency of 18% for a device measuring 4cm². Relying on these processes, they say, could simplify processing and reduce losses associated with scaling up to commercial-sized devices.
UK, Indian authorities launch plan for transnational solar super-grid
The International Solar Alliance and the U.K. authorities are leading a global super-grid program that seeks to connect 140 countries to round-the-clock renewable power.
Solar tile with anti-glare coating from Switzerland
Swiss manufacturer Megasol said the new product is compatible with the most common tile formats and also available in different colors. Megasol has also developed a coating that eliminates the glare effect of solar modules.
Greece launches Gr-Eco Islands Initiative with €100 mlllion pot
Greece’s government gathered today on the Aegean island of Halki to inaugurate a local community energy project and also launch its Gr-Eco Islands Initiative, which aims to green the country’s archipelago.
Insolight unveils 20.1%-efficient translucent photovoltaic panel for agrivoltaics
Insolight has developed a translucent monocrystalline solar panel with a nominal power of 106 W and a power conversion efficiency of 20.1%. The solar cells are covered with protective glass and optical lenses to concentrate and direct sunlight onto them at around 100 times the intensity of standard solar glass.
