Fraunhofer ISE creates way to assess perovskite-silicon tandem PV modules
Fraunhofer ISE is leading a project that is developing methods to characterize perovskite-based tandem modules, in an effort to facilitate their industrial implementation. A specially built Wavelabs solar simulator is now being used at the institute’s CalLab PV Modules.
German agrivoltaics pilot features closed cycles for water, nutrients
The State Research Institute for Viticulture and Pomiculture (LVWO) in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, has started generating electricity and cultivating berries in a pilot plant. Separately, a project combining agrivoltaics with apple cultivation in Austria has also shown promising initial results.
PV plants in Brazil hit by low performance in 2022
Centralized and distributed-generation PV plants in in Brazil generated less than expected last year, according to a study by Brazilian consultancy Greener.
Large-scale PV business still see growth in Italy
Italy has secured 939 MW of new PV projects, with Spanish group Repsol alone planning 825 MW of solar development, including its first two arrays in Puglia. Comal and Sonnedix have likewise unveiled new PV projects in Sardinia and Lazio.
Soltec’s new bifacial tracking algorithm
Soltec says its new algorithm optimizes tracker positioning by considering both frontal and rear radiation, resulting in a production increase of up to 0.30%.
NASA makes unusual discovery while testing perovskite solar cells in space
NASA has discovered that perovskite solar cells tested in space exhibit less degradation than reference devices tested on Earth. The agency acknowledged that it is uncertain about the specific factors in the space environment that contributed to the superior performance of the perovskite absorber film.
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, ACWA Power invest $3.25 billion in three new solar projects
With a combined capacity of 4.55 GWac, the projects will power some 750,000 households. The Public Investment Fund is mandated to develop 70% of Saudi Arabia’s renewable energy target capacity by 2030.
Beny introduces rapid shutdown tech for PV installations
Beny New Energy’s latest module-level rapid shutdown solution is UL certified and SunSpec certified. It says the new tech is designed for a range of PV systems, including residential, commercial, and large-scale arrays.
Sinexcel unveils silicon carbide hybrid inverters for residential applications
Sinexcel’s new inverters offer an efficiency rating of 97.5% to 98.0% and a European efficiency range of 97.2% to 97.5%.
Maxeon raises $199.4 million for IBC module manufacturing expansion
Maxeon Solar Technologies, the producer of the Maxeon and SunPower solar module brands, is raising capital from a $157.4 million underwriting of shares and a separate $42 million private placement with TCL Zhonghuan.
