Canada considers surtax on solar products, batteries from China
The Canadian government has launched a 30-day consultation to determine whether to impose a surtax on solar products, semiconductors, batteries, and battery parts from China. It recently slapped a 100% surtax on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
Kiwa PVEL, Kiwa PI Berlin outline best practices for PV module quality
Kiwa PVEL and Kiwa PI Berlin have published a white paper that uses recent module testing and in-factory data to guide the best use of testing and inspection metrics. The paper aims to ensure that solar modules meet acceptable quality standards.
Oxford PV starts commercial distribution of perovskite solar modules
Oxford PV is delivering its first commercial perovskite solar modules to U.S. customers. The 72-cell solar modules have an efficiency of 24.5% and, according to the company, can generate up to 20% more energy than conventional silicon modules.
Assessing viability of agrivoltaics in corn fields
Researchers from Purdue University have studied the impact of traditional photovoltaic systems and agrivoltaics deployed in corn croplands. They conclude agrivoltaics could offer a viable strategy to ease the current tradeoff between energy production, greenhouse gas emissions, food production and farm profitability.
PV systems can now support grid as fossil fuels decline
A new report by the International Energy Agency’s Photovoltaics Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) says that existing PV systems have the technical capabilities to provide various frequency-related grid services.
World’s highways could host 52.3 billion solar panels, say researchers
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tsinghua University, Chinese Academy of Geosciences, and Columbia University have concluded that solar-covered highways could meet more than 60% of the world’s annual energy needs.
Jera Nex acquires U.S. solar sites from Lightsource bp
Jera Nex has purchased two US solar arrays totaling 395 MW from Lightsource bp. The acquisition marks Jera Nex’s first deal since it launched in April. Lightsource bp will continue to manage assets and provide maintenance services at the projects.
New discovery paves the way for more efficient perovskite solar cells
Researchers from University of Texas have used computational methods to study the formation of polarons in halide perovskites. The findings revealed topological vortices in polaron quasiparticles.
WoodMac says global solar tracker shipments grew by 28% in 2023
Global tracker shipments reached 92 GWdc last year, according to WoodMackenzies’ latest report. The US accounted for the majority of the global market, with three US-based manufacturers, Nextracker, Array Technologies and GameChange Solar, ranking as the three largest shippers in the world.
U.S. engineers develop ChatGPT algorithm to design solar cells
OptoGPT is a new algorithm that harnesses the computer architecture underpinning ChatGPT. Its creators say that it will enable researchers and engineers to design optical multilayer film structures for a wide range of applications, including solar cells.
