Emiliano Bellini
New model to identify optimal power sizing ratio for solar inverters
Researchers in Malaysia have proposed a new approach to identify the optimal power sizing ratio to balance PV energy capture with inverter costs. The calibrated model is said to accurately reflect the relationship between inverter efficiency and real-world system behavior.
Japan’s 20th solar auction concludes with average final price of $0.029/kWh
Japan has allocated 93 MW of PV capacity in its latest procurement exercise. The lowest bid for a 1.9 MW solar project came in at JPY 4.5 ($0.029)/kWh, while the average final price was JPY 6.8/kWh.
PV module cooling tech based on water chamber
Scientists in Malta have created an after-market cooling solution that can be fitted to existing standard PV modules. The system is based on a water chamber placed at the backside of the module and can reportedly provide a net electrical energy gain of more than 9%.
Researchers find agrivoltaics have LCOE of $0.039/kWh, 7-year payback time in India
Indian researchers have compared the performance of an agrivoltaic system to monofacial and bifacial rooftop PV systems, and have found that the agrivoltaics setup had a shorter payback time and lower levelized cost of energy. Their analysis of performance considered panel temperature, power output, land equivalent ratio, and reliability.
ReCreate unveils details of US solar cell, module factory
The new venture is expected to bring 2 GW of solar module manufacturing capacity to the US market within 18 to 24 months.
Trina Solar probing potential breaches of TOPCon patents
Trina Solar says it has started evaluating potential violations of some of its patents for tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) tech. One of the patents focuses on the number of busbars and their width in TOPCon solar panels.
WTO accuses China of low transparency on state subsidies, including solar
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat has criticized China for an alleged lack of transparency in its state support framework and has urged the nation to improve its subsidy notification process.
First Solar probes potential infringement of TOPCon patents
First Solar says it is evaluating potential infringement of its patents for its tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) tech, secured through the acquisition of TetraSun in 2013. The US thin-film solar module manufacturer has not named the companies involved or given a timeline for the investigation.
JinkoSolar-led group to build 10 GW solar cell, module factory in Saudi Arabia
A JinkoSolar-led consortium has announced plans to construct a 10 GW solar cell and module factory in Saudi Arabia with PIF and Vision Industries Company.
High-altitude floating PV has energy payback time of 2.8 years
New research from Switzerland showed that alpine floating PV systems can outperform lowland or ground-mounted counterparts in terms of energy yield and sustainability. The scientists found that the main material-reduction potential of such floating PV installations lies in the resource-intensive mounting system.
