Freight costs edge toward pandemic levels, hitting solar module costs
Freight costs, which represent around 4% of a solar module’s total costs, are increasing on trade lines between the Far East and the US West Coast, Northern Europe, and Mediterranean region.
Switzerland’s solar installations hit 602 MW in January-April
Switzerland installed 602 MW of solar in the first four months of the year, bringing its total installed PV capacity to around 6.8 GW by the end of April.
Organic solar cell based on trichlorobenzene achieves 19.31% efficiency
An international research team developed an organic solar cell based on a novel non-monotonic intermediated state manipulation strategy. The device reportedly showed non-radiative recombination losses while exhibiting remarkable power conversion efficiency.
Circular recycling approach aims for ‘perpetual utility’ of PV materials
After analyzing the future usage of material by the crystalline silicon PV industry, including glass, aluminum, silver, copper, ethylene-vinyl-acetate (EVA), and silicon, a German research team found that a circular recycling approach could address foreseeable supply problems. It could also reportedly become economically sustainable.
ABB launches smart panel for home energy management
ABB says it has launched a smart panel for home energy management in partnership with Lumin, featuring software to control solar, batteries, and electric-vehicle chargers.
Low tilt angles ideal for regions with high summer load demand
New research from India shows the advantages of deploying fixed tilt PV systems with low angles in regions with high summer load demand like India. The scientists said that, although PV systems with low tilt angles may not achieve maximum power yield or the lowest levelized cost of energy (LCOE), they can reduce reliance on expensive grid electricity during high-demand periods.
Leapton Energy debuts 600-625 W TOPCon solar panel based on rectangular wafers
Leapton says its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.30% per C and an efficiency of up to 23.14%. They come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 87.4% of the initial yield.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: NEA moves forward with curtailment plan
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says that utilization rates of solar and wind projects in specific provinces must not fall below 90%.
Key takeaways from Lisbon Energy Summit 2024
The second edition of Portugal’s most important energy event focused on the central role of green hydrogen in the country’s future energy landscape. The trade show also highlighted the need to accelerate the growth of the solar sector.
Hard times for Dutch solar installers
A Dutch trade association has informed parliament about a possible wave of closures and bankruptcies in the rooftop solar segment in the Netherlands.
