Reintroducing co-extruded backsheets in PV industry? Not a lost battle
Researchers in Austria have analyzed the crack propensity of backsheets made of polypropylene (PP) and have concluded these may be potentially used in solar module manufacturing, unlike co-extruded polyamide backsheets, which caused many headaches to the PV industry in the past. Furthermore, PP backsheets are claimed to have lower stiffness and higher flexibility than their laminated counterparts.
European utilities turning to large heat pumps
Utilities increasingly recognize heat pumps as a critical technology for heat decarbonization. They are deploying multi-megawatt systems in different parts of Europe to simultaneously serve multiple users and offer new avenues for the decarbonization of buildings.
India’s SECI accepting bids for 1 GW of solar modules
Solar Energy Corp. of India (SECI) has started accepting bids from solar manufacturers to supply 1 GW of PV modules built with domestically manufactured solar cells. Bidding closes on Aug. 17.
Green light for new big batteries in Australia
The government of the Australian state of New South Wales has provided planning approvals for two new grid-scale batteries. They will deliver a combined 540 MWh of energy storage capacity to support the state’s rapidly changing energy market.
Machine learning keeps solar one step ahead of soiling
Scientists in Cyprus evaluated six different models used to predict the power losses caused by the accumulation of dust, dirt, and other substances on the surface of PV panels in the island’s arid climate. Results from the various models were compared with soiling loss data from a “test bench” installation at the University of Cyprus in Nicosia, revealing a potential advantage for machine-learning approaches backed by satellite data.
Madagascar launches tenders for 210 MW of PV
Madagascar has tendered a 200 MW solar project near Antananarivo and a 10 MW facility on its north coast.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: JinkoSolar’s H1 panel shipments hit 30 GW
JinkoSolar says that its solar panel shipments reached 30 GW in the first of this year.
Philippines allocates 1.97 GW of PV capacity in renewables auction
Through the procurement exercise, the GEA-BEAC allocated 1,870.8 MW of ground-mounted PV capacity and 90 MW of floating solar power. The selected developers will secure 20-year power purchase agreements.
Guatemala’s energy auction attracts 48 bidders
Guatemala’s latest energy auction has attracted 48 bidders for 235 MW of capacity. The auction has been oversubscribed, with more than 1 GW of project proposals submitted. The national regulator will announce the final results on Aug. 2.
Making the most of every ray: Exclusive interview with Huawei’s Guoguang Chen
In this exclusive interview with pv magazine, Guoguang Chen, President of Smart PV & ESS Business at Huawei Digital Power, in this, discusses company strategy and recent announcements around FusionSolar, latest technology and product innovations in solar and storage, and more.
