PV module prices are falling faster than all predictions
New research from Wood Mackenzie shows that overall system costs for installations using mono PERC modules are set to fall by as much as 20% by 2025.
Heterojunction MWT solar module based on 23%-efficient cells
Scientists in the Netherlands have claimed that a heterojunction metal wrap-through solar module they are designing could offer a 4% performance improvement over conventional heterojunction panels.
AES releases 1 GW renewable project solicitation
AES has released a request for proposal to buy up to 1 GW of new renewable projects as part of its partnership with Google.
First Solar signs PPA with Dow Inc
Dow Inc. is set to buy 75% of the annual generation from First Solar’s upcoming 200 MW Horizon Solar project in Frio County, Texas, under a 15-year power contract.
Fifteen-year PPA for 150 MW solar project in US
Plans to build the 150 MW Cabin Creek solar farm are now set to move forward, now that developer Clenera has secured a 15-year power purchase agreement with Basin Electric Power Cooperative.
Austria doubles financial support for solar rebates
The government has ramped up its budget for the rebate scheme to €10 million.
Self-cleaning PV system with active cooling tech
An international research group has developed a self-cooling PV system featuring a 250 W 60-cell polycrystalline module and a thermal collector attached to the back side of the panel. The cleaning tech is based on a microcontroller programmable integrated circuit, which controls a rotating DC motor.
Floating solar park begins commercial operations in Germany
Developer 7C Solarparken has deployed a 729 kW floating system on a lake near Salzwedel. Power trader Next Kraftwerke will integrate power generated at the site into its virtual power plant.
European consortium bid to bring 25.4%-efficient heterojunction-IBC solar cell into mass production
The EU-funded Nextbase project aims to manufacture heterojunction, interdigitated back-contact solar modules for less than €0.275/W. Solar panels featuring the Nextbase cell tech are expected to have a conversion efficiency of 23.2%, according to the European Commission.
Low-cost direct solar-to-hydrogen ambitions see the light
The road to cheap hydrogen production is riddled with potholes and energy losses. Researchers in Australia have demonstrated rethinking solar technology and skipping electrolysers could hold great promise for reaching the hydrogen holy grail.
