Fraunhofer ISE warns of risk from higher than expected UV-induced degradation in TOPCon, PERC, HJT cells
The researchers of the German institute explained that UV-induced degradation may cause larger than expected efficiency and voltage losses in all dominant cell technologies, including TOPCon devices. The scientists expect that silicon nitride layers could be used to enhance TOPCon UV stability compared to PECVD layers typically utilized in PERC and heterojunction cells.
Indian scientists develop 40%-efficient dye sensitzed solar cell for indoor applications
An India-based research team has boosted the power conversion efficiency and stability of indoor dye-sensitized solar cells based on co-sensitized organic dyes. The best indoor PV devices achieved 40% efficiency under 4000 lux fluorescent lighting and 10.40% under standard AM 1.5G one sun illumination.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: China Coal secures 4 GW of modules at $0.10/W
China Coal Energy Group (China Coal) has ordered 4 GW of solar modules from JinkoSolar, Tongwei, JA Solar, and DAS Solar at $0.10/W, including 3 GW of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) panels and 1 GW of passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) products.
Ecoprogetti completes 50 MW solar panel production line in Oman
Oman has launched its first solar panel production line. A project spokesperson told pv magazine that the facility will serve the domestic market and countries throughout Africa. It is currently supplying panels for a 200 MW project.
McLaren Applied acquires Italian inverter maker Fimer
McLaren Applied Group has purchased Italian inverter manufacturer Fimer for an undisclosed sum through its subsidiary, MA Solar Italy Ltd. The deal, which includes Fimer’s business assets, will help McLaren Applied expand its core operations.
Agrivoltaics can increase grape yield by up to 60%
French agrivoltaics company Sun’Agri says that two of its facilities increased grape yields by 20% to 60% in 2024, compared to areas without solar panels. The PV modules helped regulate temperature fluctuations, reducing summer heat peaks and winter temperature declines.
Sinovoltaics updates PV module manufacturer financial stability ranking
The latest list sees India-based Insolation Energy, Waaree Renewable Technologies, and Solex Energy maintain the top three positions and Kyocera entering the top ten, up from thirteenths spot.
Grew, Jakson, Jupiter Renewables, Saatvik to set up solar factories in India
The government of the Indian state of Odisha has approved new solar manufacturing investments from Grew, Jakson, Jupiter Renewables, and Saatvik.
Overhead agrivoltaics could disrupt global navigation satellite systems used for precision agriculture
Fraunhofer ISE researchers have investigated whether PV panels installed above orchards can affect the reception of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and, in turn, affect the precision of advanced autonomous tools. They found a disruption and suggested some alternatives.
Solar wafer prices stable, potential price hikes loom amid trade policy changes
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.
