Solar for extreme Arctic conditions
US researchers have installed a pilot 4.3 kW solar system at Oliktok Point, Alaska, north of the Arctic Circle. They want to determine which PV system designs and technologies are most efficient in extremely cold climates with limited sunlight.
Longi claims world’s highest efficiency for silicon solar cells
Longi said it has achieved a 26.81% efficiency rating for an unspecified heterojunction solar cell, as confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH).
Sunrise brief: Solar industry requests that Commerce throw out the tariff case
Also on the rise: Tackling soft costs in U.S. residential solar. REC Solar reports disappointing Q3 earnings, dip in poly sales. And more.
Novel soiling loss measurement system for PV installations
An international research group has developed new technology to measure soiling losses in PV installations, by using a simple pocket light. They said the new system offers similar performance to their reference devices.
JinkoSolar claims 23.86% efficiency for n-type, TOPCon monocrystalline panel
JinkoSolar’s newest PV module has an efficiency rating of 23.86%. It is based on its TOPCon mono cell tech, which achieved a record efficiency of 26.1% in October, as confirmed by TÜV Rheinland.
Long Duration Energy Storage funding opportunity for up to $350 million
U.S. Department of Energy announced a funding opportunity for demonstration projects capable of delivering electricity for 10 to 24 hours or more.
A majority of new solar panels will retain 80% production after 30 years
A five-year Sandia Labs study of new solar module degradation found that 13 of 23 tested module types would have effective lifetimes exceeding 30 years.
CSA Group opens EV, energy storage testing and standards facility
Ohio-based testing and certification facility to provide services to energy storage and EV equipment manufacturers.
Federal agencies are pursuing 37 R&D areas to help reach climate goals
A net-zero power grid with electrification is a priority area for research and development, says an interagency assessment, with R&D needed to advance distribution systems, transmission planning, long duration energy storage, and use of highways for transmission.
Underground heat exchanger to cool down solar panels
Spanish scientists have built a cooling system featuring heat exchangers on solar panels and U-shape heat exchangers installed in a borehole at a depth of 15 meters. The researchers claim that this reduces panel temperatures by up to 17%, while improving performance by about 11%.
