Emiliano Bellini
Tunisia launches 200 MW solar tender
Tunisia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Energy has kicked off a new procurement exercise for large-scale solar.
First attempt to build solar cells based on gallium phosphide, titanium
After conducting theoretical studies on gallium phosphide, titanium solar cells for years, a group of Spanish researchers has now sought to build the first intermediate band device based on this material combination and has found it can achieve enhanced external quantum efficiency at wavelengths above 550 nm.
General Motors launches residential storage system
The US-based automotive manufacturing company said its new storage system offers the option of integrating with PV systems. It can be scaled to reach a capacity of up to 35.4 kWh, which the company said would enable approximately 20 hours of storage.
JinkoSolar, Trina say TOPCon modules outperform p-type back-contact panels
JinkoSolar and Trina Solar have separately reported that on-field testing shows tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar modules outperform p-type back-contact PV modules in monthly power generation.
Longi reveals details of 27.09%-efficient heterojunction back contact solar cell
In a new paper published in nature communications, the Chinese solar manufacturer explained that the heterojunction back contact cell it unveiled in late 2023 achieved one of the highest open-circuit voltage ever reported for this cell technology, as well as smaller than usual short-circuit current losses. The results were confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research (ISFH).
Carbon provides clarity on patent case with JA Solar
French PV manufacturer Carbon says it is leading a consortium that has filed a patent opposition against JA Solar’s tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patent at the European Patent Office (EPO) in May 2023. In early October, the EPO upheld the patent as valid, but Carbon says this ruling is only preliminary.
A look at next generation battery cells
The battery industry is experiencing a seismic shift with advancements in prismatic cell technology, led by companies like Cornex, which promise to reshape energy storage solutions.
Optimal tilt angle for bifacial PV deployed on white-painted ground surfaces
Scientists in India have analyzed the performance of a bifacial PV module installed on a white-painted ground surface and have found a 30-degree tilt angle outperforms all other inclinations angles in terms of power output.
Fraunhofer ISE, TMU build ‘aquavoltaic’ system for microalgae production
The system can reportedly reduce electricity costs in aquaculture. It consists of an open raceway pond, a mechanical paddle wheel, a motor and power transmission system, a motor speed control circuit, a 100 W photovoltaic module, and 12-V battery with a capacity of 60 Ah, an inverter, and a 10-A charge controller.
Japan’s Toyo plans 2 GW solar cell factory in Ethiopia
Tokyo-based Toyo Co. says it will invest $60 million in a new 2 GW solar cell factory in Ethiopia, to mostly serve the US market.
