Silver-alloyed CGIS solar cell with 18.7% efficiency
Swiss scientists have used a minimal amount of silver to alloy the absorber in a thin-film CIGS solar cell. They say this process could help to improve efficiency, open-circuit voltage, and fill factor, while compensating for the low bandgap of the CIGS layer.
Netherlands posts another record year for residential PV in 2022
The Netherlands may have deployed 2 GW of new residential solar capacity in 2022, according to provisional figures from grid operators.
Steam-generating heat pump for industrial applications
The Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) plans to build a heat pump that generates steam at 184 C at 11 bars without using gas. The tech, which uses natural refrigerants, will be used in the pharmaceutical industry.
New ‘cushion’ solution to take stress off perovskite solar cells
Scientists in Germany have discovered a polymer compound that, when added to perovskite thin-film precursor materials, wraps itself around the perovskite crystals, acting as a cushion to protect the perovskite structure from thermomechanical stress. They used the additive to fabricate cells with up to 24.6% efficiency, retaining 96% of their initial performance after accelerated testing equivalent to one year in the field.
Former VW boss aims to set up 20 GW vertically integrated PV plant in Europe
In a podcast, former Volkswagen CEO Herbert Diess noted the importance of reducing reliance on China in the solar industry. But he said plans to set up production in Europe require state support and the right conditions.
Only5mins! – Europe may deploy 53 GW of solar this year
pv magazine speaks to Raffaele Rossi, head of market intelligence for SolarPower Europe, about the solar outlook in 2023. He says the European solar market may grow by around 29% compared to 2022.
China mulling restrictions on polysilicon, wafer production tech exports
The Chinese government is considering the introduction of export restrictions on solar wafers, black silicon, and silicon casting equipment. It has launched a public consultation process on the proposed measures.
Turkey sets minimum price for solar cell imports
The Turkish government has set a minimum import price of $60/kg, so solar cell imports exceeding this threshold will be subject to import duties. The measure is designed to protect domestic cell manufacturers.
Swedish authorities issue warning about solar panels on balconies
The Swedish authorities have identified electrocution and fire risks posed by the improper deployment of plug-in solar modules.
Indian coal miner commissions utility-scale floating PV array
Singareni Collieries Co. Ltd. (SCCL) has commissioned 5 MW of a 15 MW floating solar plant on the Singareni Thermal Power Station reservoir in India.
