Longi releases Hi-MO 5 snow-load test results
Longi Solar has released the data of an inhomogeneous snow-load test. Its results show that its 72-cell and 78-cell solar modules held 1,800 pascals more force than Trina Solar’s larger-format products before breaking. From pv magazine USA Glass is a very challenging material to study. Under minor deformation, its macroscopic properties are reversible, while its […]
Submersing modular raft for floating photovoltaics
Developed by a Dutch consortium, the Hide and Shine Floating Solar (HAS FPV) technology is claimed to be extremely resistant to storms and harsh weather conditions. The modules can be submerged totally or partially and, in case of a severe storm, they can be submerged up to two meters below the surface. Waterschap Rivierenland, the […]
The weekend read: Japan – After the FITs
Japan’s PV sector remains the third largest in the world in terms of installed capacity, at some 78.5GW, making it one of the leading global PV marketplaces in the last decade. But as the world races to install more solar, it is one of the few markets in recent years that has charted a decline […]
Mitrex releases solar brick for BIPV facades
Mitrex solar facades are being installed on a 7000 square feet area on a building in Canada, producing an estimated 90,000 kWh of power annually. From pv magazine USA Mitrex, a Canadian solar technology manufacturer, is launching the Solar Brick. This solar-integrated surface looks just like a brick wall, but embedded lie solar modules. Mitrex […]
Chinese PV Industry Brief: More glass capacity and a 5 GW module factory under construction
Glass maker Flat Glass wants to add 7,200 MT of new glass capacity spread across six new production lines and panel manufacturer Eging PV started construction of a new PV panel factory with an annual capacity of 5 GW. Glass maker Flat Glass announced on Wednesday a plan to add 7,200 MT of new glass […]
Thermochemical storage-plus-rooftop PV to store heat for winter months
A group of researchers in the United Kingdom is developing a modular, multi-vector energy system that can be installed into new homes and retrofitted into existing buildings to provide seasonal heat storage. In the proposed system configuration, a rooftop solar array would be used to power a heat pump or another electrical heating element, which […]
Solar-powered robotic mower for vineyards
Developed by a French start-up, the robotic mower can be used in a 50-unit herd across a property of around 50 hectares and a radius of 20 km. It is powered by polycrystalline cells and equipped with battery storage. The system can operate with a maximum slope of 15% and reach a speed of 300m/h. […]
Solar foil for BIPV applications
HyET Solar and the Delft University of Technology are developing a photovoltaic foil technology that is claimed to be suitable for any type of surface. The solar foil has a 12.0% conversion efficiency and is based on hydrogenated amorphous silicon and nanocrystalline silicon in a tandem cell configuration. Netherlands-based flexible solar module maker HyET Solar […]
New floating PV mounting structure from Austria
The floater consists of a structure made of HDPE plastic which is claimed to withstand waves of up to 3m and currents of up to 2m/s. According to the manufacturer — Austrian tech company SolOcean — the floating structure can be used for either onshore or offshore projects. Austrian technology company SolOcean GmbH Austria has […]
Philippines’ largest battery comes online at 120MW solar park
The 40MW/60MWh Alaminos Energy Storage system is now connected to the 120MW Alaminos solar park. Both facilities were built by renewable energy developer AC Energy. AC Energy Inc (ACEN), the renewable energy arm of Filipino conglomerate Ayala Corporation, has energized a 40MW/60MWh storage facility at the 120MW Alaminos Solar plant, one of the Philippines’ largest […]