Mini perovskite solar module with 40 sq cm aperture area, 17% efficiency
The 19.2%-efficient perovskite cells used in the module rely on an electron layer based on tin oxide that was deposited via chemical bath deposition. This technique, according to the device’s creators, has made it possible to have a relatively small drop in efficiency from small cells to the 40cm2 module.
French rail operator launches tender for 156 PV carports
French state-owned railway operator SNCF plans to install 1.1 million square meters of solar modules at its train stations by 2030. Developers interested in its new solar carport tender have until April 15 to submit their project proposals.
Solar-powered robotic mower for vineyards
Developed by a French start-up, the robotic mower can be used in a 50-unit herd across a property of around 50 hectares and a radius of 20 km. It is powered by polycrystalline cells and equipped with battery storage. The system can operate with a maximum slope of 15% and reach a speed of 300m/h.
French flywheel storage system specialist secures €10 million investment
Madagascar-based Filatex has invested €10 million in French flywheel storage system manufacturer Energiestro. The two companies are planning to deploy Energiestro’s flywheel storage solutions across Madagascar and Mauritius
France’s Provence Canal to host 12MW of solar
One of France’s largest canal networks is set to host four PV systems totaling 12MW of generation capacity. The arrays are expected to occupy a total canal surface with a length of 5,420m and to generate a total of 19GWh per year.
Rollable CIGS solar modules from France
French start-up Solar Cloth is planning to scale up capacity at its module production facility near Cannes. The factory will produce 17.6%-efficient flexible solar modules integrated into textile supports.
Agrivolaics to shine in France after presidential recognition
President Emmanuel Macron said agrivoltaics will become one of the main pillars of France’s energy system. Xavier Daval, chair of French solar commission SER-Soler, spoke with pv magazine about the recognition of the role of solar integrated into agricultural production.
France deployed 2.68GW of solar in 2021
Solar was able to cover over 3% of France’s total electricity demand last year and its cumulative capacity reached 13,067MW at the end of December.
Flexible solar panels made in Israel for Amazon’s facility in France
Apollo Power is providing its flexible solar modules for a €750,000 photovoltaic project planned by Amazon in France. Each of the module units provided by the Israeli manufacturer has a size of 2,040×6,130mm and weighs in at only 3kg/m².
New PV module recycling tech from France
French start-up Rosi Solar has developed an industrial solution claimed to be capable of recovering high purity silicon, silver and copper contained in end-of-life PV modules. The company’s technology is based on a pyrolysis process that makes it possible to isolate the different metals from the cells.
