Australian state launches first solar garden
Haystacks, Australia’s first large-scale solar garden, has opened up solar “plots” for households in New South Wales that are unable to install rooftop systems.
US solar panel shipments rose by 32% in 2021
The US Energy Information Administration’s latest report shows a steady climb in PV module shipments last year.
Hungary concludes fourth renewables auction with average price of $0.062/kWh
Hungary’s latest renewables auction involved just 12 successful projects, with contracts for around 864 GWh of power.
New ferroelectric material for lead-free perovskite solar cells
US scientists have discovered a lead-free perovskite material with ferroelectric properties that can be used in solar cells. The perovskite compound was grown from cesium germanium tribromide and initial analysis shows that it produces ferroelectricity.
Axpo commissions 2.2 MW vertical alpine PV project on dam
Axpo said its new 2.2 MW system is the largest alpine solar plant in Switzerland. It is expected to supply around 3.3 million kWh of electricity per year, with an above-average electricity yield in the winter months.
Enphase partners with Home Connect to manage home appliances from single app
Integrated clean home energy and smart appliances platform lets users run appliances on battery-stored solar energy in pre-determined time frames.
Laser-enhanced contact optimization improves TOPCon solar cell performance by 0.6%
Scientists in Germany have improved the efficiency of an industrial TOPCon solar cell from 23.8% to 24.1% by using laser-enhanced contact optimization as a post-firing treatment.
Putting polyvinylidene-fluoride backsheets to the test
US scientists tested PV modules built with backsheets and polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) layers, to replicate the degradation the material has suffered in the field of accelerated testing. By exposing the modules to multiple stresses, they were able to cause degradation in the backsheet materials. Though this did not closely match what has been seen in the field, such testing can be useful in identifying potential weaknesses.
France publishes new specifications for 17 renewables tender
France’s energy regulator has published an update of the specifications for 17 renewable energy tenders, adapted to facilitate the rapid deployment of projects in the context of energy and the pandemic. The proposed adjustments are applicable to winners of all periods, from Sept. 1, 2022, provided that they submit a request to the energy ministry.
Arctech releases SkyWings single-axis solar tracker
Arctech has released a novel dual-row, single-axis solar tracker for use in different climates and topographies.
