Articles written by Bernhard Rindt

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Applications & Installations
Sonnenkraft launches 480 W back-contact TOPCon solar module The Austrian manufacturer said its new glass-glass module features 108 back-contact TOPCon half-cells and a power conversion efficiency of 23.52%.
Sandra Enkhardt
May 10, 2026
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Markets & Policy
Solar Fabrik launches 400 W red-brown module for heritage roofs Solar Fabrik has introduced a 400 W red-brown glass-glass PV module designed to meet strict aesthetic requirements for historic and protected buildings, offering a 20.02% efficiency and compatibility with traditional tiled rooftops.
Sandra Enkhardt
Apr 01, 2026
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Research & Development
Energy Storage Inspection 2026: Fox ESS, SMA, SAX Power, Kostal and BYD impress with high efficiency The energy storage efficiency of 12 solar storage systems with capacities of 5 kW or 10 kW has been put to the test, including several new products, all of which achieved efficiency class A. The latest interation of the annual study also examined efficiency losses when storing electricity from the grid and took a closer look at the warranty conditions of the devices.
Sandra Enkhardt
Mar 09, 2026
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Applications & Installations
Astronergy launches 670 W TOPCon solar module with 24.9% efficiency China’s Astronergy says its ASTRO N7 Pro module targets utility-scale PV plants and commercial rooftops, offering quarter-cell architecture, bifacial gains, and a 30-year performance guarantee.
Sandra Enkhardt
Jan 07, 2026
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Markets & Policy
PV industry faces consolidation says JinkoSolar JinkoSolar has begun converting its production to n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) products to stay competitive, says Frank Niendorf, the company’s general manager for Europe. He predicts that several market players in the value chain will exit the market soon.
Sandra Enkhardt
Aug 11, 2024
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Applications & Installations
Europe’s largest PV plant goes online German investment firm Hansainvest Real Assets has switched on Europe’s largest solar plant – a 605 MW installation in Germany’s Saxony region. The project spans 500 hectares and operates under a power purchase agreement th Shell Energy Europe.
Sandra Enkhardt
Apr 10, 2024
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Markets & Policy
SMA to build 3.5 GW inverter factory in US SMA Solar Technology AG says it will open a new 3.5 GW inverter factory at an unspecified location in the United States in 2025. The German manufacturer is currently talking with several US states and potential partners to select the best production site.
Sandra Enkhardt
Dec 14, 2023
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Technology & Products
Investigators still uncertain about cause of 30 kWh battery explosion in Germany A lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system recently exploded in a home in central Germany, preventing police and insurance investigators from entering due to the high risk of collapse. The explosion may have been preceded by off-gassing, but it remains unclear whether an external ignition source was the cause. Some scientists say thermal runaway may have triggered the blast.
Sandra Enkhardt
Oct 31, 2023
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Technology & Products
Germany, Austria hit by multiple solar battery fires linked to LG pv magazine has learned that five solar-related fires in Germany and Austria occurred in late September. Photographs show that two of the blazes were likely caused by residential batteries manufactured by LG.
Sandra Enkhardt
Oct 11, 2023