Asia

Inspired by the lotus effect, scientists from Negev-based BGU have examined mechanisms and forces that may be improved to keep dust off solar cells for higher performance. The innovative technology allows removing 98% of the dust amount from panel surface.

A group of researchers from the Chinese national research institute has examined the way flexible thin-film solar modules with PET-lamination behave when burnt. The findings show that, in the process of combustion, the device releases such toxic emissions as HCN, hydrofluoric acid, SO2 and some VOCs.

Chinese firm BYD Co. Ltd. intends to establish the "Battery Box Premium" line, the next generation of its own Battery Box, at the first quarter of 2020.

The Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute is planning a huge solar energy project which will integrate agriculture and livestock farming in the Sabah region. The research institute claims to have secured $50 million for the project's initial, 200 MW phase. The 25,000ha needed for the projects will host up to 150,000 cattle in addition to cultivation of forage crops like kenaf, corn, hay and wheat.

Indian SECI is going to conclude 25-year-valid PPAs for solar and hybrid ventures. The developers can choose where in India the facilities will be built, owned and operated.

A research group from China has developed a solar floor tile for pedestrians’ and cyclists’ paths. The innovation has been piloted on Hong Kong-based Green Deck. The walkable tile is claimed durable, heat-resistant, nonslip and conversion efficient.

The government is aiming to set up 10,000 MW of decentralized solar projects under Component -A of the program

The Italy-based energy company is going to purchase the photovoltaic development pipeline for an undisclosed amount using a subcompany. The purchaser has pledged to begin constructing its first large unsubsidized photovoltaic plant in the first months of the coming year.

European solar panel makers have combined efforts with research centers to developed improved procedures for CIGS manufacturing. The venture codenamed SUCCESS aims at production line efficiency exceeding 20 percent for modules sized 30 cm x 30 cm

A presidential decree has created a number of incentive programs for EV production with local component requirements rising over the years.

The Chinese manufacturer has also announced plans for a tenfold production capacity increase, as it wants to cater to all project sizes with two versions of its high-voltage storage system.

LONGi Solar, member of the so called super league of solar module suppliers, has concluded a sale and purchase contract with Indian Adani Green Energy to provide around 1.2 thousand megawatts of its highly efficient p-Type mono solar panels throughout the year to come.

A group of scientists from the Korean IBS, in collaboration with the Netherlands-based UvA, has created a new 2D material with atomic layer thickness, which offers super high energy conversion efficiency.

The new total area efficiency record has been confirmed by TÜV Rheinland on a module surface area of 120 x 60 centimeters, using Manz production equipment at the NICE Solar Energy R&D facility in Schwäbisch Hall, Germany.

The researchers have found out that performance of organic solar cells drops by about a half after a hundred hours of light exposure. They explain the degradation by increasing resistance of OSC layer.