Axpo commissions 2.2 MW vertical alpine PV project on dam
Axpo said its new 2.2 MW system is the largest alpine solar plant in Switzerland. It is expected to supply around 3.3 million kWh of electricity per year, with an above-average electricity yield in the winter months.
Laser-enhanced contact optimization improves TOPCon solar cell performance by 0.6%
Scientists in Germany have improved the efficiency of an industrial TOPCon solar cell from 23.8% to 24.1% by using laser-enhanced contact optimization as a post-firing treatment.
Putting polyvinylidene-fluoride backsheets to the test
US scientists tested PV modules built with backsheets and polyvinylidene-fluoride (PVDF) layers, to replicate the degradation the material has suffered in the field of accelerated testing. By exposing the modules to multiple stresses, they were able to cause degradation in the backsheet materials. Though this did not closely match what has been seen in the field, such testing can be useful in identifying potential weaknesses.
France publishes new specifications for 17 renewables tender
France’s energy regulator has published an update of the specifications for 17 renewable energy tenders, adapted to facilitate the rapid deployment of projects in the context of energy and the pandemic. The proposed adjustments are applicable to winners of all periods, from Sept. 1, 2022, provided that they submit a request to the energy ministry.
Australian startup releases new hydrogen generators
H2X Global has released the first of its hydrogen-powered generators in the Australian market.
US startup unveils plug-and-play solid-state battery for residential applications
Zendure has developed a residential storage system using a semi-solid state battery with 6.438 kWh capacity. Each unit is scalable with up to four batteries, bring the capacity of one unit to 32 kWh and of two units to 64 kWh. The system can be used with solar panels.
Germany added 535 MW of PV in July
Germany deployed 4.3 GW of PV in the first seven months of the year, from 3.2 GW a year earlier.
Solar-driven multigeneration system for hydrogen, electricity, heat
An Iranian research group has developed a system that combines photovoltaic-thermal modules with organic Rankine cycle, a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer, and liquefied natural gas. The ideal system has an exergy efficiency of 16.24%, a cost rate of $4.48 per hour, and 33.32 kW of net electrical power.
Sungrow mulling another new inverter factory outside of China
Sungrow told pv magazine at the recent Intersolar South America event in Sao Paulo that its cumulative delivered capacity in Latin America now stands at 9 GW, with 6 GW of the total delivered to Brazil alone.
Arctech opens 3 GW solar tracker factory in India
China’s Arctech has opened a 3 GW solar tracker factory in India that will produce all of the major components of its solar tracker products.
