New technique to recover lead in end-of-life solar panels
A research group in the United States has developed a process to recover lead in its metallic form so that it can be reused in the PV industry. The process relies on a leaching solution based on a combination of acetic acid (CH3COOH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which the researchers said leaches the lead ‘in a matter of minutes.’
How aerial data directs O&M crews to the right place, right time
Labor shortages pose a major challenge for US solar companies, leading to inefficient plant inspections and wasted skilled labor. In this pv magazine webinar, we will explore solutions using their solar data to optimize O&M and maximize plant performance.
AI-enabled database, simulator for PV soiling losses
Fracsun says it will team up with App Orchid to develop a soiling-loss database and simulation tool.
Mango Power introduces 12 kW / 15 kWh whole home battery
The Mango Power M includes a hybrid inverter with 18 kW solar input and can be paired with an electric vehicle charger.
Cracked cathodes not all bad, battery scientists find
Scientists in the United States developed an innovative method to observe the inner workings of lithium-ion batteries and found that cracks which form in the electrode – something manufacturers do their best to minimize – may actually have benefits in allowing for faster charging. The work also challenges assumptions on how certain particles behave inside a battery, with potential consequences for their future design.
NextEra reveals 250 GW pipeline of renewables, storage projects
NextEra, the leading clean energy developer in the United States, has deployed nearly 1.9 GW (AC) of solar, wind and storage over the past quarter, expanding its project backlog to nearly 20 GW. It has also secured interconnection queue positions for 145 GW of its projects.
Heliene plans to manufacture 1 GW solar modules, 1.5 GW solar cells in the U.S.
Canadian-based Heliene plans a new factory in Minnesota that will begin producing modules in 2024 and cells in 2025.
Renewed efforts to build solar cells from moondust
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin has been awarded $35 million in funding from NASA to improve the company’s commercial solution that produces silicon from lunar regolith. The US spatial agency’s first efforts to build solar cells based on lunar regolith date back to 2005.
Enphase lowers revenue guidance as US residential solar stagnates
Microinverter supplier Enphase is slipping in share price as revenues dip. It has announced a $1 billion stock buyback program.
Weidmüller unveils DC combiner boxes for large-scale PV
Weidmüller USA, a manufacturer of electrical connectivity solutions, has introduced new PV DC Combiner Box models for large-scale PV systems in the US.
