Emiliano Bellini
Perovksite solar cell based on MXene achieves 25.13% efficiency
A Chinese research group claims to have achieved remarkable efficiency and stability in a solar cell based on a perovskite absorber incorporating MXene, a novel type of 2D material known for its excellent conductivity, chemical stability, and thermal resilience. The device reportedly retained 80% of its initial efficiency after 500 hours.
High-rise buildings could soon use gravity energy storage, say researchers
Researchers in Canada have proposed using gravity-based energy storage in high-rise buildings, in combination with photovoltaic facades, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries. Their modeling indicated that this hybrid system could achieve a levelized cost of energy ranging from $0.051/kWh to $0.111/kWh.
Solis unveils 75–125 kW hybrid inverter for C&I solar
The Chinese manufacturer said its new inverters can deliver 160% overload for 200 ms in off-grid mode, ensuring stable startup of heavy loads. The IP66-rated products feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 97.2%.
Silver prices surge, yet ‘thrifting’ poses little threat to solar cell, module quality
With silver prices nearing $75 per ounce, researchers from the University of New South Wales and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems tell pv magazine that efforts to reduce silver use in solar cells will not compromise module quality if properly engineered.
Solar module prices to rise 9% in Q4, says Wood Mackenzie
Wood Mackenzie says module prices will climb as China ends export rebates and consolidates polysilicon production.
NREL researchers warn of unexpectedly high n-type solar module UV-induced degradation
A National Renewable Energy Laboratory research team analysed n-type modules deployed at a 3 MW commercial PV project to assess a reported high degradation rate, finding ultraviolet-induced degradation was a major factor affecting the facility’s performance.
Panasonic testing new energy management system to combine solar, heat pumps, batteries
The Japanese company said the first pilot projects are being carried out in the Tokyo metropolitan area with the support of Japanese oil giant Eneos.
Research reveals rates and types of rooftop PV connector failures
Analysis of more than 6,000 rooftop PV connectors shows that tight wire bending radius, extra dirty connectors, and loose nuts are the most common failure causes.
Canadian Solar presents 660 W ‘low-carbon’ heterojunction module with 24.4% efficiency
The new products are available in nine versions with power output ranging from 620 W to 660 W and power conversion efficiency spanning from 23.0% to 24.4%. Canadian Solar said the panels have a carbon footprint of 285 kg CO₂eq/kW, which is reportedly one of the lowest among all silicon-based solar modules worldwide.
JinkoSolar launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.8% efficiency
The Tiger Neo 3.0 panel features an 85% bifacility factor that translates into 553-570 W of rear side power output, according to the Chinese manufactuer. The new product is claimed to be the “world’s most powerful solar module.”
