A year in PV: Technology trends in 2021
The PV industry in 2021 has largely been defined by disruption: Price increases from raw materials to final shipping have led to shortages in PV module supply and project delays the world over. Despite these upsets, innovation has continued at pace, and the year has seen plenty of technological twists and turns that are sure to spell good news for solar in the long run. Read on for a look back at some of the biggest developments.
Meyer Burger brings 400 MW high-performance solar module manufacturing to Arizona
A diversified and talented workforce, proximity to customers, and strong partnerships on the ground in Arizona prompted Meyer Burger to establish a production site in Goodyear, Arizona.
Toshiba claims 8.4% efficiency for transparent cuprous oxide solar cell
The record efficiency was achieved by engineering the cell with reduced copper(II) oxide (CuO) and copper (Cu) impurities in the thin-film deposition. It showed an open-circuit voltage of 1.13 V, a short-circuit current of 10.63 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.696.
NREL launches international consortium to advance high-tech mirrors used in concentrating solar plants
Goal is to reduce cost of heliostats by 50% and accelerate U.S. manufacturing
Canadian BIPV maker releases 350 W shingle-mimicking modules
The panels match the look of composite shingles and come in four different shades.
Folded steel solar module frame nets DOE prize
Origami Solar’s steel frame is designed to reduce costs and carbon footprint, and address supply chain barriers.
Proterra plans to open EV battery factory in South Carolina
The company’s first battery system factory on the East Coast is expected to produce multiple gigawatt hours of annual battery capacity and create more than 200 new jobs.
Li-Cycle to upsize Rochester Hub facility in face of growing demand
The facility will be expanded to process 35,000 tons of “black mass” annually, enough material for 225,000 electric vehicles.
Solar-powered EV car charging manufacturer receives $2.5 million in tax credits
California-based Infinity Energy plans to build $11 million facility for manufacturing solar-powered electric car charging stations
Saudi Arabian module manufacturer to enter US market
The company currently has a manufacturing capacity of 110 MW, which is planned for expansion to 1 GW by 2023.
