Solar Technology & PV R&D News

Swedish state-owned utility Vattenfall is to build its first floating solar farm in the Netherlands, a country increasingly seeing floating solar appear on its doorstep.

Japanese scientists have investigated the nature of defects present in the structure of hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites. The study outcome is likely to help make perovskite solar cells more stable and improve their efficiency.

Hot electrons can appear a key to maximizing energy collection from the sun by photovoltaic panels.

The amount of £5.2m has been raised during the latest fundraising round for Naked Energy’s solar thermal hybrid project. Most of the sum was invested by Earthworm, environmental fund management company, in conjunction with a co-investor – energy holding Taqa.

A group of scientists from Massachusetts Institute of Technology has created a novel transparent perovskite material that can be used in solar cell protective coating – PEDOT. The cells made of this organic polymer are easier to manufacture and install.

A new report from the International Renewable Energy Agency released this week explains how the sun looks set to shine on solar energy systems over the coming decades, with a wealth of advancements and dropping prices that could boost adoption.

The latest peak conversion rate over 23 per cent for a large version of n-type photovoltaic cells achieved by China-based Trina Solar has been recognized by German ISFH calibration and test center.

The scientists from National Renewable Energy Lab have created a model of the potential energy system of the U.S. comprising 55 per cent of solar energy. The research has shown there would be some days in spring when too much electricity would be generated, which proves the importance of energy storage.

New forecasting technology may be the missing puzzle piece in solar's widespread adoption.

An international research group achieved the result on a 9 sq mm, triple-cation based, n-i-p structured perovskite cell using low solar concentration levels. Device instability, however, remains a challenge.

The research group from the University of Houston has found a novel catalyst which is likely to help effectively split hydrogen from seawater. This innovation is supposed to considerably advance the seawater electrolysis development for commercial hydrogen production.

A group of scientists from UOW has created an advanced nanomaterial, which can be a perfect cathode for normal-temperature sodium-sulfur batts, bringing them closer to a targeted large-scale energy storage application.

Sweden-based solar maker Exeger is building a new factory to manufacture an advanced dye-sensitized material, which is supposed to allow solar-powered portable e-gadgets to operate infinitely with no need for battery recharge.

A team of German scientists from HZB has performed a thorough research of methylammonium lead iodide structure. The crystal is among the most high-potential perovskites for solar cells. The researchers have discovered some properties, which are likely to help cope with the existing challenges and create cells that can boast both high efficiency and stability.

The advanced technology developed by the startup funded by Bill Gates is aimed at minimization of gas emissions from heavy industries.