Field survey protocol for monitoring PV backsheet degradation
A research group including scientists from U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc., and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has outlined a new protocol for assessing PV module backsheet degradation in the field. Through the proposed framework, the researchers analyzed PV backsheet degradation across 41 sites, with exposure times ranging from 1 to 38 years.
UK researchers build two-electrode photoelectrochemical device with 5% solar-to-hydrogen efficiency
A research team from two London universities have developed a multi-layer device that addresses the instability of organic materials in water to further their use in direct solar hydrogen generation. Monolithic tandem anodes fabricated by the team reached a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 5%, a record in organic photoelectrochemical device performance.
Solar wafer prices trend upward as China’s domestic demand surges
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
SMA America releases 99.2% efficient grid-scale battery storage inverter
The inverters use a silicon carbide metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor for high power conversion capability.
Austa launches low-voltage hybrid inverter series
The single-phase inverter series can take between 4.5 kW and 12 kW of PV input and convert it to an AC output of 3 kW to 8 kW. The new products feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6%.
Tecnalia, Vita International developing solar guardrails
Spain’s Tecnalia and Italy-based Vita International have designed a new photovoltaic guardrail, set for testing later this year on a 100-meter stretch of a highway service area between Turin and Trieste, Italy.
Pakistan’s net-metering solar capacity hits 4 GW
Pakistan’s net-metering solar capacity surpassed 4 GW in 2024, marking significant growth in its solar market ahead of upcoming changes to the program later this month.
Adani Green commissions of 250 MW of solar in India
Adani Green Energy Ltd. (AGEL) says it has completed a 250 MW solar project in Rajasthan, India.
Tunisia seeks consultants for 400 MW solar-plus-storage project
The World Bank is inviting consultants to submit proposals for a technical study on a 350 MW to 400 MW solar project with battery energy storage in Tunisia. The deadline for applications is March 24.
Prices rising across China’s PV supply chain, says EnergyTrend
Taiwan-based research firm EnergyTrend says market optimism in China has driven up solar module prices, while production of modules, cells, and wafers has increased month on month.
