Comparing safety profiles of lithium-ion, sodium-ion and solid-state batteries
New research finds that battery safety rankings are not universal but highly dependent on application scenarios, and shows that LFP batteries can emit high levels of hydrogen fluoride, challenging their reputation as the “safest” chemistry.
Silver-saving efforts ramping up in solar industry, says Heraeus
Rising silver prices are putting pressure on solar manufacturers, prompting greater focus on copper and other alternatives to reduce costs. Heraeus says it expects silver demand from photovoltaics to decline this year despite stable global installations.
Can sodium-ion beat Li-ion in portable power? Bluetti Pioneer Na gives it a try
The world of batteries needs alternative chemistries to skirt weaknesses with lithium-ion. Sodium-ion is a big hope, and in portable power, Bluetti’s new product shows promise, and limitations.
The impact of land slope on agrivoltaics feasibility
Brazilian scientists have developed a slope-based framework for agrivoltaics, finding that sites below 15% gradient offer the best balance between agricultural suitability and technical feasibility. Their review of 30 studies shows that steeper terrain can host PV systems with adapted designs, land-use limits, erosion risks, and rising installation costs.
Longi builds 27.25%-efficient back-contact solar cells with high-resistivity wafers
High-resistivity silicon wafers offer superior efficiency potential but are highly sensitive to edge recombination and mechanical damage, limiting their commercial use compared to more robust standard wafers. Researchers from Longi and Sun Yat-sen University demonstrated that integrating in-situ edge passivation unlocks this potential, significantly boosting back-contact solar cell fill factor and efficiency.
Polysilicon transactions remain subdued amid buyer hesitancy
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
World’s first 628 Ah grid-scale battery enters operation
EVE Energy says a 200 MW/400 MWh battery energy storage project in China has entered operation, which it describes as the world’s first utility-scale deployment of 628 Ah lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cells.
Scientists say land-preservation costs should be factored into agrivoltaics’ LCOE calculations
German researchers found that agrivoltaics costs far exceed agricultural benefits, raising doubts about subsidies and highlighting the need for more cost-competitive system designs.
Bondada Engineering partners Dubai’s Bryanston to develop renewables-powered data centers
Hyderabad-based Bondada Engineering Ltd (BEL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dubai-headquartered Bryanston Renewables FZCO to jointly develop renewable energy-powered data centers in India and select international markets.
UV testing, solar cell factory inspection now mandatory for Munich Re’s PV warranty insurance
The world’s largest reinsurer has recently introduced stricter requirements for PV warranty insurance to further de-risk insured PV parks and set a higher benchmark for industry wide reliability and production quality.
