‘Cool roofs’ increase power yield in bifacial rooftop PV systems
A Spanish-Algerian research group has tested how “cool roofs” could help increase power yield in rooftop bifacial PV systems. Cool roofs are based on coating materials with high reflectance properties.
Weekend read: the overproduction conundrum
Manufacturing capacity has been ramping up so quickly that even impressive installation growth cannot keep pace. Molly Morgan, senior research analyst at UK-based research firm Exawatt, explores the relationship between PV supply and demand and assesses the likelihood of overproduction.
New MPPT approach for multi-string PV systems under partial shading
Egyptian researchers has developed a multi-string PV system with a converter control strategy, achieving 99.81% efficiency with a direct duty cycle for maximum power point tracking (MPPT).
Message framing techniques to boost solar sales
A Dutch-German research team has tested how a series of framed messages may be used to boost PV system sales, addressing both self-interest and environmental concerns, and has found that all the proposed messages are effective at promoting the purchase of solar panel installations.
Plug Power shares collapse
Plug Power has issued a warning about its 2023 financial performance due to supply challenges in North America, while Air Products says it is cementing its collaboration with Chengzhi in China.
Weekend read: BESS lessons learned
Taking a rigorous approach to inspection is crucial across the energy storage supply chain. Chi Zhang and George Touloupas, of Clean Energy Associates, explore common manufacturing defects in battery energy storage systems (BESS) and how quality-assurance regimes can detect them.
China expected to dominate solar manufacturing through 2026
A Wood Mackenzie report forecasts that China will hold more than 80% of poly, wafer, cell and module manufacturing capacity for the next three years.
Novel algorithm estimates global maximum power point in partially shaded PV systems
Developed by scientists in India, the global maximum power point (GMPP) technique is based on the voltage and current of strings in a PV array. The research group tested it in computer simulation, as well as through an experimental setup.
BYD unveils new agrivoltaics module
Chinese module maker BYD is producing a new bifacial monocrystalline panel at its manufacturing facility in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The module has a power output of up to 355 W and a conversion efficiency of 16.33%.
Longi claims 33.9% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has confirmed Longi’s achievement of a world record-breaking efficiency rating of 33.9% for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell.
