Assessing impact of fire on PV facades
An international research team has analyzed which factors contribute to fire accidents in PV facades and has found that the distance between the wall and the photovoltaic modules plays a crucial role. The scientists also said project developers should attentively consider what combustible materials are embedded in the wall cavity.
Global solar module prices stable-to-firm as markets wind down for year end
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Inverted perovskite solar cell based on self-assembled monolayer achieves 23.31% efficiency
A research team in China improved the efficiency and stability of an inverted perovskite cell using a co-assembled approach to incorporate self-assembled monolayers at the hole transport layer.
Qcells hits 28.6% efficiency with scalable perovskite-silicon solar cell
South Korea-based solar module manufacturer Qcells has set a new efficiency world record for a commercially scalable perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, produced at its pilot line in Germany.
Trina Solar hits new 27.08% record for HJT solar cell
Trina Solar has achieved a world-record 27.08% efficiency rating for a new n-type fully passivated heterojunction (HJT) solar cell. The Institute for Solar Energy Research in Hamelin (ISFH) has verified the result.
IEA-PVPS calls for harmonized testing, certification for building-integrated photovoltaics
The latest report from the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (PVPS) says the building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) industry is facing significant challenges due to a lack of clear testing and certification procedures. It says international consensus and the harmonization of certification processes will be crucial for widespread adoption of the technology.
Canadian scientists build micro III-V solar cells with record-breaking open circuit voltage
The proposed cell is based on indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and germanium (Ge) and has an active area of 0.25 mm2. It can be used for applications in micro-concentrator photovoltaics (CPV).
New US solar manufacturer to open 2.5 GW HJT factory
NuVision Solar – a newly formed, US-owned and operated manufacturer – has revealed plans to produce heterojunction (HJT) solar cells and modules.
Nexwafe claims 24.4% efficiency for heterojunction solar cell built with its ultrathin wafers
The German wafer manufacturer said the efficiency was achieved with an unspecified M6 HJT commercial production line, without specifying if the result was certified by an independent third party.
DMEGC releases 22.9%-efficient lightweight bifacial TOPCon solar panels for limited roof space
DMEGC Solar says its new solar panels weigh only 15.3 kg and have a power output of up to 270 W. The new products combine a double-glass design with TOPCon cell technology.
