Fraunhofer ISE research finds solar module output ‘often overstated’
A longitudinal research project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE reveals that since 2017, the institute has measured less power on average in a solar module than promised by the manufacturer.
Research homes in on heat gain to help BIPV prospects
To make it easier to adopt building integrated PV as a glazing material, a group within the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA-PVPS) has tackled the solar heat gain coefficient calculation for BIPV. It is part of IEA PVPS Task 15 international standardisation efforts.
IEA: Global battery industry has entered new phase
China supplied three-quarters of a 1 TWh global battery market in 2024 and its domination enabled steep cost savings and a possible switch to lithium ferro-phosphate technology, according to the International Energy Agency.
Sungrow unveils 5 kWh home battery system
Sungrow’s new residential battery energy storage system features a compact 182 mm design and is capable of handling a maximum charge/discharge current of 50 A.
pv magazine Awards 2025 offer global nod for Australian energy companies
The pv magazine global awards program recognising excellence across the solar and storage industries is open for entries, with the opportunity for Australian businesses and individuals to win global recognition across seven categories adjudicated by a worldwide panel of independent industry experts.
Fronius introduces 15.8 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery for rooftop PV
The Austrian manufacturer has launched its first battery system using lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells. A total of up to four units can be connected in parallel for a capacity of 63 kWh.
Mitigating risks in new PV technologies
The solar energy industry continues to push the boundaries of efficiency and reliability. However, as innovative photovoltaic cell and module technologies emerge, they also bring a new set of challenges in durability and performance. A new report from IEA PVPS Task 13, titled “Degradation and Failure Modes in New Photovoltaic Cell and Module Technologies,” offers a comprehensive analysis of degradation and failure mechanisms in current photovoltaic technologies.
‘Solar module prices will soon go back to over $0.12/W’
The global solar module industry is expected to regain a sustainable balance in the next six months, Yana Hryshko, head of Solar Supply Chain Research for Wood Mackenzie, told pv magazine. She explains why solar module prices may increase soon, suggesting that Tier 1 modules prices could reach USD 0.14/W to USD 0.15/W ($0.22/W to $0.24/W) by the end of this year, and discusses how consolidation is materialising within the global PV industry.
BP slashes renewables investment, seeks new Lightsource BP partner
Oil and gas giant BP wants to sell its stake in Lightsource BP just four months after completing a full takeover of the renewables developer, as a part of a new “strategy reset” will also cut company’s investment in energy transition by $5 billion per year.
Daytime charging of EVs further expands adoption of PV
Photovoltaics continues adding capacity at a rapid pace, and 2024 was another record year for solar PV deployment. In the meantime, despite recent hurdles to widespread adoption in some countries, electric vehicle uptake grew 25% last year. Assuming a 10 kWh/day energy requirement for every new EV, the 17 million new EVs sold in 2024 would have added another 50-70 GW of new PV generation worldwide.
