China added 33.66 GW of new PV in Q1
China reached 327.4 GW cumulative installed PV capacity at the end of February, according to new figures from the National Energy Administration (NEA).
CATL launches 500 Wh/kg condensed matter battery
Chinese battery industry heavyweight CATL has unveiled a novel condensed matter battery technology with an energy density of up to 500 Wh/kg. The company said it can achieve mass production within this year.
Vena Energy turns on Taiwan’s largest solar project
Vena Energy has announced the commissioning of Taiwan’s largest PV project to date with the developer confirming the 272 MW E2 Solar Project, which it says will be capable of contributing up to 4% of the island nation’s total solar energy output annually, is now fully operational.
Mobile solar system for farms
India’s Vivasvan Solar has designed a foldable solar structure mounted on a trolley. The system has mechanisms to prevent damage to the panels during transit and is especially useful for agricultural farms.
Agrivoltaics for grape farms
Researchers in Hong Kong have designed an agrivoltaic system that uses blockchain tech and smart contracts to reduce uncertainties between PV system operators and grape farmers. The proposed system uses rainwater to clean solar panels and provide irrigation.
Bslbatt unveils 89mm-thick battery for residential solar
China’s Bslbatt has added a rack-mounted battery to its ultra-sim range. It has a storage capacity of 5.12 kWh and a nominal voltage of 51.2 V. It measures 670 mm x 475 mm and is 89 mm thick.
Trina Tracker unveils 2P tracker solution with new features
Trina Solar’s tracker subsidiary has launched a new version of its Vanguard single-axis two-in-portrait (2P) tracker. It uses multiple motors on one tracker row, reportedly allowing it to withstand higher wind loads and reduce tilt angle misalignment. The new solution is compatible with large modules up to 685 W.
Top PV module manufacturers by shipment volume in 2022
TrendForce has ranked the top six module manufacturers by shipment volume in 2022, with Longi topping the list, followed by Trina Solar and JinkoSolar. JA Solar, Canadian Solar, and Risen Energy rounded out the top six, in a year dominated by large-format modules.
Indonesia’s largest floating solar plant goes online
Indonesia’s state-owned utility PLN says it has started operating a 561 kW floating solar plant on the island of Java. The floating array, which is part of a larger 920 kW PV project under construction at the company’s Gas and Steam Power Generation Complex, is expected to generate 1.4 million kWh a year.
Jolywood claims 26.7% efficiency for n-type TOPCon solar cell
The China Academy of Metrology and Science has certified Jolywood’s 26.7% efficiency rating for an n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell, which the company claims is a world record. In November 2022, it announced a 26.1% efficiency rating for a similar cell.
