In search of the ‘most rational design’ for anti-reflective coating
Scientists in Spain have tested various properties of anti-reflective and anti-soiling coatings for PV module glass, aiming to develop a material that offers the best balance of desired material properties at the lowest cost. Over a year of testing, the best coatings were shown to boost module output by around 2%, and the group also made several observations that could influence future developments of coatings for PV module front glass.
Recycling PV panels: Why can’t we hit 100%?
In February, non-profit EU solar panel recycling body PV Cycle announced it had collected 5,000 tons of modules in France, of which 94.7% could be recycled. A reader asked us about the remaining 5.3% and here, PV Cycle’s communications manager, Bertrand Lempkowicz, responds.
MiaSole, dormant thin-film solar company, received more than $5 million in PPP loans
Why is an essentially bankrupt Chinese solar company that had already furloughed most of its staff receiving $5 to $10 million from the U.S. treasury?
Enphase and Sonnenstromfabrik unveil AC solar panel
The US microinverter producer and the German panel maker have launched a residential glass/glass PERC module equipped Enphase IQ 7+ device. The 60-cell PERC module is available in three versions with power output ranging from 320 to 330 W and efficiencies of 18.8% to 19.4%.
A closer look at JA Solar’s new 785/810 W panel series
According to the product sheet, the new series has dimensions of 2,219×1,765x40mm and weighs 43.5kg. Efficiency reportedly ranges from 20.1-20.8% and the module features a 12-year product warranty and 25-year linear power output guarantee.
Toledo Solar receives DOE grant to research lighter, steel-backed solar modules
As if being the only thin-film cadmium telluride solar panel manufacturer in the residential market wasn’t enough of a niche, Toledo Solar is now looking to develop something never done before: modules with glass-enameled steel backs.
Jinko unveils new 610 W solar panels
The Chinese manufacturer introduced new PV modules this weekend at the SNEC solar exhibition in Shanghai.
First Solar posts a strong Q2, global operations to be 100% renewably powered by 2028
Another stalwart of the solar industry was able to take the necessary precautions in order to maintain some sense of normalcy during the pandemic, leading to a quarter of increased sales, net cash and a positive outlook to finish off the year.
Residential solar customers don’t want the cheapest system in a $20K investment – they want the best one
Customers are willing to pay a premium for a brand name with a strong warranty.
Q Cells to acquire energy software startup Geli, expanding its storage capabilities to go after C&I markets
The acquisition is Q Cells’ first energy storage acquisition and marks its move into the U.S. commercial and industrial (C&I) solar-plus-storage market.
