New coating prevents plant growth on underwater solar cells
The US Navy has funded Danish research on preventing biofouling while maintaining visible light transmission on underwater solar cells. The top solution uses ultra-low concentrations of nano-sized, seawater-soluble pigments. Power generation stayed close to 100% after 13 weeks underwater.
Meyer Burger cancels US solar cell plant, announces restructuring
Colorado Springs solar cell plant halted as Swiss-German PV manufacturer announces company restructuring plans. Planned capacity expansion at Arizona module production plant also put on hold. Existing cell production site in Thalheim, Germany, to remain part of Meyer Burger operations.
TMEIC to open 9 GW utility-scale solar inverter factory in Texas
TMEIC says it will set up a 9 GW utility-scale solar inverter factory in Texas, in addition to relocating the headquarters of its TMEIC Corporation Americas unit to Houston in March 2025.
New process to recover silver from end-of-life solar cells achieves 98% efficiency
Scientists have used hydrometallurgical and electrochemical processes to recover pure silver from solar cells. The proposed technique also utilizes a method known as electrodeposition-redox replacement, which reportedly increases the silver recovery rate.
EDF Renewables wins tender for largest PV plant in Israel
EDF Renewables says it has won a tender to build and operate Israel’s largest PV plant, a 300 MW project near Dimona, with a bid under $0.019/kWh – the lowest price ever in the Israeli market.
How much shade is enough?
Researchers have covered part of a rooftop solar plant with a different numbers of shading cloth layers to measure their power, current, and voltage. They have been able to identify a point after which the value of system current and maximum power is no longer sensitive to shading heaviness.
Global polysilicon prices stable amid steady fundamentals
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.
East-west vertical PV as antidote for soiling in desert regions
New research shows that east-west-oriented vertical PV installations can significantly help reduce soiling in desert environments. The scientists found that PV power generation can be up to 9% higher in vertical systems compared to conventional arrays.
Vena Energy moves ahead with 550 MW of solar in the Philippines
Singapore’s Vena Energy and MGen Renewable Energy, the renewables unit of Manila-based Meralco PowerGen Corp., have signed an investment agreement for 550 MW of solar in the Philippines. Construction is due to start later this year.
Northvolt closes Cuberg’s ops, shifts lithium-metal battery R&D to Sweden
Three years after acquiring US-based Cuberg, Swedish battery maker Northvolt has decided to shut down the California unit and move future lithium-metal battery R&D to Sweden.
