Vision-assisted robotics for space solar cell manufacturing
German automation specialist Acp systems developed an advanced robotics solution integrating image processing to handle a range of wafer sizes and tolerances within a vapor deposition process for a manufacturer of space solar cell technologies. The requirements included a compact design, precsion within 0.1 mm and automated wafer handling quality control.
EU updates Photovoltaic Geographical Information System
The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has updated the core technologoy of the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System with the aim of reflecting the dominance of crystalline silicon solar technologies over thin-film counterparts in the global energy market.
Swiss developer breaks ground on 800 MW/1.6 GWh redox flow storage project
Flexbase Group has broken ground on an 800 MW/1.6 GWh redox flow battery project in Laufenburg, Switzerland, in what could become one of Europe’s largest flow storage systems. The multi-use site will integrate utility-scale storage, an AI data center, and district heating.
Fraunhofer ISE developing InP-on-GaAs substrates for III-V solar cells
Fraunhofer ISE researchers say their newly fabricated gallium arsenide substrates (InP-on-GaAs wafers) can replace prime indium phosphide wafers and offer a scalable pathway to lower costs.
Q3 Energy presents string combiner box with fault detection
Q3 Energie showcased a new string combiner box at Intersolar Europe 2025. The generator junction box can detect and isolate faults in photovoltaic systems.
The Hydrogen Stream: EU backs 15 hydrogen projects
The European Commission has selected projects for €992 million ($1.1 billion) of EU public funding, while the Japanese government has agreed to provide $4.80 in subsidies for hydrogen fuel cell trucks.
Germany’s Voltfang offers battery warranty independent of number of cycles
The Aachen-based company has further developed its energy management system (EMS) under real-world conditions, to minimize the cyclic aging of its batteries.
Roltec plans CIGS solar module factory in Poland
Germany’s Singulus Technologies will provide three of its physical vapor deposition (PVD) vacuum sputtering systems to Poland-based module manufacturer Roltec at a new plant that will produce copper, indium, gallium, and selenium (CIGS) cells on glass substrates.
Ikea begins offering air-to-water heat pumps in Germany
The Swedish furniture giant began offering air-to-water heat pumps distributed by Svea Solar and manufactured by Sweden-based Aira.
Germany deploys 838.5 MW of PV in April
Germany installed 838.5 MW of solar in April as the PV market sharply contracted in the first four months of 2024, according to the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur). Total installed capacity reached 104.9 GW by the end of April.
