KAUST explores polymer alternatives to glass for solar panel covers
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have published a review that looks at polycarbonate sheets as an alternative to solar cover glass. Their findings indicate that this new materials have a combination of low weight, mechanical strength, optical transparency, and thermal resistance that is worthy of further investigation.
Kuwait shortlists five bidders for 500 MW solar project
The solar facility is planned for construction in the Jahra Governorate, with the selected developer to be awarded a 30-year power purchase agreement.
Building-integrated concentrating photovoltaics for vertical applications
An Indian-British research team has developed a building-integrated linear concentrating PV facade by sandwiching an asymmetric compound parabolic concentrator, PERC cells, and encapsulation layers between two sheets of glass. The system was tested under both indoor and outdoor conditions and its payback period was found to be of up to 11 years.
Using Asterisk Sudoku for PV system reconfiguration under shading conditions
Researchers in Qatar have used an algorithm relying on a variant of the popular logic-based puzzle to determine the optimal way to eliminate cluster shading. They have tested the new approach under fixed and moving shadows.
China’s SoleFiori to build 6 GW HJT solar module factory in Saudi Arabia
SoleFiori signed a deal to set up a 6 GW heterojunction (HJT) solar module plant in Saudi Arabia, supplying high-efficiency panels tailored for desert conditions.
KAUST achieves 28.7% efficiency in perovskite-perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
An international team of researchers led by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has fabricated a triple junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that achieved a world record efficiency for this cell architecture. The device incorporates stabilized perovskites that ensure improved performance and stability.
Cypriot startup unveils new device to reduce solar curtailment
Cyprus-based Enerthon has developed a smart zero-export control device that prevents PV export losses from curtailment by directing generation to self-consumption. Certification is expected soon.
New model to optimize desert PV plant cleaning schedule
Scientists have used a CPLEX-based MIP model and tested it on a section of the 10 MW Masdar City Solar Photovoltaic Plant. In their simulation, they assume the use of two robotic cleaners to operate over a 90-day horizon. Total cleaning costs were estimated at $7,987.
Lebanon inks three PPAs for 45 MW of solar
Lebanon’s Ministry of Energy has entered into power purchase agreements with France’s CMA CGM for three solar projects each with a capacity of 15 MW.
Kuwait forecast to reach 2.9 GW of solar by 2030, 10.1 GW by 2035
Kuwait’s solar capacity, which stands at around 50 MW today, is expected to surpass 1 GW in 2029 before increasing rapidly over the first half of the next decade to surpass 10 GW by 2035, according to forecasts made by Rystad Energy.
