New ion implantation tech promises lower costs for TOPCon solar cells
A Japanese-German research team has fabricated a TOPCon PV device by replacing common ion implantation techniques with plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII). The resulting device showed almost the same efficiency as TOPCon cells produced with conventional Beam line ion implantation systems.
Brazil’s solar panel imports hit 17.5 GW in 2023
PV module imports fell by 1% year on year in Brazil in 2023, according to a new report from solar consultancy Greener.
New mounting system for east-west C&I PV systems
Netherlands-based Autarco has developed a new mounting structure for large PV modules in commercial and industrial arrays.
US researchers develop 108 cm2 perovskite solar module with 19.21% efficiency
The scientists built the panel with perovskite solar cells treated with trifluoromethane sulfonate to combat iodide defects. The mini module reportedly achieved the highest efficiency ever recorded for its size to date, with the result being confirmed by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
India’s THDC seeks consultant for 1.3 GW solar park
THDC India, on behalf of TREDCO Rajasthan, has started accepting bids to prepare a detailed project report for the development of a 1.29 GW solar park in the Indian state of Rajasthan.
US utility-scale solar capacity additions hit 36.4 GW in 2023
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) says it expects developers to install nearly 63 GW of utility-scale electricity capacity in the United States in 2024 – mostly a mix of solar and batteries. It notes that the nation added roughly 36.4 GW of solar in 2023.
Crete-Greece subsea link secures €250 million of EU funds
The European Commission says Greece’s new subsea electricity interconnection linking the island of Crete to mainland Greece will receive more than €250 million ($269.3 million) from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
California introduces bill to assess rooftop solar net metering
California Assembly member Laura Friedman has introduced a bill to require the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to consider the costs and benefits of rooftop solar and its non-energy benefits when designing net-metering rates.
Unusual winter weather led to record-breaking January in Europe
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that almost all of Europe experienced 10-25% more irradiance than the long term January average. Spain, in particular, experienced significant rainfall and slightly below average irradiance, while parts of Northern Europe enjoyed clear and sunny days for much of the month.
New methodology to identify suitable land for agrivoltaics
Researchers in Sweden have outlined a new methodology to identify suitable surfaces for agrivoltaic projects in their home country. They found that approximately 8.6% – roughly 38,485 km2 – of its land has the potential to host agrivoltaic facilities.
