Module brands that earn the trust of solar installers
The latest global PV installer survey by Germany’s EUPD Research offers a hint of the solar brands which installers, mostly based in Europe, gravitate toward. This year’s report also ventured to South Africa and considered mounting systems for the first time.
US lab reveals top findings for hybrid solar, storage plants
US government researchers have collected 10 observations from recent research papers that look at solar- or wind-plus-storage power plants in the United States.
PV-powered portable seawater desalination system for drinking water
US researchers have developed a portable desalination unit that generates clean drinking water without filters or high-pressure pumps. The device is powered exclusively by solar energy and requires just 20 W of power per liter.
The Hydrogen Stream: Acid-treated cells produce about 200% more hydrogen
US scientists have improved the performance of intermediate-temperature electrolyzers based on protonic ceramic electrochemical cells. Germany and India have signed a hydrogen cooperation deal, while ArcelorMittal has tested the use of green hydrogen in the production of direct reduced iron at a steel plant in Canada.
Solar briefcase packs in 200 W for off-grid, mobile living
FlexSolar has developed a foldable, portable PV briefcase kit with a charge controller and connection cables.
California demand matches renewables generation for first time
PV and other renewables supplied 100% of California’s energy needs for about 15 minutes on April 30.
Enphase predicts another revenue landmark this quarter
Enphase expects the volume of business generated to rise again for the April-June period, accompanied by another bump in battery shipments.
US startup claims hydrogen output for $0.85/kg or less via new water vapor electrolyzer
Advanced Ionics has developed an electrolyzer that runs at temperatures below 650 C. It is reportedly able to produce hydrogen for $0.85/kg or less. CEO Chad Mason recently spoke with pv magazine to provide a closer look at the water vapor electrolysis tech.
Atomic layer deposition tool for perovskite cell pilot line
Dutch equipment supplier SALD has announced delivery of a spatial atomic layer deposition system to an unnamed customer in the United States. The tool will be used in the pilot-scale production of perovskite solar cells. While it has not disclosed the exact function of the tool within the pilot project, it said it will be used to deposit thin coatings to protect cells from damage in later manufacturing stages, and ensure their longer-term stability.
Elon Musk wins SolarCity lawsuit, avoids $2 billion judgment
Business magnate Elon Musk has avoided what would have been the largest judgment in US history on an individual executive.
