Impact of dust, heat, soiling on solar project performance
Scientists in Morocco recently conducted a year-long study on the impacts of soiling on PV modules in arid, dusty conditions. They found that soiling could contribute to daily performance losses of as much as 15%.
Video: Fraunhofer ISE outlines 2023 prospects for TOPCon solar modules
Jochen Rentsch, head of department at Fraunhofer ISE, speaks to pv magazine about recent progress in TOPCon module development, including new efficiency records by JinkoSolar and Jolywood. Production costs are falling as more Tier 1 companies shift from PERC to TOPCon, and multi-gigawatt production is already a reality. Could the TOPCon solar cell segment reach a tipping point for efficiency in 2023?
New algorithm to detect shadows in rooftop PV systems
Dutch scientists have developed a new algorithm to isolate shadow-related PV system malfunctions and estimate potential energy losses caused by shadowing.
PV could turn Europe into ‘solar-to-X economy’
New research from LUT University shows the central role of solar in Europe’s attempt to reach its 2050 zero-emissions target. It describes how photovoltaics will gradually become the characteristic element of the Old Continent’s emerging energy system by extending its use to the heat and mobility sectors.
Techniques to build thermally co-evaporated mini perovskite solar panels
Scientists in Singapore have reviewed all thermal evaporation techniques for the production of perovskite solar cells and modules. Despite limitations, the new methods could lead to high production throughputs and more efficient products.
Longi claims world’s highest efficiency for p-type, indium-free HJT solar cells
Longi said it has achieved a 26.56% efficiency rating for a gallium-doped, p-type heterojunction (HJT) solar cell and a 26.09% efficiency rating for an indium-free HJT cell, both based on M6 wafers. Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH) has confirmed the results.
BIPV shading estimation methods key for uptake, says IEA-PVPS
A recently published report from the IEA-PVPS on building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) digitalization found many BIPV professionals are unsure of a suitable method for estimating shading in BIPV projects.
Cooling down photovoltaic panels with concrete
Scientists in Italy have proposed the use of radiative coolers made of cementitious materials to reduce the operating temperature of solar panels. The novel system configuration consists of a stack made by a reflector, a cement-based radiative cooler, and a bifacial solar cell.
Lowering grid costs with voltage support from PV inverters at night
US researchers have proposed the use of solar inverters in utility-scale solar assets to replace expensive voltage compensators, in order to provide voltage support at night. They said reactive power from PV inverters could be significantly cheaper and suggested the introduction of incentives to convince PV plant owners.
Solar PPAs key for hydrogen economy
Scientists in Spain have assessed the potential of power purchase agreements in ensuring the development of green hydrogen projects powered by utility-scale photovoltaics. They presented an operational multi-state modeling of electrolyzers and showed how solar plants under PPAs could significantly increase their rate of return.
