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.
Australian utility strikes offtake deal for 288 MW solar farm
The first large-scale solar project in the Australian state of Tasmania has been locked in, with project developer TasRex reaching a commercial offtake agreement with utility Hydro Tasmania.
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.
North America faces cloudy November with few brights for solar
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that November proved challenging for solar energy across most of the US and Canada, as persistent cloud cover reduced solar irradiance.
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.
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.
Australia launches 6 GW wind, solar tender
Registration has opened for the Australian government’s fourth Capacity Investment Scheme tender, which aims to underwrite contracts for 6 GW of new solar and wind projects.
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.
