Custom-made 3D printed solid-state batteries
US-based Sakuu has announced that it has successfully 3D printed solid-state batteries in custom shapes and sizes at its battery pilot line facility in Silicon Valley, California.
Only5mins! – Solar sector set to slim down on silver
pv magazine speaks with Matthew Watson, president of Precious Metals Commodity Management LLC, about silver demand and availability. He says the solar industry has managed to reduce silver consumption, but it may have to do more in the future.
US scientists improve photoresponsivity in solar perovskite by 250%
Researchers led by the University of Rochester claim to have increased the photoresponsivity of a lead-halide perovskite for solar cell applications by 250%. They created a perovskite film with a plasmonic substrate made of hyperbolic metamaterial and characterized it with transition dipole orientation.
Tongwei unveils 21.7%-efficient shingled solar panels for residential PV
Tongwei is offering six versions of its monofacial monocrystalline panels, with power outputs ranging from 400 W to 430 W and power conversion efficiencies between 20.1% and 21.7%.
New Aalborg inverter design for PV applications
An international research group has developed a new Aalborg inverter design for high-power applications in solar arrays. The device has fewer switches than conventional, voltage-source inverters and can reportedly improve PV system performance by reducing switching losses.
Trina Solar, Hanwha Qcells reach settlement on patent dispute
Hanwha Qcells and Trina Solar say they have signed a patent licensing and transfer agreement with each other to end a dispute over their intellectual property.
Dutch Heat Pump Association reports surge in residential installations in 2022
The Dutch heat pump market grew by 57% in 2022, with 70,000 heat pumps installed in new buildings and 40,000 in existing homes. The Dutch Heat Pump Association (DHPA) now wants to focus on investing in solar-thermal heat pumps and bringing the technology to low-income households.
Only5mins! – Silver price outlook and PV industry impact
Michael DiRienzo, executive director of The Silver Institute, tells pv magazine that average silver prices will hover around $23 per ounce this year, without any anticipated supply disruptions for the solar industry.
Snow damaged 30 MW of PV systems in Japan in 2018-21 period
Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) says in a new report that snow has damaged 43 PV installations of different sizes over the past four years. It urges PV system owners to conduct regular site inspections, use surveillance cameras, and remove snow at early stages.
Canadian manufacturer releases carbon-fiber solar panel for boats
Lightleaf’s new 110 W PV module features monocrystalline solar cells from SunPower Maxeon, with 25.1% efficiency. It has a rigid carbon-fiber foam foundation instead of glass, and weighs just 2.5 kg.
