Germany: 293 GW solar potential
In a study, researchers identified that 143 GW of solar PV could be installed, restriction-free, on just 0.9% of Germanys landmass. Another 150 GW would be possible on rooftops. In this case, however, it will depend on how solar thermal will be expanded, and how many owners will invest.
Panasonic announces 22.5% module-level efficiency solar panel
Company claims new solar module prototype sets new world record for module-level efficiency based on mass-production technology. New HIT N330 high-powered module set to debut in U.K.
Cloaking technology refracts light around metallization fingers
German researchers have applied the approach used by invisibility cloak research to direct sunlight around busbars and metallization fingers to potentially increase PV cell and module efficiency. The research was carried out by a team of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and could potentially increase cell efficiency by 10%.
SolarCity to begin production of >22% efficient PV modules this month
Calling it the world’s most efficient rooftop solar panel, the company says it will produce PV modules with greater than 22% efficiency at a pilot facility.
INDEOtec sells Octopus II PECVD tool to French institute
Swiss PECVD tool developer INDEOtec has sold one of its Octopus II PECVD tools to Frances IPVF (Institut Photovoltaique dIle-de-France). The Octopus II tool is a deposition platform for high efficiency PV cell production, such as HJT concepts.
Energy Research Centre of the Netherlands to expand PV testing
The Hague-based high-tech company Eternal Sun, a specialist in solar testing equipment, designed and upgraded the Energy Research Centre’s new testing lab.
Southern Company, EPRI tap LG Chem for battery testing project
The project will provide data to help Southern Company understand how well the battery energy storage system works to store and discharge solar energy.
SolarReserve receives CSP SunShot award, to advance storage technology
SolarReserve LLC has received an award from the U.S. Department of Energy under the SunShot Initiative to advance its CSP technology. With the help of a US$2.4 million grant, the company aims to improve its molten salt energy storage capabilities.
California: EPRI, SunEdison partner on net-zero energy home pilot project
The program will be crucial in evaluating how net-zero energy homes that generate and store their own energy impact the local electricity grid. California is aiming to have all new homes net-zero starting in 2020, and all new commercial buildings by 2030.
Fraunhofer debuts world record 25.1% efficient TOPCon solar cell
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has achieved an efficiency of 25.1% on a both sides-contacted silicon solar cell. In addition to increasing efficiencies, the TOPCon technology is said to simplify manufacturing processes.
