Peel-off patterning technique to create stable semitransparent solar cells for window applications
The cells are intended to be built inside panes of window glass, turning passive buildings into active energy producers. A key hurdle was creating the micron-scale electrical connections between individual cells that comprise a solar module.
First Solar receives order from Akuo for 500 MW of advanced thin film modules
The multi-year agreement would see deliveries from 2024 to 2026 for US and international utility-scale solar projects.
South Africa’s oldest wine estate goes solar
Small scale investors around the world have pledged cash to back a solar system to power winemaking and restaurant operations at the famous Groot Constantia estate.
Belgium’s Flanders region wants to retroactively cancel green certificates for large PV systems
The retroactive measure should affect PV systems totaling more than 500 MW. The Flemish government claims the cancellation of the green certificates may help save up to €1.2 million, while the local renewable energy association ODE Vlaanderen is ready to question the legal underpinning of the draft law.
Solar thermal panel for large scale applications
The panel has an absorption area of 1.96 m2 and a weight of 27 kg per square meter. According to the manufacturer – Swiss startup TVP Solar – it may be a real booster for thermal output, by combining it with photovoltaics and heat pumps to provide enhanced output per square meter, in particular for low-temperature applications such as district heating.
New kind of black silicon shows improved light-trapping properties
Scientists in Russia have developed a new wide-band optical absorber called ‘black silicide’ which they claim is more adjusted to match AM-1.5 solar spectrum with theoretically higher photogenerated current density. It could be used for tandem operation in photovoltaic devices.
Monolithic perovskite-silicon solar cell with 20% efficiency via new lamination approach
The solar cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.75 V, a short-circuit current density of 15.5 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 73.6%. It was also able to retain 93% of its initial efficiency after 100 hours at a temperature of 80 C.
Qcells to secure solar glass from Canada for its US manufacturing operation
Canadian Premium Sand and Hanwha sign an agreement for patterned solar glass manufactured in Manitoba.
Project to build 1.4 GW high-voltage cable linking Germany with the UK moves forward
The European Investment Bank has agreed to provide €400 million ($406.5 million) in funds for the €2.8 billion project. Construction on the infrastructure should begin by the end of this year.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China may install up to 100 GW of solar this year
The country added more than 30 GW of new PV capacity in the first half of 2022 and its cumulative installed solar power reached 340 GW at the end of June.
