Reaching beyond efficiency limits
An international group of scientists experimented with a concept known as a “hot junction” carrier cell, which holds the potential for efficiency beyond the theoretical limits assumed today. The group modeled various cell designs, seeking those that would be least affected by imperfections in the actual materials, compared to how they are modeled.
Austria launches second round of solar-storage rebate program
The Austrian authorities allocated €40 million ($42.8 million) in the next round of the nation’s solar-plus-storage rebate scheme, across 11,000 projects. Rebates are available for PV installations up to 10 kW in size.
France deployed 484 MW of PV in Q1
France’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 14.6 GW at the end of March.
Ukrainian solar plant partly resumes operations after bombing
A Russian missile attack hit a 3.9 MW solar plant last week, damaging 416 solar panels and four string inverters.
India installed 456 MW of rooftop solar in Q1
India’s rooftop solar installations increased by 34% year on year in the January-March period, despite a 17% increase in system costs.
Semitransparent dye-sensitized solar module for BIPV applications
Scientists in Italy have developed a module with an area of 0.2 sm and an efficiency of 2.7% in outdoor conditions, with a tilt angle of 60 C. They designed it by considering the trade-off between low losses and device sturdiness.
Downsizing gallium nitride inverters
A German consortium led by Fraunhofer IEE aims to bring gallium nitride inverters closer to commercial viability. The primary goal of the research project is the optimization and miniaturization of inverters, including passive components such as cooling systems, casings, and mounting structures.
Investors are flocking back to natural gas, but renewables remain attractive
A new EY report shows that renewables remain an attractive investment in the US market.
Redflow announces integration with US inverter company
Australian redox-flow battery specialist Redflow has upped the ante on its plans to expand into the US market, announcing that it has completed testing to pave the way for its battery energy storage system to be used in conjunction with hybrid inverters manufactured by US solar engineering company Sol-Ark.
Solar panels and sheep grazing
Two Australian farmers say their solar panels increased grazing quality during droughts over a four-year period, aligning with research suggesting that solar panel microclimates might increase water retention and grass production.
