23.8% efficient tandem cells via slot-die coating
Scientists in Saudi Arabia demonstrated a slot-die coating process for production of perovskite solar cells from a specially engineered ‘ink’. Using the process, the group fabricated a perovskite/silicon tandem cell that recorded 23.8% efficiency.
How to minimize grid purchases in storage-integrated PV systems
Scientists in Poland have developed a machine-learning method to help solar+storage system owners manage battery charging and discharging, so they can avoid buying power from the grid.
Carbon nanotube gives batteries a boost
Scientists in the U.S. examined the use of different conductive filler materials in a lithium-ion battery electrode, finding that adding single walled carbon nanotubes to a nickel-cobalt-manganese cathode resulted in better electrical conductivity and higher rate capability for the overall battery. The results, according to the group, could provide new insights into design of high power, high energy battery electrodes.
Australia puts 255 MW solar park online
The Sunraysia Solar Farm began production this week in New South Wales, after finally securing Australian Energy Market Operator approval. The array had been delayed due to technical issues.
Esasolar launches solar tracker with four-string configuration
The Spanish tracking system manufacturer said the four-string configuration of the Esatrack M5-2V system allows all the modules of the same string to have the same solar exposure and to avoid losses due to low irradiation in the least exposed modules within the same connection line.
Tender launched to build small-sized solar plants in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is seeking proposals from independent power producers for PV plants ranging in size from 60 to 500 kW.
Hurdles ahead for viable ultra-thin solar cells
A new French study highlights the potential of ultra-thin PV cells, but the road to commercial production will be challenging. The researchers have proposed a series of novel cell architectures integrating photonic and electronic elements.
JA Solar chairman detained by anti-corruption authorities in China
It remains unclear why Chairman Jin Baofang was detained, but the company said its operations will not be affected. The Paper, a Chinese state-owned media outlet, reported that Jin’s detention might be connected to the fall of Liu Baohua, the formal deputy director of the National Energy Administration, which has also been under investigation by the anti-corruption authorities since mid-October.
Global PV module demand will reach 143.7 GW in 2021 – PV Infolink
Next year, the global solar panel demand may increase by around 15% and this will be mainly triggered by the completion of projects that were deferred by the pandemic this year.
US installed 4.5 GW of utility-scale solar in 2019
For the third year in a row, more utility-scale solar was installed in the southeastern United States than any other part of the country.
