Study finds excessive row spacing has limited effect on improving PV system performance
Scientists in China have tested the influence of panel row spacing in increasing a PV system performance in a full-scale outdoor PV array experimental platform. They found that larger row spacing plays a limited role in improving thermal convection, observing that solar irradiance and wind speed are the key parameters for optimal PV system design.
Longi introduces 630 W HPBC modules with 23.3% efficiency
Chinese manufacturer Longi says its new Hi-MO X6 Scientist series has a temperature coefficient of -0.28%/C and a power output ranging from 620 W to 630 W. They rely on the company’s proprietary hybrid passivated back contact cell technology.
REC launches 640 W heterojunction solar module with 22.5% efficiency
REC has developed a new series of heterojunction solar panels with efficiencies up to 22.5% and an operating temperature coefficient of -0.24% per degree Celsius.
Sharp unveils new TOPCon solar modules
The Japanese electronics manufacturer has launched the NU-JC440 and NU-JC430B panels with efficiencies of 22.53% and 22.02%, respectively. Both products are IEC/EN61215 and IEC/EN61730-certified and rely on M10 wafers.
Renewable manufacturing costs up to 200% lower in China, says WoodMac
Wood Mackenzie says in its latest report that low prices and integrated supply chains allow Chinese manufacturers to supply more than 65% of total global demand for renewables equipment, with its exports growing by 35% between 2019 and 2023.
Weekend read: Déjà vu on the polysilicon market
Haven’t we been here before? The polysilicon industry is shifting from shortage to oversupply but a few things are different from market cycles of the past, as Bernreuter Research founder Johannes Bernreuter explains.
Renewable energy projects predicted to drive $20 billion construction boom
Spending on building renewable energy infrastructure is forecast to peak at $20 billion in 2026, stimulated by the Australian government’s target of 82% electricity from renewables by 2030, but caution remains over workforce capability.
Bowen targets 20% market share with Solar Sunshot
Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen believes the federal government’s $1 billion Solar Sunshot initiative could result in domestic manufacturing providing 20% of the nation’s PV panel needs by the end of the decade.
New dates, rules for 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The organisers of the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge have announced a new set of dates for the 2025 edition of their unique 3,000-kilometre solar car race across the Australian continent, along with some regulation changes.
Rooftop PV market faces profit squeeze as sales slow
Rooftop PV is the fourth largest source of electricity generation in Australia, providing about 11% of the country’s power supply, but solar industry analyst SunWiz has cautioned the market to brace for a challenging period.
