Emiliano Bellini
New survey shows ‘massive’ increase in PV module microcracks
A new study from Clean Energy Associates (CEA) shows that 83% of sites tested as part of a global survey had line cracks, 78% had a soldering anomaly and 76% had complex cracks. The survey involved visual inspections combined with electroluminescence testing across 148 sites in 16 countries.
Aiko Solar presents 24.0%-efficient solar modules
The Chinese manufacturer presented its AIKO-A-MAH72Mw, AIKO-A-MAH54Mb and AIKO-A-MAH54Mw modules at the Fintec event in Barcelona. The new products rely on the company’s all-back-contact (ABC) cell technology and feature a temperature coefficient of -0.26% per C.
Ecoflow launches ‘retrofit’ residential battery with PV-coupling technology
The 5 kWh battery solution uses Ecoflow’s PV-coupling technology that reportedly ensures an easy connection to existing solar arrays. The new product features an output voltage range of 150-800 V.
Solax introduces hybrid inverter for 200% PV system oversizing
Solax claims its new hybrid inverters can oversize PV systems by 200%, making them an ideal solution for commercial rooftop installations. There are five versions, featuring rated power outputs ranging from 15 kW to 30 kW.
Large-area perovskite-silicon tandem PV cell hits record efficiency of 25.1%
Scientists in the United States have achieved a breakthrough in PV cell tech by creating a 24 cm2 perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell. It positions a lithium fluoride interlayer between a hole transport layer and the perovskite absorber to reduce shunting losses.
Esy Sunhome unveils residential lithium iron phosphate battery
The Chinese manufacturer said its new LiFePo4 battery is IP66-rated and has a lifecycle of more than 6,000 cycles. It comes with a 10-year warranty.
Novel thin-film anti-soiling coating increases solar module yield by over 3%
A group of scientists in the United States saw ‘encouraging’ results after testing the commercialisation of novel coating materials in field tests, with the coating only increasing a panel’s total cost by 1.4%.
Bslbatt introduces high-voltage battery for residential PV
China’s Bslbatt says its new batteries feature individual battery modules with voltages of 102.4 V and a capacity of 52 Ah. They can be stacked in series with two to seven battery modules.
Indian scientists making high-purity polysilicon ingots from recyled PV cells
Indian scientists have produced high-purity polysilicon ingots from recycled solar cells using “spark plasma sintering” (SPS), and claim they may achieve a purity level comparable to commercially available products.
PV near railway tracks is technically feasible, researchers claim
Despite soiling and mechanical stress, PV deployed between or close to rail tracks is not just a crazy idea, states an Australian-Bangladeshi research group. The scientists conducted a techno-economic analysis on a 128 kW demonstrator and found it may achieve a levelised cost of energy of only USD 0.052/kWh ($0.080/kWh).
