Silfab launches 640 W utility-scale solar panels
The Canada-based manufacturer said its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.29% per C and an efficiency of up to 22.92%. They come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 89.3% of the initial yield.
Increasing potential of silicon clathrate films for photovoltaics
Researchers led by scientists from CNRS in France are exploring an exotic form of silicon called silicon clathrate as a material for energy applications, including photovoltaics. Mastering the synthesis and using appropriate characterizations are key elements towards potential applications. Significant progress is being made for the fabrication of functional devices.
TOPCon solar cell built with printed aluminum paste achieves 22.56% efficiency
Developed by researchers in China, the TOPCon solar cell was screen printed with a paste made of silver and aluminum on the front side and an aluminum-only paste on the rear side. They added silicon to the aluminum paste to reduce metal recombination and improve the device’s open-circuit voltage.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Risen, Sungrow, Arctech reveal H1 results
Module maker Risen Solar has posted a net loss of CNY 963 million ($135.2 million) for the first half of 2024, while Sungrow and Archtech have recorded profit increases.
Tata Power begins solar cell production at 4.3 GW plant in India
Tata Power’s TP Solar subsidiary has started commercial production of solar cells with an initial capacity of 2 GW at its 4.3 GW integrated PV cell and module plant in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Draghi says EU cleantech industry doesn’t need simple solutions
Italian economist Mario Draghi says European countries are legitimately using local-content requirements to maintain technological sovereignty. In a new report on the EU cleantech industry, he warns about the risk of following the United States in closing off markets to Chinese technology.
Japanese scientists build heterojunction solar cell based on titanium dioxide, selenium
Scientists in Japan developed a 4.49%-efficient solar cell based on titanium dioxide and selenium. The devices is based on a new approach aimed at reducing interfacial recombination and increasing open-circuit voltage and efficiency.
India proposes ALMM mandate for solar cells from April
India’s Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has started accepting feedback on draft guidelines for the Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) for solar cells. The MNRE plans to implement the guidelines from April 2026.
Terpyridine-passivated perovskite solar cells achieve 25.24% efficiency
An international team of researchers demonstrated perovskite solar cells treated with a molecular passivator based on π-conjugated terpyridine Lewis-base molecules that achieved 25.24% power conversion efficiency, with 90% retained after 2,664 hours of light exposure. The treatment reportedly works at high concentrations without damaging the perovskite film or diminishing cell performance. A protocol was published to reproduce the results, opening the door to testing it on a range of perovskite absorbers.
Citroën lightweight compact EV equipped with solar kits
La Croisière Verte is the name of a 13,500 km expedition from the north to south of Africa in a fleet of four Citroën AMI vehicles, each carrying 5,600 W of lightweight PV panels in foldable packs.
