German company installs PV-powered desalination plant in Ukraine
Germany’s Boreal Light says it has installed a desalination plant in Mykolaiv, Ukraine. It claims that the system – which uses 560 W solar modules to produce 125 cubic meters of clean water per hour – is Europe’s largest PV-powered desalination project.
Novel cadmium telluride solar cell design with potential efficiency of 31.82%
Scientists in Bangladesh designed a cadmium telluride solar cell with upper/top and back contact materials made of aluminum (Al) and nickel (Ni). The device reportedly showed a quantum efficiency of around 100 % at visible wavelengths.
The impact of soiling on PV module transmittance
A European group has looked into the soiling impact on PV modules in Oman. They have collected 60 samples, based on season, month and tilt angles.
Solargis notes potential inaccuracies in tropical solar irradiance data
Solargis, a Slovakia-based solar data provider, claims that the difference between modeled solar irradiance and real measurements is more significant in tropical regions than in subtropical zones. It argues that enhancing ground-based measurement stations and forecasts can enhance data accuracy and accelerate PV project delivery.
Passive cooling technique for floating PV systems
An international research team has built a cooling tech consisting of heat absorber pipes that are thermally connected to the PV module, heat releaser pipes that exchange heat with the water body, a series of connecting pipes, and a coolant reservoir. The system claims to create a continuous fluid flow that dissipates heat from the PV cells to the surroundings.
Swiss 3S introduces new half-cell BIPV modules
Swiss 3S, the Switzerland-based manufacturer, is offering the new half-cell BIPV module in four sizes, ranging from 24 half-cells to 48 half-cells. The rated output is up to 225 W.
New solar carport from Japan
Daiwa, Japan’s largest homebuilder, has developed a new solar carport that can accommodate solar modules from any manufacturer in various colors and shapes, allowing developers to consider the aesthetic requirements of the surrounding areas and buildings.
Fraunhofer ISE presents silicon carbide string inverter for medium-voltage applications
Fraunhofer ISE researchers claim the new silicon carbide inverter is technically able to handle voltage levels of up to 1,500 V at 250 kVA in utility scale solar power plants.
Belgian student solar car takes an early lead in Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
On the journey from Darwin to Adelaide, the Innoptus Solar Team, a non-profit project of students from the University of Leuven, is in a leading position amongst dozens of competitors from around the world in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. It tapped European research labs for PV equipment and know-how.
Panasonic unveils new residential heat pumps
Japan’s Panasonic has developed a new central heat pump system for residential space heating and cooling.
