Robotic measurement system assesses new materials for solar cells
Researchers in Japan have developed an automated system to perform photoabsorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and white-light flash time-resolved microwave conductivity tests.
Nextracker ramps up 2024 earnings guidance
Solar tracking and software specialist Nextracker has adjusted its earnings guidance for 2024, following the announcement of strong results for the three months to the end of December 2023.
Vitamin C treatment improves stability of inverted organic solar cells
Danish researchers report that treating non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells with vitamin C provides an antioxidant activity that alleviates the degradative processes arising from heat, light, and oxygen exposure. The cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 9.97 %, an open-circuit voltage of 0.69 V, a short-circuit current density of 21.57 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 66%.
Fluence expands storage strategy with optimization software
Global energy storage specialist Fluence has more than 1 GW of battery projects operating or under construction in Australia. It is now broadening its strategy beyond hardware to include optimizing asset performance and servicing.
Key takeaways from SunRise Arabia conference
Saudi Arabia has laid out an ambitious vision to establish itself as a renewable energy hub for the Middle East and beyond. The market is growing rapidly, with solar generation capacity more than tripling in 2023. But obstacles remain for the Kingdom to continue on this PV pathway, and these challenges were up for discussion this week in Riyadh at the SunRise Arabia conference, organized by Solarabic and pv magazine.
Wafer prices stable ahead of Chinese New Year festivities
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.
UK VAT relief on residential batteries comes into effect
Effective Feb. 1, the UK government has exempted retrofitted battery energy storage systems (BESS) from the 20% value added tax (VAT).
Energy Vault signs gravity storage deal covering southern Africa
Under a new 10-year agreement, Gravity Energy Storage Solutions (GESSOL) has secured the rights to deploy Energy Vault’s gravity energy storage tech throughout the 16 nations of the Southern African Development Community region. Energy Vault CEO Robert Piconi says the deployments will smooth out load shedding and optimize grid performance.
Ingeteam releases new inverters for residential, C&I applications
Spain’s Ingeteam has released four new three-phase hybrid inverter models in 10 kW, 15 kW, 20 kW and 30 kW variants. All of them have two photovoltaic maximum power point trackers (MPPTs).
Organic cathode for high-energy, fast-charging lithium-ion batteries
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) researchers have developed a new organic cathode material with an energy density higher than most cobalt-based cathodes. It can charge–discharge in as little as six minutes. Automaker Lamborghini has licensed the patent for the technology.
