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.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Deye to build inverter factory in Malaysia
Deye, a Chinese inverter manufacturer, says it will invest $150 million to build a new production facility in Malaysia.
German institutes unveil facade with PV, weather protection, thermal insulation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (Fraunhofer UMSICHT) say their new facade combines PV modules, weather protection, and thermal insulation. It eliminates the need for a substructure and uses insulation made from sustainable raw materials.
Sino-American Silicon to halt production at solar cell factory
Sino-American Silicon (SAS) says it will suspend production at its solar cell factory in Taiwan from Jan. 7 to Feb. 4.
TU Delft scientists integrate power electronics for MPPT in solar modules
A research team in the Netherlands investigated how copper planar air-core inductors can yield the required inductor properties to support sub-module power conversion in PV modules. The scientists claim that implementing MPPT at the sub-module level can increase the panel’s tolerance to shade.
Dualsun presents heat pump-compatible residential PVT panel
The French manufacturer said its PVT module features a PV module efficiency of up to 21.8% and a thermal output ranging from 459 W/m2.
