P-type TOPCon solar cell with 21.2% efficiency
Fraunhofer ISE scientists have identified the best metallization pastes to help reduce contact resistivity and contact recombination in p-type TOPCon solar cells. They applied a silicon nitride layer through plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition onto both sides of a cell.
EDF bags PPA for 20 MW solar park from French railway operator
Construction on the solar plant is expected to begin this year. It will supply power to SNCF’s unit SNCF Energie over a 20-year period.
Iberdrola, Mapfre set up renewable energy joint venture
The new company, which will be majority-owned by the Spanish insurance group, is currently developing 130 MW of photovoltaic projects across Spain.
Solar and wind together overhaul global hydro capacity
The latest set of clean energy statistics compiled by the International Renewable Energy Agency signal a changing of the guard when it comes to clean power, with legacy hydropower facilities overtaken by new intermittent renewables.
Solar water heater to maximize self-consumption
French module manufacturer Systovi has developed a smart water heater that can forecast the weather, store surplus green electricity, and return it in the form of hot water, according to household needs.
PVH launches tracker for high-power modules
The new solar tracker from PVH was specifically designed to be compatible with large-format modules and was developed in static and aeroelastic wind tunnels.
Cooling PV modules with radiative sky cooling
French scientists have proposed the use of radiative sky cooling as a passive cooling technique to cut PV module temperatures by 10 C. They claim the method could improve performance by more than 5 W/m2.
New design for antireflective coating in multijunction solar cells
Scientists in Madrid investigated the use of antireflective coatings in multijunction solar cells, drawing several conclusions that could further improve the efficiency of these cells. Their approach could improve on current antireflective coatings, particularly for high-efficiency multijunction cells, using methods and materials already proven in mass production.
REC postpones investment decision for 4 GW French solar factory to second quarter
The chosen location is Hambach, in the northeastern region of Moselle. The planned investment is €680 million.
French photovoltaic greenhouse delivers 3.1 GWh and 4 tons/hectare of asparagus in one year
The solar greenhouse was built by French developer Tenergie in 2017 and last year recorded a remarkable performance in terms of both agricultural ane electricity yield.
