Solar modules from Sharp with half-cut technology exceed 19.5% efficiency
The Japanese electronics giant has unveiled three monocrystalline half-cut cell modules said to provide 2% to 3% better performance than standard, full-cell panels. The claimed efficiency of the modules exceeds 19.5% and Sharp says power output ranges from 330 W to 395 W.
Battery roundup: funding for zinc-based storage, improved lithium-ion, new solid-state batteries
Venture capital is still flowing to energy storage startups and the march to improve a wide variety of battery chemistries continues.
Logic supports renewables, not nuclear
The latest edition of the World Nuclear Industry Status Report reiterates that clean power is taking the lead in the world’s energy system and nuclear is not only too costly a remedy for carbon emissions but too slow to deploy.
Ammonia in the mix for future storage technologies
Japan’s JGC Corporation reports an efficient method of converting hydrogen to ammonia, which can later be combusted to generate carbon-free electricity. Ammonia, according to JGC, has various advantages over hydrogen in terms of safety and cost effectiveness.
The race for battery manufacturing capacity: Ultra-fast charging potential
In this op-ed StoreDot Founder and CEO Dr. Doron Myersdorf discusses the current battery manufacturing landscape, the next steps the industry could take, and the potential behind new technologies.
Battery materials market to grow 9% through 2022
A report by Technavio suggests the global market for battery materials could grow 9% annually for the next four years. Analysts point to the increasing installation of storage systems with PV as a key driver. pv magazine has covered previous reports predicting significant growth in PV and storage systems.
Panasonic, Tesla reveal plan to produce lithium batteries in China
Tesla’s batteries may soon be Made in China. The announcement was made by Panasonic CEO Kazuhiro Tsuga during a conference accompanying the company’s 2018 fiscal-year results.
Apple claims to be 100% renewable-powered
Technology multinational Apple Inc. has announced that its global operations are now 100% powered by clean energy. Additionally, another nine of Apple’s manufacturing partners have committed to powering their production with 100% clean energy, meaning a total of 23 suppliers have now made this commitment.
Korea, Japan to retaliate over U.S. solar tariffs
Korea is making good on an earlier promise, and now Japan has joined in. Both nations demand that the Trump Administration reverse the tariffs, or suffer an equivalent volume of retaliatory tariffs.
Panasonic’s Oregon ingot and wafer facility goes up for auction
GA Global Partners is auctioning off the 130,000 square foot facility.
