Overhead vs. vertical agrivoltaics
A survey conducted by Dutch researchers has compared the visual impact of overhead and vertical agrivoltaics farms on nearby residents and has found that vertical arrays look less invasive.
The effect of extreme dust conditions on PV system performance
Scientists in Romania have found that extreme dust conditions may cause losses of 45.35% and 38.14% in maximum power and short-circuit current under outdoor conditions for different kinds of solar modules. They warned that, if the effects of climate change escalate, resulting in less rainfall and more frequent sandstorm events originating from the Saharan region, extreme scenarios are very likely to occur in Europe.
The solar rebound effect in residential PV
The rebound effect consists of a reduction in expected gains from a more resource-efficient technology as a result of behavioral or systemic change. An international research team has investigated this phenomenon in the residential PV segment in Vietnam and has found that it could happen in any country where the policy supporting solar power is not fully and scientifically explained.
New CIGS solar cell design with antimony trisulfide promises 31.15% efficiency
The novel solar cell uses antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) as the back surface field (BSF) layer. According to its creators, this layer can be included in conventional CIGS solar cells to improve their efficiency and reduce the absorber material’s cost.
New anti-reflective coating for silicon solar cells
Developed by an international research group, the novel anti-reflective coating is based on silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide. It reportedly minimizes a solar cell’s reflection loss, while enhancing its light absorption properties.
Photovoltaics for wastewater disinfection
Researchers in Spain have developed a new system that simultaneously produces PV power and disinfects wastewater.
Israel raises tariffs for commercial PV by up to 33%
Israel’s Electricity Authority says it has reached a decision on tariffs, as current rates do not ensure the viability of large rooftop PV projects. It has also raised the tariff for stored electricity sold at peak times.
Drones vs. aircrafts for PV plant inspection
Scientists in Italy have investigated the performance of drones and a human-crewed airplanes for carrying out aerial infrared thermography inspections on PV power plants. According to their findings, airplanes may be more cost-effective.
The Hydrogen Stream: Hyundai, IIT Madras partner to set up Hydrogen Innovation Valley in the Indian State of Tamil Nadu
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) announced it has received a grant of INR 100 crore (over $12 million) from Hyundai towards the establishment of a dedicated ‘Hydrogen Innovation Valley’ in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu.
Israeli startup launches 530 W bifacial PVT panel
P.G. Solar Greener says that its new panels have a thermal capacity of 1,280 Wh. They can reportedly achieve an overall dual electrical efficiency of 26%, due to an embedded cooling technique.
