Online algorithm to estimate open-circuit voltage in PV systems
The new technique, proposed by researchers in Pakistan, is claimed to estimate the voltage, current and temperature of a PV system without interrupting the power flow to load.
Germany’s largest solar park begins feeding power into the grid
Although still unfinished, the 187 MW solar park under construction by German utility EnBW near Berlin has already begun delivering power to the grid.
Production begins at 500 MW Mexican solar panel fab
Mexican solar module manufacturer Solarever has switched on the production lines of its manufacturing facility in Tecomán, in the state of Colima.
Carbon nanotubes in search of a solar niche
A group of German scientists has analyzed the possible trajectory of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in photovoltaic research and industry and has suggested a roadmap to bring this technology closer to mass production. Despite a large number of challenges, the academics predicted a brilliant future for CNTs in PV applications, explaining that the barriers to their adoption are constantly being reduced.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: More glass, module production capacity and a 400 MW solar park
Kibing Group and CECEP have announced plans to increase their PV glass and solar module capacities, respectively. China Energy Investment Corp is planning a 400 MW solar park in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region.
Indoor solar cells based on lead-free perovskite-inspired materials
Lead-free perovskite-inspired materials still provide efficiencies that are too low for solar cells in outdoor environments. A British-Chinese research team, however, has demonstrated they have strong potential for indoor PV devices due to their ability to capture visible light.
Massive corporate solar deal for the world’s largest telecommunications company
US giant AT&T has signed an agreement with Invenergy to purchase 500 MW from the upcoming 1.3 GW Samson Solar Energy Center in Texas. The deal will make AT&T one of the largest purchasers of corporate solar in the world.
Sri Lanka seeks consultants for $100m solar project
The project will be developed under a credit line facility from the Exim Bank of India.
Canadian Solar secures PPAs for 862 MW of solar in Brazil
The Chinese-Canadian company has secured two more deals in the Brazilian deregulated energy market. A 12-year PPA was awarded by BTG bank while a second, 15-year contract was awarded by power provider Furnas Centrais Elétricas.
France hits 10 GW milestone
The country’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 10.2 GW at the end of September. Newly installed capacity for the third quarter was 283 MW.
