World

Researchers in Sweden have developed a new PVT module using an aluminum alloy structure between the thermal absorber and the photovoltac cells. This architecture reportedly reduces thermal expansion by 20%, thus increasing the chances of mitigating cracks in the PV unit.

The Indonesian government has ended net metering for rooftop solar installations. The Jakarta-based Institute for Essential Services Reform says this could make it harder for the country to meet its solar deployment targets, as PV installations will become more expensive for households and small businesses.

Canadian Solar says its new 14 GW vertically integrated cell and module factory will require an investment of CNY 9.63 billion ($1.33 billion), while Aiko Solar says it will invest CNY 9.97 billion in a 10 GW facility.

Polycab has unveiled three-phase inverters for residential and commercial rooftop solar PV projects. The inverters have a nominal power rating ranging from 5 kW to 30 kW and a maximum efficiency of 98.4%.

Indian researchers have proposed to build tandem solar cells based on a CIGS top cell and a bottom cell relying on a single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) absorber. SWCNTs were previously used in solar research as an alternative to conventional metal grid contacts or hole transport layers (HTLs), as they combine optoelectronic properties, flexibility, chemical stability, and simple transfer protocols.

Solar module prices could slightly increase as European warehouses reduce their panel stockpiles, says Leen van Bellen, business development manager Europe for Search4Solar, a Dutch purchasing platform for solar products. He tells pv magazine that TOPCon modules will soon overtake traditional PERC products in Europe.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad, a Kuala Lumpur-based utility, says it plans to install floating solar farms at its hydropower facilities. It targeting 2.5 GW of capacity to support Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap.

Swiss solar panel maker Meyer Burger will seek shareholder approval for a rights issue of as much as CHF 250 million ($284 million) to finance the completion of its US manufacturing facilities in Colorado and Arizona.

Developed by scientists in Germany, the triple-junction cell is based on a perovskite top cell with an energy bandgap of 1.84 eV, a perovskite middle cell with bandgap of 1.52 eV, and a silicon bottom cell with a bandgap of 1.1 eV. The device achieved an open-circuit voltage of 2.84 V, a short-circuit current of 11.6 mA cm–2, and a fill factor of 74%.

Socomec says its new modular energy storage system includes a converter and up to six battery cabinets. At maximum capacity, it can store 1,116 kWh.