‘The crop people don’t understand the PV aspect’
University of Exeter academic Aritra Ghosh tells pv magazine a multidiscipline approach is required to unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics. Discussing a new paper comparing static and tracker agrivoltaics systems in the United Kingdom, the researcher argues better understanding of microclimates under modules and how PV affects crop biochemistry is needed.
California’s new community solar program still isn’t working
pv magazine USA spoke with Aaron Halimi, founder and president of Renewable Properties, and Derek Chernow, Western Regional Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access, about the impact of California Public Utilities Commission’s final decision on the state’s community solar projects.
Progress on standardized tests, protocols for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
Researchers from University of Miyazaki in Japan have published a technical background paper about testing protocols to address the unique challenges of vehicle integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) modules. It features the background on a new numerical probability model that incorporates shading, partial-shading, dynamic shading, uneven terrain and modules’ curvatures.
Ecoprogetti delivers 300 MW solar panel production line to India’s SAEL
Ecoprogetti has shipped a 300 MW solar panel production line to India’s SAEL, designed to manufacture glass-glass bifacial panels using tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) M10 cells.
Ultrathin perovskite solar cell based on Gires-Tournois resonator
Scientists in China have conceived a perovskite solar cell that uses a back mirror based on silver to improve light harvesting. The device could reportedly achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 27%.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: January-October solar additions hit 181.3 GW
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says developers installed 181.3 GW of new PV capacity from January to October 2024, including 20.42 GW in October alone.
Startup to build wood solar canopies for collective energy in France
BoucL Énergie says it will install wooden-framed parking canopies in southern France, as part of a future collective self-consumption plan.
JA Solar plans 2 GW solar cell, module factory in Egypt
Chinese manufacturer JA Solar has agreed to build a 2 GW solar cell and module factory in Egypt with support from UAE-based Global South Utilities.
Italy approves 6 GW of utility-scale solar in first 10 months of 2024
Italy’s regional governments approved 6 GW of utility-scale solar projects between January and October 2024, according to updates from Terna’s Econnextion map. Most of these projects are concentrated in Sicily, Lazio, Puglia, Sardinia, and Basilicata.
Agrivoltaics can improve water conservation in Africa
Research led by the University of Sheffield installed an off-grid agrivoltaic system in Tanzania and a grid-tied agrivoltaic system in Kenya. They found the installations helped boost crop yield and conserve water while generating electricity at a lower cost than the national grid.
