Exploring the role of hybrid energy hubs: introducing IEA PVPS Task 20
The International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) is starting a new Task 20: Energy Hubs for Green Hydrogen. This joint effort with the IEA Wind and Hydrogen Technology Collaboration Programmes (TCPs) seeks to advance the integration of wind, solar, and hydrogen technologies into hybrid energy systems that produce green hydrogen efficiently and sustainably. Running from 2025 to 2028, Task 20 will address the practical, technical, environmental, and societal challenges associated with hybrid energy hubs, providing actionable insights for their implementation on a global scale.
German startup offers refurbished solar modules in balcony PV systems
Germany’s Panelretter is now offering German customers plug-in solar devices that use refurbished second-life solar modules. There are three different models with output ranging from 400 W to 810 W. The prices for the complete sets start at €220 ($232).
India reaches 63 GW of annual PV module manufacturing capacity
India has reached an annual PV module manufacturing capacity of about 63 GW, according to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy’s Approved List of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM).
Northern Europe takes the brunt of first winter systems
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that European solar generation displayed a sharp north-south divide in November. Southern Europe benefited from a stabilizing high-pressure system that deflected much of the Atlantic’s moisture-laden air masses northward.
PV-powered system to desalinate water, produce H2 for desert agriculture
Scientists have proposed a standalone system that uses freeze desalination and ice for air conditioning. It requires 10,785 square meters of c-Si bifacial PV panels and can operate throughout the day. Energetic efficiency is calculated as 17.8% during the day and 56% at night.
Researchers claim record-breaking 25.7% efficency for perovskite-organic tandem solar cell
Conceived by a research team from Germany’s University of Potsdam and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the tandem cell is based on a wide-bandgap perovskite bottom cell and a narrow-bandgap organic top device. The researchers used a compound known as cyclohexane 1,4-diammonium diiodide for suface passivation.
India imposes antidumping duties on solar glass from China, Vietnam
India’s Ministry of Finance has applied antidumping duties on solar glass imports from China in the range of $673 to $677 per metric ton and for imports from Vietnam at $565 per metric ton.
Scientists reveal factors for morphology control in organic solar cells
An international research team has fabricated organic solar cells using non-toxic solvents. The researchers identified interactions between the acceptor material side chains and the solvent, along with interactions between donor and acceptor materials, as key factors for controlling morphology in organic solar cells.
Trina Solar launches 760 W TOPCon module with 24.5% efficiency
The Chinese manufacturer said its new i-TOPCon Ultra panel is part of the Vertex N family and is intended for applications in utility-scale projects. It plans to begin mass production of the new modules in the second quarter of 2025, with an initial annual capacity of 10 GW.
Solargain digital twin integrates condition monitoring, quality assurance
Above Surveying, a U.K.-based services and software company, announced adding large-scale PV condition monitoring to its Solargain digital twin tool as a result of its partnership with Kiwa PI Berlin and 2DegreesKelvin.
