New process could yield 26.6% efficient IBC cells
Researchers in Germany are trialing a host of new processes and materials to develop interdigitated back contact solar cells. A deposition technology named ‘hot-wire’ chemical vapor deposition, is said to provide excellent passivation without the need for treatments such as recrystallization or hydrogenation.
Galp to buy ACS solar assets for €2.2 billion – enough to rebuild Real Madrid
Portuguese gas company Galp Energía says it will become “the largest solar energy company in the Iberian peninsula”. The agreement includes operating PV plants with an installed generation capacity of 900 MW plus a further 2.9 GW under development.
Deal reached to keep Energyra module production in the Netherlands
The Dutch PV manufacturer plans to start production this year after a last-minute rescue package arrived as the company’s equipment was being auctioned off.
Qatar’s 800 MW tender draws world record solar power price of $0.01567/kWh
Utility Kahramaa has revealed the winning consortium initially offered $0.01745/kWh with the price then reduced based on financial market indices.
A new front electrode structure for shingled PV panels
Researchers in Korea have proposed a new design for dividing and bonding which is said to provide higher efficiency from fewer fingers. The number of fingers optimized for division into five cells was 128 and for three, 171. Five offer power conversion efficiency of 17.346% and three 16.855%.
Total to deploy 20,000 EV charging stations in the Netherlands
The public charging points will be installed in the provinces of North Holland, Flevoland and Utrecht. The oil giant said they would all be powered by renewable energy.
A new strategy to mitigate voltage spikes in small solar systems
The approach combines virtual impedance and a modified pulse-width modulation strategy to suppress fault currents in grid-connected PV systems.
The best way to predict the I-V profile of PV panels
A study has considered the best mathematical models for predicting solar module performance under varying conditions.
Albania launches 140 MW solar tender
The country’s second large scale solar plant will be built in the Karavasta area, in the centre of the country. Half the energy produced will earn a tariff payment of no more than €55/MWh, the rest will be sold on the energy market.
Armenia aims to improve net metering for small scale solar
The government is being helped by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development as it designs a new net metering system. The country already supports large scale PV plants and small solar parks.
