Italy deployed 1 GW of PV in H1
Italy’s cumulative PV capacity surpassed 23 GW at the end of June. Rooftop PV continues to drive the Italian solar market, but the large-scale segment is finally showing the first signs of a real recovery.
Perovskite solar module achieves 21.07% efficiency via nanosecond laser tech
Chinese researchers have used inverted perovskite cells with a p-i-n structure to build a perovskite solar module with a reduced heat-affected zone. The panel achieved a power conversion efficiency of 21.07% and a geometric fill factor of 95.5%.
Agrivoltaics for arable crops
French developer TSE has commissioned its first agrivoltaic pilot project in northeastern France. The 2.4 MW installation spans 3 hectares and is installed on arable land devoted to the cultivation of soya, wheat, rye, barley, and rapeseed.
Model to assess microclimates in vertical agrivoltaic systems
Swedish researchers have developed a model to analyze the microclimate parameters of a vertically mounted agrivoltaic system. They validated their model by comparing its estimations with measurements of solar irradiance, PV module temperature, and ground temperature.
Perovskite quantum dot solar cell with 16.25% efficiency
Chinese researchers have built a perovskite quantum dot solar cell that is reportedly able to reduce trap-assisted charge carrier recombination. The device has an open-circuit voltage of 1.23 V, a short-circuit current density of 17.73 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 0.745.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Tongwei secures order for 382,800 MT of polysilicon
Tongwei has secured a long-term polysilicon supply deal with JinkoSolar, while Chint, JA Solar, and JinkoSolar have agreed to supply their products for a 1 GW solar park now under development in the Sichuan province.
PV-powered hydrogen generation tech for off-grid areas
Spain’s Desigenia has developed a hybrid system that makes it possible to replace diesel generators with solar energy, battery storage, and hydrogen fuel cells.
Zenith plans Australia’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for mining op
Liontown Resources is set to install what could be Australia’s largest off-grid renewable energy hybrid power station, at its AUD 545 million ($374.5 million) Kathleen Valley Lithium Project in Western Australia.
Yotta Energy unveils new 3-phase microinverters
US manufacturer Yotta Energy said that its two new microinverters are compatible with up to four high-power PV modules. They have a peak efficiency of 96.5% and a nominal maximum power point tracking (MPPT) efficiency of 99.5%.
Financial close for 200 MW of solar in South Africa
Sola Group and Tronox have finally reached financial close on two 100 MW solar projects in South Africa, roughly six months after signing power purchase agreements.
