Photovoltaics for marine wildlife telemetry devices
A US research team has tested mini solar modules in marine data collection devices, using animal hosts for water column profile measurements. The findings suggest that submarine PV can effectively operate in these applications at depths of up to 22 meters.
South Africa approves 1 GW solar project
German developer Soventix has secured approval from Eskom for the first phase of a giant 1 GW solar project in the town of De Aar, South Africa. Construction of the first 342 MW is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
Chile covers 20.7% of October electricity demand with solar
Chile covered 20.7% of its electricity demand in October with solar power. The nation has 9.18 GW of cumulative installed PV capacity, accounting for 26% of its total power generation capacity.
French developer to build 129 MW of solar-aviary capacity
French renewables producer Unite has started building 10 photovoltaic aviaries in France, with 127 MW of total capacity. Completion is expected in two stages in spring 2024 and January 2025.
Perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells have practical efficiency potential of 39.5%
Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE have provided guidelines for future research on perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells by identifying the most significant loss mechanisms at the perovskite/ETL interface, in the series resistance, and in light management.
Solar irradiance modeling method for east-west oriented vertical PV
A Finnish-Norwegian research group has investigated model chains for horizontal-to-vertical solar irradiance conversion in east-west oriented vertical PV systems located at high latitudes. They have found that accuracy and bias of the model chains are different for the east and west sides of solar array.
Hanwha Qcells shuts down 3.5 GW solar factory in South Korea
Hanwha Qcells has closed its 3.5 GW solar factory in South Korea as part of plans to optimize its PV module production capabilities amid a stagnant domestic solar market.
EU lists 166 cross-border energy projects to receive rapid support
The European Commission announced yesterday that 166 cross-border projects will be afforded streamlined permitting and regulatory processes, and be eligible for EU financial support, as part of a new push for the European Commission to reach its European Green Deal goals.
TotalEnergies acquires minority stake in UK-Moroccan solar-wind interconnector
TotalEnergies says it has invested GBP 20 million ($25 million) in Xlinks’ 11.5 GW hybrid solar and wind facility in southern Morocco. Xlinks aims to transport power to Great Britain through 3,800 kilometers of underwater cables.
Workflow for integration of BIPV in historical buildings
Italian researchers have outlined a four-step method to assess the technical feasibility of building-integrated PV (BIPV) projects in historical buildings. They applied the proposed approach to a courtyard building from the 16th century in the historical Italian town of Marcianise.
