Sandra Enkhardt
German startup offers plug-and-play 2.46 kW PV system
Wattando has developed a new rooftop PV solution that can be easily connected to a household’s power network via an AC connection. The system uses existing infrastructure and reportedly reduces installation work and time.
ITRPV says solar module prices fell 50% in 2023
The new edition of the International Technology Roadmap for Photovoltaic (ITRPV), published this week, reveals that the world’s installed PV capacity reached 1.6 TW at the end of last year. The learning curve, which reflects average module prices relative to cumulative shipments, is 24.9% for the period from 1976 to 2023.
Europe’s largest PV plant goes online
Hansainvest Real Assets has switched on Europe’s largest solar plant – a 605 MW installation in Saxony, Germany. The project spans 500 hectares and operates under a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Shell Energy Europe.
Meyer Burger announces 500 layoffs at German PV module factory
Meyer Burger says it plans to lay off 500 people at its PV module factory in Germany, but some employees might be relocated within the company. It says about 400 workers will lose their jobs.
Trina Solar launches all-black 450 W solar modules
Trina Solar has developed all-black, 450 W solar modules, featuring n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells, with a power conversion efficiency of 22.5%.
Bauer Solar warns about counterfeit solar modules under its brand name
Several containers with fake glass-glass module are said to be in circulation in Europe. Germany’s Bauer Solar has taken legal action against the counterfeiters, who are suspected to be based in China. It said the fake panels can be identified by the packaging and a lack of wooden reinforcements for the pallets.
Hyundai acquires stake in German PV recyling specialist Flaxres
Flaxres says it will leverage Hyundai’s capabilities to expand its business outside of Germany. The company has developed a solar module recycling technology that is based on short-term high-temperature heating using flash lamps.
Meyer Burger unveils black HJT solar panels for balcony applications
Switzerland-based manufacturer Meyer Burger has developed black heterojunction (HJT) solar modules for balconies, featuring 800 W microinverters, smart control units, and mounting systems.
JinkoSolar to give TOPCon patents to rivals in exchange for licensing fees
JinkoSolar is offering its n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) patents to competitors to encourage technological development and prevent legal conflicts.
Fraunhofer IWU unveils online tool for sizing of rooftop PV systems
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Fraunhoer IWU) has developed a new online tool to calculate the size of rooftop solar arrays, heat pumps and batteries.
