Rayton Solar tries to revolutionize wafer production
Rayton Solar is trying to revolutionize the way solar panel manufacturers produce their products, claiming its silicon ingot/wafer creation process will shave 60% off the per-watt prices of this crucial component of solar systems.
NREL takes lead on $30m consortium to improve PV technology performance
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory will lead a consortium comprising Sandia National Laboratories and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory on the development of new solar module materials.
DOE announces $107 million in funding for solar technologies
$42 million has been awarded to 40 projects with a range of applications, with another $65 million in funding planned for upcoming R&D projects.
Advanced Microgrid Solutions to embark on 40 MW SoCal storage project
The San Francisco-based clean tech firm has been selected by Southern California Edison to deliver a 40 MW fast-response energy storage system in the state to help manage circuit load and integrate higher levels of solar energy.
Quality, now more than ever: An interview with Bill Gambogi and Bob Olsen of DuPont
As part of a focus on PV module and system quality in preparation for our Quality Roundtable at the Solar Power International Trade show in Las Vegas, pv magazine brings you an interview with DuPont Research Fellow Bill Gambogi and Director of Corporate Marketing Bob Olsen.
Burnt out, incompatible connectors
Quality control campaign: PV panel manufacturers selling plug connectors as MC4 compatible is nothing unusual. Two operators who have installed such modules are now struggling with lost insurance coverage and fires.
Quality: Minor differences in yield percentage make the difference between good and bad investment
Changing technology, pressure to cut costs, dizzying price slumps and a number of other issues make solar module quality control as relevant as ever. The danger that modules could fail outright remains slim, so module reliability is still decisive for the success of the investment, explains George Touloupas, Director of Technology and Quality at CEA, in preparation of the 4th pv magazine Quality roundtable at SPI.
Solar is displacing gas in California’s summer electricity mix
Increased renewable energy output, including solar, cut in-state thermal generation 20% during the summer of 2016.
USAID to fund solar research projects in India and Morocco
The U.S. Agency for International development (USAID) announced that it will provide USD10 million in funding to a number of projects aimed at addressing critical areas of development, two of the projects center on solar research in India and in Morocco.
Poor quality planning: Shifting the blame, passing the buck
An installation company in the Midwest reports how blame was laid at their door for defective PV panels. The actual cause of the defects probably lie elsewhere.
