Solar Technology & PV R&D News

Boost Solar Cell Lifetime with Metal Halide Perovskite
Researchers at imec and the University of Hasselt have developed a metal halide perovskite process to boost the lifetime of solar cells, achieving a conversion efficiency of 24.3% and a short-circuit density of 24.5 mA/cm2. After 1,000 and 1,850 hours, the cells retain 97% and 88% of performance, respectively. This process offers commercialization potential for perovskite solar cell technology.
Aug 4, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, efficiency, University of Hasselt
RoboMapper Revolutionizes Semiconductor Research
Discover how N.C. State and Brookhaven National Labs have developed RoboMapper: a robot technology that automates materials research, leading to improved solar cell efficiency, reduced costs, and energy savings. Validated results show promising performance for converting light into electricity.
Aug 4, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, efficiency, Brookhaven National Labs, RoboMapper
Passivating SnO2/Perovskite Interface: FA+/Oxalate Dual Action
New research strategy to modify Tin dioxide (SnO2)/perovskite interface by passivating buried defects and modulating carrier dynamics achieves record-breaking power conversion efficiency of 25.05%. Improved energy level alignment and superior interface contacts offer enhanced stability.
Aug 3, 2023 // Technology, China, Asia, Korea, perovskite
US-German Alliance Launches Perovskite Solar Plant
REVKOR and H2GEMINI partner to construct a 5GW solar cell and module production facility, beginning production in Q2 2024. The project will utilize HJT/Perovskite technologies and mark a milestone for renewable energy.
Aug 2, 2023 // Technology, Manufacturing News, USA, Germany, Europe, perovskite, North America
Israel, Saudi Forge Solar Alliance in Rare Pact
SolarEdge Technologies and Ajlan & Bros join forces to develop renewable energy in Riyadh for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, a US-backed effort to diversify the economy from oil and attract investments. This groundbreaking collaboration may be the start of improved relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Aug 1, 2023 // Technology, Saudi Arabia, Asia, SolarEdge, Israel
Targeting Defects for Better Perovskite Solar Cells
Researchers from SARI, Southern University of Science and Technology, and City University of Hong Kong have developed a strategy for modulating the buried interface between perovskite and tin dioxide (SnO2). Through incorporating FOA, record power conversion efficiency of 25.05% is achieved with improved stability.
Aug 1, 2023 // Technology, SARI, City University of Hong Kong, perovskite solar cell, Southern University of Science and Technology
Hybrid Power: The PV Revolution of Solar Thermal Plants
Explore Hybridkraft: a project funded by the German government to combine solar thermal & photovoltaics. Harness 1 megawatt solar-powered heater to increase efficiency & reduce energy costs for industrial applications.
Jul 31, 2023 // Technology, Plants, Germany, Europe, Fraunhofer Institute, solar thermal plant
Stabilizing FAPI: Additivization Strategy
This research breakthrough makes it possible to develop water-stable perovskites for perovskite solar cells. An innovative additivization strategy was used to achieve this, with the lowest formation energy for a 3C phase with exceptional stability against water infiltration, humidity and thermal stresses. A game-changer for solar cells!
Jul 31, 2023 // Technology, Spain, Europe, perovskite solar cell, BCMaterials, University of Barcelona, IKERBASQUE
AI-Designed Solar Panels: Israel's Promise To Climate
Discover the groundbreaking research from Bar-Ilan University to reduce carbon emissions with new, AI-powered solar panels. Their panels are highly efficient and cost-effective, recently presented to VP Kamala Harris by President Herzog.
Jul 24, 2023 // Technology, Asia, Israel, solar panel
Trucks Take Solar: EnFoil’s Flexible Panels
EnFoil, a European startup, is revolutionizing the solar industry with their innovative 2mm thick CIGS-based flexible solar panels. With an efficiency of 17% and 150 Wp/m², talks to integrate their panels onto truck roofs have begun. The European Research Council has supported this project and UHasselt is recruiting a researcher - a recognition of the product's potential.
Jul 24, 2023 // Technology, Transport, Europe, solar panel, Hasselt University
Sound Waves Make Solar Cells Cheaper
Discover how scientists are using a new process called acoustic spalling to reduce the cost of manufacturing III-V solar cells. This technique promises to create a cleaner, reusable surface, while maintaining cell efficiency. Research reveals that this technology could be commercially viable.
Jul 21, 2023 // Technology, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, solar cell
Harness Raindrops: Solar-Powered TENGs
Harvest clean, renewable energy from raindrops with new bridge array generator - researchers propose a 5x increase in power output compared to conventional TENGs.
Jul 20, 2023 // Technology, solar panel, Tsinghua University
Organic Solar Cells Set New World Record
Research team at Fraunhofer ISE has developed a layer to boost the efficiency of organic solar cells. This could be a major step towards making renewable energy more accessible and cost effective.
Jul 19, 2023 // Technology, Germany, Europe, Fraunhofer ISE, organic solar cell, efficiency
Sun Repairs Space Solar Cells
Discover how researchers from the University of Sydney achieved 100% efficiency in perovskite solar cells after being damaged by proton radiation in low Earth orbit. Learn about their innovative combination of hole transport material and dopant, plus the discovery of fluorine diffusion being the cause of cell degradation.
Jul 19, 2023 // Technology, efficiency, perovskite solar cell, University of Sydney
Bifacial Perovskite: Revolutionizing Renewable Energy
Discover how innovative bifacial perovskite solar cells could revolutionize the renewable energy landscape, delivering higher efficiency at reduced costs with potential for 10-20% more power generation than monofacial modules. Research funded by the US DOE.
Jul 18, 2023 // Technology, USA, NREL, solar cell, perovskite, North America