CIGS cell with ultra-thin glass substrate hits record efficiency of 17.81%
South Korean researchers have fabricated a copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) solar cell with a 90 μm-thick UTG provided by South Korea’s Unique Technology Integral. The device uses a cadmium-free buffer layer made of zinc oxide and magnesium oxide, instead of cadmium sulfide.
Testing floating PV at different heights
Scientists have tested the performance of floating PV panels at a height of 800 mm and 250 mm above their floating structures. Their thermal and electrical performance was compared to that of a reference land-based system and the highest panel was found to show the greatest cooling effect.
Germany’s PV installations down sharply in March
Germany installed just 787.2 MW of new PV capacity in March – the lowest monthly total since December 2022.
Rept Battero launches 392 Ah cell, 6.26 MWh storage system
Rept Battero’s new 392 Ah battery energy storage system (BESS) cell is an all-rounder, with the same size but increased energy density over a previously manufactured cell.
Somalia launches solar-plus-storage tender
Somalia’s Ministry of Energy and Minerals is searching for a developer to design, supply, install, test and commission a solar-plus-storage project in the northwest of the country. The deadline for applications is June 14.
Average silver price up 21% in 2024, says Silver Institute
Demand for silver in the PV industry hit 197.6 million ounces in 2024, according to a new report from the Silver Institute. It says the average silver price stood at $28.27 per troy ounce last year, up from $23.35 in 2023.
European electricity prices stabilize as gas, CO2 prices drop
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting’s latest analysis finds electricity prices across the major European markets during the second week of April were largely in line with the week prior, despite gas and CO2 futures reaching their lowest settlement since September and April last year. Meanwhile, France and Italy broke their daily records for solar production.
China identifies major high-purity quartz deposits for PV industry
China has identified two new high-purity quartz deposits as it seeks to localize supply for solar and semiconductor production and reduce dependence on US imports
South Korea’s 2024 solar additions surpassed 3.1 GW
With last year’s figures yet to include self-consumption installations, the preliminary statistics show an upward trend in installations categorized under power generation for sale. As of March this year, the country’s cumulative solar capacity was estimated at 28.15 GW.
Global corporate solar funding falls 41% to $4.8 billion in Q1 2025
Corporate funding in solar fell considerably in the first three months of this year due to policy reversals, tariff shocks and regulatory uncertainties, says a report from Mercom Capital.
