Solar Technology & PV R&D News

Researchers in Germany are trialing a host of new processes and materials to develop interdigitated back contact solar cells. A deposition technology named ‘hot-wire’ chemical vapor deposition, is said to provide excellent passivation without the need for treatments such as recrystallization or hydrogenation.

The process of developing better rechargeable batteries may be cloudy, but there's an alumina lining.

American researchers have found new molecules able to make use of the whole visible light range. Rhodium is effective at both absorbing the light and catalyzing the process of converting sunlight into hydrogen. The latter is suitable for usage as climate-safe fuel.

A group of scientists from several Japanese research universities have found new information on where exactly the molecule of chlorophyl f is located and how it works. The research was conducted to better understand the photosynthesis process in order to be able to apply this knowledge practically, including solar industry.

Researchers in Korea have suggested a layout for bonding and dividing that's believed to provide increased efficiency. The number of palms optimized to five cells for branch has been 171 and 128. Five provide power conversion efficiency of 17.346percentage and three 16.855%.

Scientists at Switzerland’s University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil have demonstrated an aluminum conversion process which could be valuable for long-term renewable energy storage. Simulations suggest that by employing the process, a new multi-family building in Switzerland could meet all its energy demand from a 7-11 kWp solar system.

European research group Solliance says its perovskite modules have passed three key industry standard reliability tests: Light soaking, damp heat and thermal cycling. The group said it is the first time perovskite modules of that size have achieved such results and represents a milestone in the technology’s move toward commercialization.

A research has been conducted to select the optimal math model for prediction of photovoltaic panel performance in different ambient conditions.

The 3 millimeter thick module has an 802 sq cm area. The weight of the panel has been decreased via an ultrathin glass substrate, while conversion rate has been increased by an ink-jet coating technology.

Innovative solar-plus-storage technology is being created in the United Kingdom.

The global solar industry leader has demonstrated new achievements for its HOT bifacial N-type and mono-PERC P-type module. Both types of solar devices have been tested by German TÜV Rheinland.

European satellite operator Eutelsat has revealed one of the two solar arrays on its recently launched 5 West B satellite has been lost. Only 45% of the craft’s generation capacity can be operated, hitting the company’s bottom line to the tune of $5-10 million.

Hongkongese scientists have created all organic perovskite solar cells claimed to reach 16.1 percent efficiency. The technology is based on Lewis-base small molecules passivating the layer of inorganic perovskite.

Lithium has been considered the most attractive material for battery manufacturing for quite a while. However, the production process has a number of limitations and frequently causes accidents. So developers are in search of better options to replace lithium in battery making.

The Chinese manufacturer has achieved conversion efficiencies of 21.82% and 22.49% for its p-type PERC and n-type HOT bifacial panels, respectively. The results were confirmed by Germany’s TÜV Rheinland.