Cooling solar panels with cold steam from ultrasonic thermoelectric generators
Iranian researchers have looked at how ultrasonic thermoelectric generators could be used to lower the operating temperature of solar modules. Their new system can generate cold steam via ultrasonic piezoelectrics in a simple batch system.
Paths to commercial success for renewable energy tech
Analysts have studied lab-to-market pathways for clean energy technologies, including First Solar’s cadmium-telluride thin-film solar modules.
Trina Solar unveils 425 W all-black solar module with 21.3% efficiency
China’s Trina Solar has developed an upgraded version of its Vertex S All Black PV module, with about 30 W of additional output. It is offering the new product on the Australian market.
Adani Green commissions 450 MW hybrid wind-solar plant in India
Indian developer Adani Green has commissioned a 450 MW wind-solar power plant in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It has reached 1.44 GW of cumulative hybrid power generation capacity.
Italy expected to install 12 GW of solar in 2023-24 period
Italy’s solar sector is poised for growth over the next two years, according to participants in the recent Italia Solare Forum in Rome. Analysts say they expect the Italian authorities to issue more permits for PV projects, potentially pushing annual installations to 4 GW in 2023 and 8 GW in 2024.
Romanian government accepting proposals for renewables auction
The Romanian Ministry of Energy has started seeking expressions of interest for its first renewables auction, likely to be held the end of June. Developers have until Dec. 30 to express interest.
Selenium solar cell with 5.2% efficiency, 0.99 V open-circuit voltage
Danish researchers have built a selenium solar cell with the highest open-circuit voltage ever reported. They said that with further improvements in the optoelectronic quality of selenium, the device could reach an efficiency of up to 8%.
Finnish mine to host 75 MW/530 MWh underground pumped hydro facility
Suomen Energiavarasto Oy has secured €26.3 million ($27.5 million) from the Finnish government to build an underground pumped hydro project at a former zinc and copper mine.
Germany allocates 609 MW in tender for large-scale solar
Germany concluded its latest renewables tender with a final average price of €0.0580 ($0.06)/kWh, which is slightly higher than the €0.0510 level from the last such exercise. Bids ranged from €0.0520/kWh to €0.0590/kWh.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Linyang Energy to build 20 GW TOPCon factory
Linyang Energy has revealed plans to build a new solar factory in Jiangsu province, while Daqo has said it will build a new silicon production base in Inner Mongolia.
