Exploring the depths of Europe’s oldest grid-connected PV system
A 10 kW PV system has been feeding electricity into the Swiss power network since 1982. A research team has investigated the performance of the array’s first 35 years of life and has found that solar modules can target – at least in temperate climates – service lifetimes of 35 years, and that the bill of materials matters, a lot!
Solar 101: ‘Goldilocks’ your PV project to make it just right
Too big? Too small? Just right? Many factors need to be considered when deciding how large or small to make your rooftop solar array.
Zimbabwe announces 66 MW of new PV projects
Solar is the main energy source among all independent power producer projects licensed by the authorities in Zimbabwe. The largest solar plant under construction in the country is a 25 MW facility in Matabeleland North province.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 58 of the Solar cell efficiency tables. He spoke with pv magazine about the criteria with which these tables are compiled and the importance of result certification by independent third parties.
A solar pavilion for India’s rooftops
India’s energy transition will not succeed without rooftop PV and roll-out is hindered not only by a lack of household finance, but by the fact many of the nation’s flat roofs are enjoyed by residents. Germany’s international development agency has proposed a solution.
Solar water pumps – cheaper, easier but routinely underestimated
Australia’s Commodore Independent Energy Systems has evaluated how much customers save by using solar water pumps compared to diesel or mains-connected pumps.
Germany deployed 403 MW of PV in May
According to new statistics, the rooftop PV segment saw a small contraction in May.
Proper recycling could help perovskite modules to outcompete rivals
Proper recycling strategies for perovskite modules could ensure sustainability and improve energy payback times, according to US researchers. They claim that the best recycled perovskite cell architecture could produce an energy payback time of about one month, versus 1.3 to 2.4 years for crystalline silicon modules.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Zhonghuan lowers wafer prices, Golden Glass sets up 1.2 GW HJT module line
Manufacturer Golden Glass is planning to set up a 1.2 GW heterojunction cell and module production line in Jiangsu province and Trina Solar and China Petrochemical Corp will work to reduce the carbon footprint of the latter’s gasoline stations.
Montenegro’s first floating PV project
Montenegro’s power utility, EPCG, is planning to build the facility on a salt lake in the western part of the country. Some undisclosed Danish companies are interested in developing the project.
