New membrane promises cheaper electrolysis
A novel anion exchange membrane has been developed by German chemical company Evonik. Its creators claim it can make hydrogen generation cheaper, as the cells used for electrolysis featuring the device would not require precious metals.
Enphase and Sonnenstromfabrik unveil AC solar panel
The US microinverter producer and the German panel maker have launched a residential glass/glass PERC module equipped Enphase IQ 7+ device. The 60-cell PERC module is available in three versions with power output ranging from 320 to 330 W and efficiencies of 18.8% to 19.4%.
Aluminum energy storage coming to Abu Dhabi
Swedish start-up Azelio says it will have a pilot project up and running in Masdar City by the end of next month. The technology sees electricity used to super heat aluminum with energy released on demand via a heat transfer fluid to drive a Stirling engine.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Tongwei halts polysilicon output due to flood threat
A unit of the manufacturer has suspended poly production in Sichuan province because of flooding fears. The temporary factory shutdown will shave 25% off the group’s output capacity.
German researchers identify source of impurities in multicrystalline silicon
Scientists from Fraunhofer IISB, Wacker Chemie and Alzchem say unwelcome metals enter the silicon primarily through coating of the quartz crucible. The finding could enable manufacturers to make predictions about the quality of silicon blocks.
A closer look at JA Solar’s new 785/810 W panel series
According to the product sheet, the new series has dimensions of 2,219×1,765x40mm and weighs 43.5kg. Efficiency reportedly ranges from 20.1-20.8% and the module features a 12-year product warranty and 25-year linear power output guarantee.
Testing CPM-based passive cooling for CPV systems
An international research team has tested change material heat sinks for heat management on a concentrator photovoltaic system. It found that increasing over height ratios lowers the formation of stratified liquid layers, which in turn reduces the potential hot spots in the upper part of the solar cell.
Talesun unveils 570-590 W solar module series
The new module series is available in five versions with power outputs claimed by Talesun of 570-590 W and reported efficiencies of 20.3-21.0%.
Solar modules with glass-enameled steel backs
U.S.-based Toledo Solar has secured a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to conduct research on lighter, steel-backed solar modules.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Higher cell prices and plans for 36 GW of new cell capacity
Chinese solar cell manufacturer Tongwei has raised its cell prices by 9% this week after having increased them by 10% three weeks earlier. Another cell manufacturer, Aiko Solar, has unveiled a plan to deploy 36 GW of new cell production capacity.
