Solar Technology & PV R&D News

Interface in solar cells is a key to alternative manufacturing methods
The group of scientists headed by Professor Julien Bachmann controls the interlayer in solar cells to achieve high efficiency while using cost-efficient technologies and materials.
Nov 29, 2019 // Technology, solar cells, Europe, Julien Bachmann
Vattenfall heads to the Netherlands for 1.2MW floating solar debut
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.
Nov 29, 2019 // Technology, Plants, Large-Scale, Commercial, Floating PV, solar pv, floating PV, Europe, Netherlands, Vattenfall, shell
The nature of defects in perovskite materials discovered
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.
Nov 29, 2019 // Technology, Japan, Asia, perovskite
Researchers have discovered how to avoid energy waste by solar modules
Hot electrons can appear a key to maximizing energy collection from the sun by photovoltaic panels.
Nov 27, 2019 // Technology, pv modules, Europe, Asia, Netherlands, Singapore, PV cells, UG, NTU
£5.2m invested in Virtu hybrid solar project developed by Naked Energy
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.
Nov 27, 2019 // Technology, Markets & Finance News, Thermal, USA, North America, Virtu, Naked Energy
The MIT research team discovers a new perovskite material with ten times higher electrical conductivity
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.
Nov 27, 2019 // Technology, USA, perovskite, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, North America, PEDOT
Solar energy: the 8 ideas that will make panels more efficient and cheaper
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.
Nov 27, 2019 // Technology, Rooftop PV, Thermal, Floating PV, TESLA, South Korea, Europe, Asia, IRENA, PERC, Norway, perovskites, International Renewable Energy Agency, Thin-film cells, Tandem cells, SINTEF
New conversion achievement for bifacial crystalline-silicon i-TOPCon solar cells
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.
Nov 25, 2019 // Technology, Germany, China, bifacial, Europe, Asia, Trina, PV cell, c-Si i-TOPCon, ISFH CalTeC
Modelling a 55% solar power system for the United States
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.
Nov 25, 2019 // Technology, Storage, USA, North America, National Renewable Energy Lab
Big Data and Solar Energy Are a Match Made in Heaven
New forecasting technology may be the missing puzzle piece in solar's widespread adoption.
Nov 23, 2019 // Technology, TESLA, Greta Thunberg, HyREF, Extra Space Storage
Scientists hit 21.6% perovskite cell efficiency using concentrator PV
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.
Nov 22, 2019 // Technology, Saudi Arabia, UK, Europe, Asia, perovskite, Switzerland
American scientists discover a new catalyst for hydrogen production from seawater
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.
Nov 22, 2019 // Technology, Solar to Fuel, USA, hydrogen, North America, University of Houston, Solar to Fuel, Solar to Hydrogen, Producing Hydrogen, Hydrogen from renewable, Renewable fuels
A research team from Australia discovers a nanomaterial for sodium-sulfur batteries
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.
Nov 22, 2019 // Technology, Storage, Australia, Oceania, UOW
Innovative ‘light harvesting material’ will be produced at a new Swedish factory
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.
Nov 21, 2019 // Technology, Manufacturing News, Markets & Finance News, ABB, Sweden, Europe, Exeger
Newest research on perovskites for solar cell production
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.
Nov 20, 2019 // Technology, Germany, UK, Europe, perovskites, HZB