Author: solarenergy
USTC achieves new record in efficiency of perovskite solar cells A research team led by Prof. XU Jixian from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) has set a new global standard for solar cell technology. As of July 3, the Solar Cell Efficiency Tables (version 64) announced that Professor Xu’s team had achieved a certified stable efficiency of 26.7% for their perovskite solar cell, marking a major milestone. “The Solar Cell Efficiency Tables, jointly published by the Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics together with scientists from the United States, Japan, Italy and other countries, have a history…
DNV, an independent energy expert and insurance specialist, has unveiled a service that assesses the likelihood of hail events at the site of future solar projects in North America, over a period of up to 30 years. September 17, 2024 Patrick Jowett DNV is offering a new service to solar developers that will assess the potential impact of hail on future solar projects in North America.The research-backed service, developed in collaboration with Jupiter Intelligence, will provide users with the probability of a hail event for a specific location in the contiguous United States, as well as the probability of the…
Ballard Power Systems says it has begun restructuring its global operations to cut costs due to slower hydrogen infrastructure development and delayed fuel cell adoption. September 17, 2024 Sergio MatalucciBallard Energy Systems has announced a global restructuring to reduce corporate spending due to “a slowdown in hydrogen infrastructure development and delayed fuel cell adoption.” CEO Randy MacEwen said that the Vancouver-based PEM fuel cell maker expects the changes to deliver “over 30% annualized total operating cost savings,” with most of the savings realized by 2025. The restructuring includes staff reductions and a “rationalization” of product development programs.Forvia said it will…
Hoymiles presented its latest product and technology innovations, led by its HMS microinverter and HAS hybrid inverter, at RE+ 2024 in Anaheim, California. The HMS series of microinverters ranges from 1,600 to 2,000 VA. Its 4-in-1 design integrates four input channels in one single unit, so fewer microinverters are need for the same capacity. The independent MPPTs deliver the optimal energy production of each PV module. The HAS-LV-USG1 AC-coupled inverter, when paired with HMS microinverters, can prepare the PV system for energy storage. The HAS inverter transforms excess AC power during the day into DC power and stores it in…
The Root-Power team consulted with AONB officials and local conservation groups before submitting the planning application in late 2023. Image: Root-Power. YLEM Energy arm Root-Power, which launched earlier this year, has been granted planning permission for a 12MW/48MWh battery energy storage site in Caterham, Surrey. The 4-hour Tillingdown Farm site, expected to go live in 2025, is located in both the green belt and the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). As such, the development process was “exhaustive” and the Root-Power team consulted with AONB officials and local conservation groups before submitting the planning application in late 2023.…
Sharp’s new IEC61215 and IEC61730 certified solar panels have an operating temperature coefficient of -0.29% per C and a bifaciality factor of more than 80%. September 17, 2024 Emiliano Bellini The NBJG445R moduleImage: sharpSharp has unveiled new n-type monocrystalline bifacial solar panels based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell technology.The modules are equipped with 96 half-cut solar cells based on G12 wafers and a design with 16 busbars. They also feature an energy conversion efficiency of up to 22.52% and an output power of 430 to 450 W.“The bifacial NBJG445R and NBJG450R modules have a white coating on the…
An international research team has investigated how thermoelectric subcooling can be integrated into propane heat pumps to reduce energy consumption in the vapor compression system. Their work showed that this combination can not only reduce electricity consumption, but also significantly improve heat pump performance. September 17, 2024 Emiliano BelliniAn international research team has conducted a computational analysis on propane (R290) vapor compression heat pumps that integrate a thermoelectric subcooler (TESC) to reduce the energy consumption of vapor compression systems and found that this combination can increase the coefficient of performance of the heat pumps by 12.29% .In the newspaper “Effect…
German fluid management company Lutz-Jesco introduced a system aimed at supporting pumps and water disinfection in the event of a power outage. The hub is pre-configured to work with solar panels, a battery charge controller, an inverter and cabling. September 17, 2024 Lior Kahana The solar hub”Image: Lutz-Jesco German fluid management company Lutz-Jesco has introduced solar control cabinets to support its pump and water disinfection systems in the event of a power outage.The system, called Solarhub, is pre-configured to work with solar panels, a battery charge controller, an inverter and cabling.“The Solarhub 300 has a 110 Ah battery, a power…
Harnessing the Sun’s Power for Year-Round Cultivation In the ever-evolving world of agriculture and horticulture, the integration of renewable energy sources has become increasingly important. Among these innovations, the use of solar panels for greenhouse heating stands out as a game-changing solution. This approach not only addresses the energy-intensive nature of greenhouse operations but also aligns with the growing demand for sustainable farming practices. In this guide, we’ll explore using solar panels to heat greenhouses, examining the benefits, challenges, and best practices for implementation. Solar Energy and Greenhouse Heating Before diving into the specifics of solar-powered greenhouse heating, it’s crucial…
From pv magazine 24/09The residential solar industry is often called the “solar roller coaster” in the United States because it has seen peaks and valleys in customer demand, business profitability and investment.SunPower, one of the largest and oldest solar energy companies in the United States, has suffered its latest dip after announcing bankruptcy and delisting from the Nasdaq Stock Exchange. Once valued as worth billions of dollars, SunPower shares fell more than 99% from their all-time high valuation in 2007.The company provided homeowners with rooftop solar, energy storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging. It operated a dealer network in which…