Solar PV

In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, IEA PVPS provides a comprehensive overview of the recently released fourth edition of the “Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data”. The 530-page handbook, developed by IEA PVPS Task 16 in collaboration with NREL, elaborates on methods and models for accurately collecting solar data to plan and operate energy projects effectively.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales claim to have identified new TOPCon contact degradation mechanisms that are significantly influenced by the combination of ions and aluminum-silver paste compositions. The primary degradation mechanism was a significant increase in series resistance.

A new report rom Fraunhofer ISE shows that the cost of PV systems in Germany is currently between €700/kW and €2,000/kW. The study also shows that the levelized cost of energy of solar-plus-storage spans from €0.06/kWh to €0.225/kWh.

Researchers have conducted a techno-economic analysis to investigate the feasibility of a 10 MW-80 MWh liquid air energy storage system in the Chinese electricity market. Their assessment showed that a significant level of price volatility is currently a crucial factor for the commercial maturity of this storage technology.

The U.S. heating specialist said its Vilter VQ95 heat pump is an ideal solution for district heating and industrial processes. It has a heating capacity of 1 MW to 5 MW per skid and can reportedly provide a temperature of up to 95 C.

Researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE have tested glass fiber-reinforced polymer as a front cover material vehicle integrated PV modules, finding that it has the potential to reduce weight by 44% to 74 % compared to conventional glass-covered modules. Experimental devices withstood hail tests, avoiding cell cracking after impact.

Waaree has showcased an n-type dual-glass photovoltaic panel with a power conversion efficiency of up to 23.5%.

Queensland electricity utility Cleanco has set a new quarterly generation record at its 570 MW Wivenhoe Power Station, which outshines all previous production milestones since the station opened in 1984.

The next five years will witness a transformative shift in India’s energy landscape, positioning the country as a global leader in energy storage innovation, says Saurabh Kumar, vice president-India, GEAPP (Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet), in an interview with pv magazine.

This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Elina Kivelä, chief of staff at Sweden’s Turn Energy. She says companies should implement mandatory physical training, daily wellness hours, great parental leave benefits, health check-ups, and a hybrid work model. “This is crucial for balancing family life, something we know women often struggle with the most,” she states.