GCL SI says it will track carbon emissions from polysilicon production to module assembly and shipping. Each module will have a QR code revealing its specific carbon emissions, protected by blockchain tech to prevent tampering. It says this will offer transparency in preparation for looming Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) rules.

Fischer has developed a clamp-free fastening system for facade PV systems, with a mounting solution that requires minimal gaps between modules. The company says it is simple to install and dismantle.

Envertech says its new microinverter has a maximum efficiency of 96.8%. The short-circuit current of the new product is 25 A and the voltage output is 220 V.

Vanadium offers unique characteristics as a battery material, as it can shed electrons without shifting from its ionic state, ensuring high cycling stability. South Korea’s Standard Energy has developed a battery with just 1% degradation after 20,000 cycles. The company has already completed 10 MWh of projects in its home market and now aims to expand internationally.

PV Expo Tokyo 2024, Japan’s main solar industry event, has concluded with record numbers, innovative products, and new trends. Storage auctions and new rules for power purchase agreements (PPAs) are driving the market to new spaces, as project developers scramble for land to build on, while lightweight plastic modules continue to gain prominence.

The trilogue negotiations on the Net-Zero Industry Act have concluded. The European Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on Feb. 6, following discussions on Article 20 Market Access, which set out the rules for resilience auctions.

High throughput and high precision can help reduce solar cell production costs. A research group at Fraunhofer ISE has made progress with a laser system to process wafers for metallization. The system reportedly works 10 to 20 times faster.

Switzerland will likely reach about 6.2 GW of cumulative installed PV capacity by the end of this year, according to new figures released by Swissolar, the nation’s PV association.

PreussenElektra has revealed plans to potentially develop Europe’s largest battery storage facility at the decommissioned Brokdorf nuclear power plant site in Germany, with 800 MW/1,600 MWh of capacity. The site operator now needs to secure approval to dismantle the nuclear plant.

It is extremely unlikely that a battery storage system will smoke, burn, or explode, despite a spate of recent reports. But what happens if something does go wrong? Do insurance companies pay out? Do premiums go up? How do insurers assess the issue?