Author: solarenergy
New research from the Netherlands shows that the use of luminescent free-space solar concentrators can be used to significantly improve the performance of dual-sided solar modules in vertical residential installations. The scientists are confident that a variety of bifacial PV systems can be designed and deployed with this technology in the future. December 13, 2024 Emiliano Bellini Researchers from the University of Twente in the Netherlands have investigated how free-space luminescent solar concentrators (FSLSCs) can be used to improve the performance of bifacial PV modules in vertical PV installations and have found that electricity production could increase by up to…
TrendForce says silicon material and wafer prices have remained largely stable this week, while Longi Green Energy has signed a strategic deal with China Energy Construction for green energy projects. December 13, 2024 Vincent Shaw and Valerie Thompson TrendForce said in a new report that silicon material and wafer prices remained stable this week, with minor variations in some categories. Refeed monocrystalline silicon traded at $5.08/kg, dense silicon at $4.81/kg and n-type silicon at $5.50/kg. M10 wafers remained at $0.15/piece, while G12 wafers remained at $0.22/piece. N-type 182mm wafers were priced at $0.14/piece, and n-type 210mm wafers fell 1.43% to…
A group of researchers has carried out a techno-economic analysis of three renewal strategies for an operating photovoltaic power plant in southeastern Spain. They found that the highest production value of the installed power is obtained when both the modules and the inverters are replaced. December 13, 2024 Pilar Sanchez Molina By pv magazine Spain A group of scientists from the Spanish University of Castilla-La Mancha have carried out a techno-economic analysis of three renewal strategies in an operational photovoltaic power plant in southeastern Spain. The research, Renewal of solar PV power plants: technical and economic analysis of different alternatives…
The first meeting of the International Academy of Solar Cleansing was recently held in Las Vegas. The group’s first convention brought together industry leaders, solar cleaning professionals and safety advocates to discuss innovations, share knowledge and celebrate excellence within the solar cleaning industry. The two-day program in November consisted of a mix of keynote speeches, panel discussions, practical demonstrations and health and safety training for cleaning solar panels. A gala awards ceremony culminated the event, honoring individuals and organizations who have made exceptional contributions to the solar cleaning industry. Notable winners included: Utility Scale Solar Panel Cleaning of the Year:…
In a new weekly update for pv magazineOPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a brief overview of the major price trends in the global PV industry. December 13, 2024 OPIS Mono PERC wafer prices in China remained stable this week, with Mono PERC M10 and G12 wafer prices at $0.142/piece and $0.202/piece, respectively. Similarly, FOB China prices for N-type M10 and G12 wafers showed no weekly changes and remained stable at $0.137/pc and $0.185/pc, respectively. The Chinese market has made remarkable progress in reducing wafer inventory levels. Reports indicate that the overall business rate for block production in China remains…
Axpo has started building a new green hydrogen production plant in Bürglen, central Switzerland, with its H2Uri partners. The 2 MW plant, which will use hydropower to produce up to 260 tons of green hydrogen per year, will fuel the first hydrogen passenger ship on Lake Lucerne from 2026, which will be Axpo’s second such plant in the country. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency has awarded a €13.9 million ($14.6 million) grant to Everfuel and Karlstads Energi for a 20 MW electrolysis project in Sweden. The grant is dependent on the parties progressing the project and meeting its conditions, with…
In line with the Clean Power Action Plan published today (December 13), the new NPPF is firm on the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions. Image: Unsplash. The new National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), published by the government, will make compliance with the UK’s climate commitments easier, according to trade body Solar Energy UK (SEUK). In line with the Clean Power Action Plan published today (December 13), the new NPPF is firm on the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, stating that planning authorities should “give significant weight to the benefits associated with renewable and low-carbon energy generation and the…
As we strive to reduce our carbon footprint and embrace sustainable living, technologies continue to emerge. One groundbreaking development is transparent solar windows. These cutting-edge devices promise to transform our buildings into clean energy generators while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. What Are Transparent Solar Windows? Transparent solar windows, also known as solar glass or photovoltaic glass, are an exciting advancement in solar technology. These windows look and function like regular glass but have the ability to harness solar energy. They’re designed to be integrated into buildings, replacing traditional windows. The key to this technology lies in its transparency. Unlike conventional…
The German research institute says it is currently investigating three copper metallization methods: screen printing, FlexTrail printing and rotary printing. The proposed technology is reportedly compatible with TOPCon or heterojunction bottom cells. December 13, 2024 Valerie Thompson Researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE) in Germany are developing copper metallization technology to avoid the use of silver in perovskite-silicon tandem devices. “Basically, we will develop a perovskite-silicon tandem device using printed copper instead of silver. ISE’s exclusive FlexTrail printing technology will be essential. We are working with partners from PV and printed electronics to create…
Powernaut’s software balances local generation from decentralized devices such as solar panels, batteries and heat pumps with the needs of the electricity grid. December 13, 2024 Blathnaid O’Dea Belgian renewable software startup Powernaut has raised €2.4 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Berlin-based Revent, with participation from several other major European venture capital firms. London’s Seedcamp, Antwerp’s Pitchdrive and Brussels’ Syndicate One joined Revent to support Powernaut, which is headquartered in Ghent. Powernaut makes software to integrate decentralized devices, such as solar panels, electric vehicles, batteries and heat pumps, with the electricity grid. The company was founded in…