Author: solarenergy

HKUST researchers reveal hidden structure for improved perovskite solar cells Researchers from the School of Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) have discovered surface voids on individual crystal grains in perovskite thin films. This fundamental discovery reveals significant effects on the properties and reliability of the films. Using this knowledge, the team developed a new method to improve the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells by eliminating these concavities in the grain surface. Perovskite solar cells are a promising technology that could replace silicon solar cells in several applications, including power grid, portable energy,…

Chinese regulators are reportedly considering a comprehensive fire safety inspection and upgrades to operational energy storage facilities. For older storage stations, improving fire safety measures will significantly increase non-technical costs, potentially up to CNY 0.2 per Wh ($0.028/Wh). July 22, 2024 Vincent ShawBy ESS newsAccording to a recent report from the 21st Century Business Herald, Chinese regulators are considering a comprehensive fire safety inspection and upgrades to existing battery energy storage facilities nationwide. This initiative comes in response to a series of recent global security incidents involving energy storage stations.In the first half of 2024 alone, at least six fire…

Grid operator Enedis said last week that France installed 1,013 MW of new PV systems in the second quarter alone. If the current growth rate continues in the second half, the country could install record capacity in 2024. July 22, 2024 Gwénaëlle Deboutte By pv magazine FranceFrench grid operator Enedis has released connection figures for new PV installations for the second quarter of 2024. Between April and June, developers installed 1,013 MW, compared to 965 MW in the first quarter. During the same periods in 2023, a record year, developers added 691 MW and 747 MW to the grid.The total…

The Indian Union Budget will be presented next week. Developers in the country are hoping for lower goods and services taxes (GST) and import duties on solar components, as well as a delay in enforcing the Approved Model and Manufacturer List (ALMM) until domestic supply improves. July 22, 2024 Uma GuptaBy pv magazine IndiaIndia aims to achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuels by 2030, including 293 GW from solar and 100 GW from wind, the government’s Central Electricity Authority said.As of June 30, 2024, India had installed 85,474.31 MW of solar capacity, of which 12.92 GW…

Romania aims to have at least 2.5 GW of energy storage installed by the end of next year and only exceed 5 GW a year later. July 22, 2024 Marija Maisch By ESS newsAccording to Romanian Energy Minister Sebastian Burduja, the country’s energy storage fleet is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.“In total, we must have a storage capacity of at least 2,500 MW by the end of next year, and we must exceed 5,000 MW by 2026. These objectives are ambitious, but are in line with the recommendations and analyzes of Transelectrica, which show that there is…

Germany-based Phytonics has developed a self-adhesive film with microstructures to reduce glare on PV modules. It is available in sheets and rolls for new and existing PV systems. July 22, 2024 Sandra EnkhardtBy pv magazine GermanyThe blinding effect of solar panels often causes arguments between neighbors. At airports, traffic routes and nature reserves, PV modules must meet specific requirements, usually achieved with an anti-reflective coating. However, Germany-based Phytonics says this coating only increases the yield of the panels and does not prevent glare.Phytonics claims to have developed a self-adhesive film that reduces glare to the necessary extent. The film has…

Labor won the general election last week with a ‘landslide’ victory. Image: NextEnergy Capital. Trade association Solar Energy UK has appealed to the newly elected Labor government to publish an “ambitious” Solar Roadmap and increase the allocation of Contracts for Difference (CfD) in the sixth budget round. Solar Energy UK, which said in a statement that it expects Labour’s election victory to “further accelerate the growth of the solar and energy storage industries”, believes that making these adjustments to the policy landscape will send a clear signal to the industry to stimulate investments. . Labour’s election manifesto energy policy was…

Kinematics unveils advanced ST series actuators for solar trackers Kinematics, a leading intelligent motion solutions company, has announced the first shipment of its innovative ST Series actuators, marking a significant step in technological advancement. The ST series demonstrates extensive research, development and engineering skills. With a unique maintenance-free, grease-free dry bearing design, the ST Series offers 20-50% more holding torque compared to Kinematics’ HE Series. This improvement allows tracking companies to use smaller drives for the same applications, resulting in significant cost savings without sacrificing performance. “Created with a deep understanding of solar tracker customer needs, the Kinematics ST Series…

Philippine renewable energy developer Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. and San Miguel Global Light and Power Corp., a unit of San Miguel Global Power Holdings Corp., will jointly develop a 153.5 MW solar power plant in the Philippines. July 19, 2024 Patrick Jowett Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. (CREC) and San Miguel Global Light and Power Corp. (SGLP) have entered into a joint venture for a 153.5 MW solar project in the Philippines. The two parties will jointly develop, build and operate the factory, which will be located in Barangay Lucanin, Bataan Province, Luzon Island. SLGP is part of San Miguel Global…

According to Mercom Capital Group, corporate financing in the solar sector reached $16.6 billion in the first half of this year. It is said that most of the financing came through debt financing as venture capital and public market financing declined. July 17, 2024 Patrick JowettTotal corporate financing in the solar sector reached $16.6 billion in the first half of 2024, according to data released by Mercom Capital Group in its latest solar financing and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) report.The total figure, including venture capital/private equity financing, public market and debt financing, is 10% lower year-on-year than the $18.5 billion…