Technology and R&D

Agri-Light has launched its first pilot agrivoltaic project, using a two-axis solar installation on a rail system to move solar panels horizontally above a vineyard in the Negev Desert. The results are due this summer, and the company plans to build commercial projects in Israel and Spain next year.

The updated IEA PVPS Task 12 Fact Sheet provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impacts associated with PV systems. It highlights the significant advancements made in PV technology, emphasizing improved efficiencies and reduced environmental footprints.

The National Renewable Energy Laboratory noted an increase in spontaneous glass breakage in solar panels. The PV Module Index from the Renewable Energy Test Center investigates this and other glass-related trends in solar manufacturing.

New testing conducted at France’s oldest PV system have shown that its solar modules can still provide performance values in line with what the manufacturers promised.

An Indian-US research team has fabricated a four-terminal perovskite-cadmium telluride tandem solar cell by utilizing a highly conductive and sputtered transparent electrode to increase the current density of the bottom cell. The tandem device combines a 18.3%-efficient top perovskite cell and a 19.53%-efficient cadmium telluride bottom device.

Researchers at the University of South Carolina have successfully transitioned their highly-durable lithium-sulfur battery technology from coin to pouch cells and reported competent energy densities.

Scientists in South Africa have modeled a photovoltaic system connected to a thermoelectric cooling device and have found it may produce around 9.2% more electricity than conventional PV system without cooling. The research team claims the proposed system guarantees a minimum cost saving of 10.56%.

The road to net-zero emissions in India doesn’t require herculean efforts. We can get there by wholeheartedly adopting renewables, investing in innovation and technology, and promoting public-private partnerships to build a better, cleaner, and more sustainable India for generations to come.

Through the agreement, Reliance gets access to Nel’s technology platform for manufacturing alkaline electrolyzers.

IEA-PVPS is poised to launch a new format for expert engagement. It will include an action group on agrovoltaics, as well as a collaborative effort to match agriculture and solar generation. It aims to unlock the potential of agrivoltaics, optimize land use efficiency, enhance agricultural resilience to climate change, and foster social consensus for solar development.