Weekend read: Double trouble
Perovskite PV devices are set to become the next big thing in solar with market analysts at S&P Global Commodity Insights predicting 1 GW of production by the end of 2024, rising to 6 GW in 2025. Perovskite tandem devices are at the front of the queue for commercialisation but their characterisation presents technical challenges.
PVEL releases tenth edition of PV Module Reliability Scorecard
United States-headquartered independent test lab Kiwa PVEL has named 53 manufacturers and 388 models – a record number of ‘Top Performers’ in the 10-year history of its PV Module Reliability Scorecard.
Leapton debuts 600-625 W TOPCon solar panel based on rectangular wafers
Leapton Energy says its new panels have a temperature coefficient of -0.30% per C and an efficiency of up to 23.14%. They come with a 30-year power output guarantee for 87.4% of the initial yield.
JinkoSolar claims 33.24% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells
JinkoSolar says it has achieved a 33.24% efficiency rating for its perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells, confirmed by the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology under the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Long-duration energy storage poised to outcompete lithium-ion batteries
While most long-duration energy storage (LDES) technologies are still early stage and costly compared to lithium-ion batteries, some have already, or are, set to achieve lower costs for longer durations, finds BloombergNEF.
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.
Austrian startup offers double-axis tracking system for agrivoltaics
Anywhere Solar says its new trackers have a module area of 75 m2 and can host PV systems up to 19 kW in size. When deployed horizontally, the systems allow vehicles up to 4.3 meters high to pass underneath.
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.
