US government invests $56 million in solar manufacturing and recycling
The initiatives will support recycling processes, manufacturing perovskite PV cells, boosting thin-film cadmium telluride module manufacturing, and creating easier and more effective pathways to commercialization.
Applying perovskite solar cells onto BIPV steel products
Swansea University will collaborate with Indian multinational Tata Steel to investigate perovskite solar cell materials that could be applied directly onto coated steel to make building-integrated PV components. The partnership will add to an “active buildings” project that the Welsh university has been running for several years.
Tigo Energy files patent lawsuit against SMA Solar in the US
The lawsuit is related to six alleged infringement claims regarding the US patents owned by Tigo Energy.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Solar manufacturers report strong financial performances
JA Solar, TCL Zhonghuan, GCL Tech, and Ganfeng Lithium all announced increasing profits and revenue. Meanwhile, JinkoSolar expands its hydrogen business and Xinte Energy secures another big polysilicon supply deal.
Four-terminal multijunction approach for bifacial modules
Scientists tested bifacial PV devices based on silicon and gallium arsenide cells connected in a four terminal layout. They note that the four terminal design offers significant advantages over more common two terminal devices, allowing for a 17% (relative) increase in efficiency thanks to better absorption of light reaching the rear side.
Study confirms rule of thumb that PV inverters should run without faults for around 15 years
A new study by Bern University of Applied Sciences shows that the performance of most PV inverters and power optimizers remains optimal for up to 15 years. The inverters considered came mainly from the manufacturers Fronius, Sputnik, and SMA and most of the power optimizers examined came from Solaredge.
Hybridizing compressed air, thermal energy storage in post mining infrastructure
Scientists in Poland have developed a compressed air energy storage technology using a thermal energy storage (TES) system built into a disused mine shaft. The system works without external heat sources, and utilizes an air compressor, a compressed air reservoir with a built-in thermal energy storage system, and an air expander.
New micro-inverter series from China
Beny Electric unveiled a micro-inverter series with efficiency of up to 97.5% and a European efficiency of up to 97%. The micro-inverters are available in three different versions with a rated power output of 550 VA, 700 VA, and 2,800 VA, respectively.
Switzerland deployed 683 MW of solar last year
This year the Alpine country should see the deployment of up to 900 MW of new PV capacity. At the end of December, cumulative solar installations reached 3.65 GW.
Solar panels power the largest optical telescope in space
Our deepest view into the universe is powered by PV. NASA was one of the earliest adopters of solar technology, and it continues to be an important feature of spacecraft today.
