South Korea

Hanwha’s new PV modules, designed for rooftop applications, are available in two versions: a 400 W product with a power conversion efficiency of 22.3% and a white frame, and a black 395 W module with an efficiency of 22%. For both products, the temperature coefficient is -0.30%.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has revealed that it will subsidize building-integrated photovoltaic projects through a new rebate scheme.

OCI will supply polysilicon from its manufacturing facility in Malaysia, which is expected to have an annual capacity of 35,000 metric tons by the end of June.

Developed by Korean scientists through a novel lift-off-based patterning approach based on swelling-induced crack propagation, the perovskite PV device achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.16 V, a short-circuit current density of 22.5 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 77%. With the microcells, the researchers also built a first prototype of a solar window which they claim has vivid colors and high color purity.

Land-scarce South Korea is currently hosting a series of initiatives aimed at deploying solar on unused surfaces. The latest development comes from the city of Suncheon, which will test several photovoltaic railroad noise barriers based on bifacial PV modules.

Korean beauty products supplier Amorepacific has agreed to buy electricity from 5MW of renewables operated by LNG provider SK E&S. The 20-year deal is South Korea’s first step into unsubsidized renewable energy development.

Researchers from Qatar and South Korea have studied the potential of solar cells based on 2D MXenes materials. They said that titanium carbide MXene (Ti3C2Tx) is the most promising material in the MXene family for PV applications.

Built by Korean oil provider SK Energy and the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the “Energy Super Station” is equipped with 20kW of solar panels and 300kW of fuel cell stacks. It can refuel conventional combustion vehicles as well as electric vehicles and fuel cell cars.

Elsewhere, Chinese researchers have synthesized ultrafine Pd100-xCux nanodot-modified TiO2 photocatalysts that display optimized energy barrier for interfacial hydrogen desertion, which reportedly exhibits excellent H2-evolution activity and stability, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has presented its plans to establish the Takasago Hydrogen Park, calling it the world’s first center for validation of hydrogen-related technologies, from hydrogen production to power generation.

The Korean manufacturer said its solar module business will be closed by the end of June. It blamed uncertainties in the global solar industry for its decision.