DuPont Microcircuit Materials (DuPont) and JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. (JA Solar), recently collaborated to achieve a reported 19.4% solar cell efficiency. The new JA Solar Cypress solar module is made with the most advanced DuPont Solamet photovoltaic metallization paste materials. Advances in Solamet metallizations have doubled the efficiency of solar cells over the last
8 Everyday Solar Installations — Power For The People
May 8, 2013 : 1 Comment
A few months ago, Solar Power World asked its readers to provide us with photos of everyday solar installations. The goal was to show that solar power is the electricity source of the people and that it is not out of anyone’s reach. We present these photos to you now to share with the rest of the
Panasonic Selects Dynapower To Develop Bi-Directional Energy Storage Solar Inverter
May 8, 2013 : 0 Comments
Dynapower Company LLC, a Vermont-based leading supplier of power conversion systems, was selected by Panasonic Eco Solutions Canada to design and manufacture a 280 kW bi-directional energy storage inverter for use at the British Columbia Institute of Technology [BCIT] in Vancouver, Canada. The custom designed inverter will have five (5) independently controllable DC inputs; four
11 Must-See Art Installations, Inspired By Solar Panels
May 7, 2013 : 3 Comments
We all know that solar is a practical, smart investment. It’s good for the environment, frees people to control their own electricity production and is one of the fastest-growing industries (read: JOB CREATORS) in the country. But one of the complaints (often heard from homeowners’ associations) is that solar panels are ugly. We beg to
Sobering Solar Summit Confuses The Heck Out Of Me
May 6, 2013 : 3 Comments
Greentech Media’s Solar Summit, which I attended two weeks ago, offered the most sobering view of the industry I could imagine. For those of you who follow me on Twitter, you got a pretty good idea of what the attendees — all high-level solar-industry leaders whose words carry great weight (and should) — were saying.
What Are Solar Panels Made Of?
May 2, 2013 : 0 Comments
A solar panel, or module, is a series of interconnected silicon cells joined together to form a circuit. In greater numbers the amount of power produced by these interconnected cells can be increased and used as an electricity production system. Solar panels come in different sizes for different purposes. The current standard offering in the
127-MW AV Solar II Project Opens In Arizona
May 1, 2013 : 0 Comments
Kyocera Solar Inc. today joined LS Power and Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to officially open the Arlington Valley Solar Energy II (AV Solar II) utility-scale installation in southwest Arizona. Kyocera is providing 25* megawatts (MW) of solar modules for the 127MW photovoltaic (PV) installation; all Kyocera modules included in the project were U.S.-made. Block 1
JA Solar Mass Produces Metal Wrap-Through Solar Cells
May 1, 2013 : 0 Comments
JA Solar Holdings Co., Ltd. has commenced mass production of metal wrap-through (“MWT”) solar cells. The Company’s MWT monocrystalline and multicrystalline cells have an average conversion efficiency of 19.6% and 18.1%, respectively, and a peak conversion efficiency of 20.0% and 18.6%, respectively. By moving the emitter contact from the front to the rear of the
Hanwha SolarOne Offers Lighter, Smaller Solar Modules
April 30, 2013 : 0 Comments
Hanwha SolarOne Co. Ltd. offers its new generation solar modules — the HSL Series. Compared to previous generation modules, these offer a smaller and lighter design, higher power output and enhanced durability, with new features like anti-PID (potential induced degradation) technology, anti-salt mist corrosion and increased snow and wind loads. “The launch of Hanwha SolarOne’s
SPW Exclusive: Peter Lynch Says We Need A New Solar Paradigm To Survive
By Peter Lynch, SPW Contributor The photovoltaic (PV) industry needs to aggressively develop new truly disruptive PV technologies to dramatically accelerate the industry’s growth. This will enable solar to play a significant role in worldwide electricity production (significant meaning more than 25% of worldwide electricity generation) and have a significant positive impact upon climate change. Solar is