Optimal topology for agrivoltaics based on bifacial PV modules
A research team has outlined an optimized array topology for agrivoltaic projects built with bifacial modules. According to its findings, the benefits of bifacial PV arrays are most prominent in stilt mounted projects, where modules are elevated considerably off the ground at over 2 m, thus allowing plenty of light to be absorbed by the rear PV side as well.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China added 53 GW of new PV capacity in 2021
The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported this week that the newly installed PV capacity for the Chinese market reached around 53 GW last year. Of this capacity, around 29 GW comes from distributed generation projects. The country’s cumulative installed power reached 306 GW at the end of December.
Chinese solar industry may reach 500 GW module capacity by year end
According to Asia Europe Clean Energy (Solar) Advisory (AECEA), this huge capacity may not be met by actual demand in the global market. Furthermore, the consultancy reveals that solar module prices should reach a price level of up to RMB 1.75 ($028)/W by the second half of the year, and that in 2021 new PV additions totaled 53 GW with more than half of this capacity being delivered by distributed generation.
Four-terminal perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell with 15.5% efficiency
Researchers in India have built the 4T device with top and bottom cells based on large-area semi-transparent perovskite cells with copper metal contacts. Copper has been used instead of expensive gold with the aim of reducing the cell’s overall cost.
Photovoltaic-thermal panel from China
Developed by Chinese specialist SolarMaster, the panel is sold in four different versions with photovoltaic output ranging from 340 to 545 W and solar thermal output of 910 to 1,436 W.
How artificial intelligence can be used to identify solar panel defects
Solar farm operators are turning to AI-powered inspection to speed up the inspection process and improve accuracy. They use algorithms that can automatically detect solar panel defects from images.
Unsubsidized solar projects proliferate in Poland
Four new PV developments have been announced this week, adding to a growing list of renewable energy projects in the coal-dependent Eastern European country.
Residential heat storage system uses PV electricity for space heating, hot water
France-based FHE Group has developed a 2.5 kWh storage device that can store electricity as heat during the day and release this heat at night to power a heat pump for space heating and hot water. According to the manufacturer, it can retain over 95% of its initial performance after 20,000 cycles.
Solar-plus-storage for mineral water producer in Cambodia
The system delivered by French energy giant TotalEnergies will power Kulara Water’s bottling facility in Siem Reap Province.
Turkey added 1.14 GW of PV capacity in 2021
According to official statistics from grid operator TEIAS, the country’s cumulative PV capacity reached 7.81 GW at the end of December.
