Carbon acquires Photowatt
Carbon has acquired Photowatt and says it will invest €40 million ($44.6 million) to support its activities.
Computer vision for real‑time shadow detection in PV systems
Scientists have developed a novel method that uses live video feed to detect shadows on solar panels. It uses computer vision techniques, such as gamma transform and histogram matching, resulting in performance that is reportedly better than conventional techniques, especially in large arrays.
Longi, ANU develop gettering-based process to improve n-type wafer quality
The Chinese module maker and the Australian National University utilized phosphorus diffusion gettering and another defect mitigation strategy to improve the quality of n-type wafers. The proposed process contributed to improve the material quality especially towards the tail-ends.
JSW Energy, Reliance Power win SECI’s new 1 GW/2 GWh storage tender
JSW Neo Energy and Reliance Power have secured 500 MW each in Solar Energy Corp. of India’s (SECI) latest tender to set up 1 GW/2 GWh of standalone battery energy storage projects.
Firebrick thermal energy storage could reach 170 GW in the U.S. by 2050
Firebrick heat storage technology, not batteries, will be used to store energy for industrial process heat in a 100% renewable energy system, says a study out of Stanford University.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: JP-Solar, Golden Solar, Longi create PV venture
Golden Solar New Energy Technology says its subsidiary, Golden Solar (Quanzhou), has started a CNY 659 million ($93.4 million) joint heterojunction (HJT) solar venture with Longi and JP-Solar Power.
German startup offers design tool for heat pump installers
German software company Autarc launched a platform for residential heat pump projects, covering design, planning and customer project management functionality. It uses LiDAR imaging to enable heat load and hydraulic balancing calculations, as well as visualizations.
Sun-X secures patent for PV sensor that measures soiling, yield loss
Germany-based Sun-X says it has patented a soiling sensor for PV modules that accurately measures dirt levels, determines yield loss, and assesses optimal cleaning times.
‘It may be hard to find women role models, but they’re out there’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Medha Subramanian, Senior Power Systems Engineer at Elgin Energy. She says finding good mentors and managers is key to learn and grow in a professional journey. “It’s so helpful to get out to networking events, attend workshops and webinars, cold email people if you have to, and find mentors who inspire you and those who have a lot of knowledge to impart and experience to draw from,” she states.
Italian energy supplier to reuse discarded PV modules for social projects
Italian energy producer ERG has launched an initiative to reuse discarded solar modules from revamped plants for social solar projects. The program aims to support communities, hospitals, families, and schools in Africa and Italy, using panels that are still in good condition and fully functional.
