Putting polyvinylidene-fluoride backsheets to the test
US scientists tested PV modules built with backsheets and polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) layers, to replicate the degradation the material has suffered in the field of accelerated testing. By exposing the modules to multiple stresses, they were able to cause degradation in the backsheet materials. Though this did not closely match what has been seen in the field, such testing can be useful in identifying potential weaknesses.
US startup unveils plug-and-play solid-state battery for residential applications
Zendure has developed a residential storage system using a semi-solid state battery with 6.438 kWh capacity. Each unit is scalable with up to four batteries, bring the capacity of one unit to 32 kWh and of two units to 64 kWh. The system can be used with solar panels.
Sungrow mulling another new inverter factory outside of China
Sungrow told pv magazine at the recent Intersolar South America event in Sao Paulo that its cumulative delivered capacity in Latin America now stands at 9 GW, with 6 GW of the total delivered to Brazil alone.
SolarEdge under investigation for alleged patent violations
The US International Trade Commission has launched a new investigation into SolarEdge, following a lawsuit from power electronics specialist Ampt.
First Solar to invest up to $1.2 billion to expand US solar output by 4.4 GW
First Solar has announced plans to invest in a new 3.5 GW manufacturing facility in the southeastern United States, on top of a $185 million upgrade for its Ohio plant.
Solar on US canals moves closer to reality
Project Nexus expects to break ground on a canal-top solar project in the fall, with completion targeted by the end of 2023.
Aluminum-sulfur battery for small-scale storage at $8.99/kWh
Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers have developed a battery with two electrodes made of aluminum and sulfur, and a molten salt electrolyte placed between them. They said the sulfur electrodes with a high loading of 12.0 mg cm2 can sustain a high capacity of 520 mAh g–1 over 100 cycles at 5 C.
GAF Energy breaks ground on US solar roofing factory
GAF Energy said its new production facility in Georgetown, Texas, will create hundreds of renewable energy jobs.
Hydrostor develops 500 MW/4 GWh compressed air storage project in California
Hydrostor has selected an engineering company to provide front-end studies for a 500 MW compressed air energy storage project in California.
US utility to demonstrate liquid metal long-duration storage at solar test site
US utility Xcel Energy will test the use of Ambri’s energy storage technology at the Solar Technology Acceleration Center.
