New object detection algorithm for solar cleaning robots
A Chinese research team at Tarim University have developed a lightweight object detection and pose recognition solution for solar panel cleaning robots.
Huaneng switches on 5 MW perovskite solar test facility in China
Huaneng has commissioned a 5 MW perovskite PV demonstration plant in China’s Qinghai province to test performance, durability, and environmental adaptability under high-altitude, high-UV conditions.
Confused about PV connectors? Words matter
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory and Sandia National Labs have created a new nomenclature for PV connectors to reduce confusion amongst installers and developers, while improving deployment practices. They catalogued a sampling of twenty-five commercially available 4 mm connectors.
Improving PV cleaning schedules without large datasets
Scientists in Algeria have developed a low-cost solution to optimize cleaning operations for all PV systems. The proposed approach works “effectively” without heavy data requirements, according to its creators.
Premier Energies launches 620 W TOPCon solar module
Premier Energies has started commercial output at its 1.2 GW n-type G12R solar cell line in India and introduced a 620 W bifacial module with n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cells based on the rectangular G12R wafer format.
New approach to measure perovskite-silicon tandem PV module performance via LED-based solar simulators
The Fraunhofer ISE has defined new technical procedures to test the performance of large-area perovskite-silicon tandem PV modules by using the spectral variability of the LED solar simulator. The proposed approach reportedly reduces device handling, time, and consequently financial effort.
Packaging solar cells via glass-glass welding
A Chinese-Japanese research team has developed a new laser technology for the micro-welding of transparent and hard materials for solar cell packaging. The process is based on a silver ion solution that can reportedly achieve high-quality connections.
Uncovering UV degradation risks in solar panels
An interview with Fraunhofer ISE on new discoveries of ultraviolet degradation risks.
Ocean-going saildrones tap solar, wind for long-duration monitoring
The U.S.-based ocean technology company has developed a range of data-collecting uncrewed surface vehicles (USV) powered by solar and wind. They are designed to operate in harsh maritime conditions, above and below the sea surface, to carry out science, commercial, and defense missions.
Don’t put off until tomorrow …
… what you can do today. PV and installation professionals should act now as module prices drop to new lows despite efficiency revisions.
