Self-powered, dry-cleaning robot for solar panels
Enray Solutions has developed an autonomous, water-free cleaning robot for ground-mount solar installations that draws its power from an on-board PV panel and battery. The robot is designed to withstand the harsh environmental conditions of all kinds of terrain.
Ireland launches second renewables auction
The Irish authorities have kicked off a new procurement exercise, together with the commissioning of the first solar park built under the nation’s first renewables auction. French developer Neoen built the 8 MW facility at a location south of Dublin.
Tesvolt unveils new battery line for commercial, industrial applications
Tesvolt’s new E Series includes the TS-I HV 80 battery and the TS-I HV 100 battery, with storage capacities of 80 kWh and 90 kWh, respectively. Both of the devices have efficiencies of up to 98%.
Atomic layer deposition tool for perovskite cell pilot line
Dutch equipment supplier SALD has announced delivery of a spatial atomic layer deposition system to an unnamed customer in the United States. The tool will be used in the pilot-scale production of perovskite solar cells. While it has not disclosed the exact function of the tool within the pilot project, it said it will be used to deposit thin coatings to protect cells from damage in later manufacturing stages, and ensure their longer-term stability.
Maoneng reveals plans for 950 MW solar-battery project in Australia
Maoneng has unveiled ambitious plans to build a giant solar farm and battery energy storage facility in Australia.
Shell to acquire Indian solar developer for $1.55 billion
Shell has signed an agreement to acquire Solenergi Power, an Actis company that owns 100% of Indian developer Sprng Energy. The transaction, valued at $1.55 billion, is expected to close later this year.
Elon Musk wins SolarCity lawsuit, avoids $2 billion judgment
Business magnate Elon Musk has avoided what would have been the largest judgment in US history on an individual executive.
Ultracapacitor sonar seeking grid with 100% solar, wind
Reactive Technologies uses an ultracapacitor to send signals to the grid that help managers determine the level of system inertia, supporting power grid stability – and they’re coming to the United States.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Longi, Zhonghuan raise wafer prices
A Chinese industry group has reported rising polysilicon prices and supply chain problems ahead, but GCL Technology said this week that strong polysilicon and wafer prices were the reason its business performed strongly in 2021.
EPFL achieves 29.2% efficiency for tandem solar cell with fully textured silicon
Scientists in Switzerland made significant progress with an approach to perovskite-silicon tandem cell design that they say could eventually be integrated into existing silicon PV manufacturing. They have announced the achievement of a 29.2% cell efficiency – not far from the overall record for tandem cells, and verified by Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE.
