Europe

Testing conducted by the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin in Germany has shown that perovskite solar cells operating at high latitudes in Europe may suffer from higher performance losses in winter compared to conventional PV devices. The scientists warned, however, that at lower latitudes this seasonality may be less pronounced.

K2 Systems has introduced two new pitched roof mounting components for residential solar: the SingleHook 3S Light, made of aluminum and stainless steel; and the InsertionRail 2.0, an aluminum mounting rail.

British Solar Renewables has reached financial close on a 12-project solar portfolio with three co-located battery assets. The $718 million financial package covers 536 MW of PV capacity and 146 MWh of energy storage in the United Kingdom and Australia.

In a novel combination of micro-concentrators and picosecond laser processing, Italian researchers are tackling two metal halide perovskite solar PV challenges to reduce the use of lead and extend stability of the power conversion efficiency.

Australian-owned developer Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners has announced that its 373 MW Cleve Hill Solar Park – the largest solar plant in the United Kingdom to date – is now exporting 100% of its capacity to the grid. Under construction, co-located energy storage is to come online later.

Researchers have simulated 160 cases of PV rooftop installation in southern and northern Italy. Among changing parameters were size and type of the panels, as well as their roof cover rate. The considered albedos were 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%, representing different types of roof materials.

Australian researchers are reporting a breakthrough with zinc-ion battery technology, developing a new method to significantly boost the structural stability of the cathode material that enables the battery to operate reliably for more than 5,000 charge-discharge cycles.

Researchers from Swiss and Austrian institutions have demonstrated a novel design for a glass-free, structurally robust silicon PV module. With a weight below 6 kg/m2, the targeted application is older buildings with weak roof structure.

Greek renewables and resources company Metelen Energy and Metals has refinanced a portfolio of seven solar farms spread across New South Wales and Queensland in a $460 million deal.

Australian rooftop solar sharing technology developer Allume Energy has closed a $10.4 million investment round, the proceeds of which will be used to accelerate the company’s international expansion into the United Kingdom and European markets.