Solar panel price drop in November may mark end of downward trend
Martin Schachinger, founder of pvXchange.com, says the 8% price drop in November for solar modules could mark the end of sustained declines, as market signals are pointing to a possible recovery.
China issues stricter investments rules for PV manufacturing
China has tightened investment rules for PV manufacturing, raising the minimum capital ratio for starting projects from 20% to 30%, according to new standardized guidelines announced by the government.
Trina Solar claims record-breaking efficiency of 26.58% for TOPCon solar cell
Trina Solar says it has achieved a record efficiency of 26.58% for a tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cell. The Chinese manufacturer says Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH) has independently verified the result.
Balloon-integrated PV system for emergency power needs at low altitude
Researchers in China have created a balloon-integrated photovoltaic system that reportedly represents a feasible solution for emergency PV power generation in mid-to-high latitudes. It consists of a customized balloon, 19%-efficient thin-film cadmium telluride solar cells, an exhaust valve, control and storage modules, fixed ropes, and a cord reel, as well as an upper hemisphere and a lower arc surface.
Rooftop rollout drives impressive growth for Australian installers
Australia’s record uptake of rooftop solar is delivering significant benefits for some installers, with new analysis by industry consultancy Solar Nerds showing triple-digit percentage point annual growth rates for some companies.
Inkjet printed formamidinium tin-lead perovskite cell with 10.26% efficiency
Researchers from Germany and India have demonstrated an inkjet printing method to fabricate formamidinium tin-lead perovskite solar cells, achieving 10.26% power conversion efficiency and a 1.25 eV energy bandgap.
New algorithm may help mitigate unequal power curtailment
Developed by researchers in South Africa, the proposed technique is based on the water cycle algorithm (WCA), a population-based metaheuristic optimization algorithm that is inspired by the water cycle process in nature and how streams and rivers flow into the sea.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 65 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 17 new results reported in the new version.
Barcelona testing PV shade canopies
The Barcelona City Council is piloting two solar system prototypes designed to provide shade, generate power, and filter air.
Germany’s national, federal highways could host 54 GW of PV
A new study by Germany’s Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) points to strong potential for solar deployment across the nation’s roadways and highways.
