Solar Technology & PV R&D News

Imperial College London scientists have created a new type of membrane that could improve water purification and battery energy storage efforts.

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.

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.

According to the latest survey, Australia is the country least interested in e-vehicles because of underdeveloped recharging network, short drive distance and expensiveness.

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

The recent study has shown that metal chalcogenide perovskite materials may be utilized for conversion of heat energy into consumable electrical power. These compounds, suitable for solar cell production, feature excellent aqueous and thermal stability. Another benefit is nontoxicity of their elements.

The company said its technology, which is managed by an AI-based system, can be used in agrivoltaic projects.

The combination of pumped hydro with other storage technologies can increase renewables penetration, improve operational safety and reduce maintenance costs at large-scale hydropower plants, according to new research. The study also focuses on techniques to determine the optimal size of renewables-based pumped hydro storage systems. Costs for hybrid solar-pumped hydro projects currently range from $0.098/kWh to $1.36/kWh.

New research led by Curtin University explores the use of methanol as a storage for hydrogen fuel, providing a potential green option for the extraction and creation of this zero pollution energy source.

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.

Cal Poly team members kept their eyes on El Mirage Lake’s horizon, waiting in anticipation. Just then, the futuristic vehicle they knew all too well emerged from a mirage and sped across the desert.

3D printed solar energy trees are artificial trees for harvesting solar energy.