Utility SCE unveils largest battery storage system in US
The 32 MWh storage system has been part-funded by the Department of Energy and is set to push the capabilities of energy storage on the grid.
Under the hood of the latest 21.7% CIGS world record
ZSW head Michael Powalla discusses the processes that led researchers to the 21.7% CIGS efficiency record.
Forecast 2030: stored electricity at $0.05/kWh
Winfried Hoffmann, a well-known figure throughout the PV world, has created a learning curve for battery storage that predicts costs will fall much faster than many experts believe.
Manz secures EUR 20 million loan for CIGS research
The credit line is part of an initiative to support midcap companies launched by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank, which describes Manz as “a technology leader well on a par with international competitors.”
Kyocera jumps aboard imec's solar cell R&D program
The Belgian nanoelectronics research center’s industrial affiliation program to advance next-gen solar cells has attracted the Japanese electronics giant.
ZSW sets 21.7% thin film efficiency record
Scientists at Stuttgart’s Centre for Solar Energy and Hydrogen Research have regained the gong for CIGS efficiency, improving upon the previous record of 21%.
ISC Konstanz, MegaCell sign transfer deal for N-Type BiSoN cell technology
The agreement will help Franco Traverso’s recently launched Italian cell company to reach an annual capacity of 80 MW for bifacial BiSoN solar cells with 30% more energy yield. The German R&D institute’s partnership with Centrotherm will further enhance efficiency and reduce manufacturing cost of BiSoN technology.
Brighter skies leading to 5% PV yield increases
New research from Germanys Fraunhofer ISE has shown that brighter skies are leading to PV system output exceeding forecasts by 5%. Fraunhofer has adjusted its forecast models accordingly.
Printable solar cells close to commercialization
Australian research organization CSIRO says its solar cells, printable onto plastic, are nearing market. CSIRO says domestic solar dye cell manufacturer Dyesol is interested in commercializing the technology.
Natcore research may cut cell production costs by using copper
By switching from silver to copper, the cost of producing a solar cell would fall by a fraction of a cent. Yet in building a 100 MW facility, developers could save more than $100,000.
