Putting bifacial modules to the test
US scientists recently put different bifacial solar cells and modules through a series of tests at elevated temperature, humidity, voltage and mechanical stress levels. The tests revealed a range of light-induced and potential-induced degradation mechanisms that modules will likely suffer in the field.
Budget-friendly robotic cleaning solution for solar panels
India-based Solavio has developed Eco Bot portable and shareable robotic cleaning solution that is compatible with both ground-mount and rooftop PV installations.
Recycling key to solar sustainability
A new study of the environmental impacts of renewable energy finds significant opportunities for solar to reduce its impacts in various categories, including human health, resource depletion, and environmental damage. The study notes in particular that more work is needed to establish a comprehensive reuse and recycling network for end-of-life PV products.
Cooling down solar modules by increasing space between panel rows
A US research team claims to have demonstrated that increasing the spacing of solar panels between rows improves PV system efficiency and economics by allowing airflow to cool down the modules. The method could improve a project’s LCOE by as much as 2.15% in certain climates.
UK-backed Neev Fund invests $25 million in Hygenco
Haryana-based Hygenco plans to develop and rapidly scale up multiple green hydrogen facilities across India in the next two years.
Automating maintenance for solar power plants
Robotics is evolving to ease the maintenance of solar power plants. From drones combined with thermal imaging to the robotic cleaning crew for large-scale solar PV plants, automation and robotics are constantly evolving for the cleaning and maintenance of PV plants.
Photovoltaic-thermal solar tiles
Germany’s Paxos is currently testing the solar tile in a testing facility connected to an air heat pump. The panel can provide heat and electricity at the same time, while also improving the heat pump’s coefficient of performance by around 25%.
Jakson Green to develop $2.8 billion green ammonia and green hydrogen project in Rajasthan
Jakson Green, a new energy platform backed by Jakson Group, will set up a 365,000 tons per annum green hydrogen and green ammonia plant in Rajasthan. It will develop the plant, along with an integrated hybrid renewable power complex, in phases with a cumulative investment of about INR 22,400 crore.
PCM-based thermal battery to store solar power via heat pump
Norway’s SINTEF has designed a heat storage system based on phase change materials (PCM) that can support PV generation and peak shaving. The battery’s container hosts 3 tons of liquid biowax based on vegetable oil and is now beating performance expectations at a pilot facility.
Hitachi Energy to supply power transformers for India’s largest solar energy park
Hitachi Energy will provide made-in-India power transformers for NTPC’s upcoming 4.75 GW solar energy park in Gujarat.
