Solar Technology & PV R&D News

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
Boost Perovskite Efficiency: Reduce Defects
Researchers propose strategy to reduce defects and improve performance of inverted perovskite solar cells. The team achieved an efficiency of 25.1% and maintained 97.4% and 98.2% of their initial power conversion after 1,800 and 1,000 hours. Adaptable for improved efficiency and stability of other perovskite materials.
Jul 17, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, perovskite, efficiency
Moon-Powered Solar: Harnessing Clean Energy from Space
ESA's SOLARIS project investigates the feasibility of space-based solar power to provide clean energy on Earth. Swiss Astrostrom designed the Greater Earth-Lunar Power Station with 23 megawatts of energy for lunar surface operations. Discover the project's findings and implications for terrestrial power alternatives with ESA's Discovery programme.
Jul 14, 2023 // Technology, ESA, SOLARIS
Stabilizing PSCs with Fluorinated Aniliniums
New method developed by EPFL, University of Toronto and University of Kentucky enables perovskite solar cells to be more durable and efficient under high temperatures and humidity. Quasi-steady-state power-conversion efficiency of 24.09% achieved. Could bring us closer to large-scale deployment of this photovoltaic tech.
Jul 14, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, perovskite, EPFL, University of Toronto and University of Kentucky
Harnessing Sun's Power: The Record-Breaking Tandem Solar Cell
Experience the world's top tandem solar cells with record efficiency values of up to 33.7%. Expert teams from the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and other research institutes are now making these technologies available in principle and potentially low cost.
Jul 11, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, efficiency, HZB, Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
Robust Perovskite Solar Cells via VTA
Researchers in Thailand have developed a triple-cation perovskite solar cell for low-light applications with improved efficiency of up to 32%. VTA leads to dense, hard morphology and suppressed trap states, and could be adapted for various optoelectronic applications. Learn more in this article.
Jul 10, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, perovskite, efficiency, Thailand's Mahidol University, Chiang Mai University, Center of Excellence for Innovation in Chemistry PERCH-CIC, National Metal and Materials Technology Center, MTEC
Breakthrough in Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Discover the breakthrough findings of two new studies about highly efficient tandem solar cells using perovskite-silicon: a phosphonic acid additive to improve crystallization and an ionic liquid to enhance charge extraction, reaching up to 31.2% and 32.5% power conversion efficiencies.
Jul 7, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, perovskite, EPFL, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, solar efficiency, Xin Yu Chin
Shenzhen S.C. Invests in Perovskite Solar Cell Tech
Shenzhen S.C. is investing up to 961 million RMB (USD$134 million) in the manufacture of equipment for perovskite and perovskite tandem solar cells. This strategic investment is set to take advantage of the potential of the technology and enhance the company's position in the PV market. The project will focus on setting up production facilities in Jiangsu province, China, with an annual capacity of 160 PVD, 119 RPC, and 60 VEC equipment.
Jul 5, 2023 // Technology, Markets & Finance News, China, Asia, solar cell, perovskite, Shenzhen S.C.
MBRAUN: Aiding KAUST in Setting New Perovskite Record
KAUST University in Saudi Arabia breaks new world record in efficiency of perovskite tandem solar cells with the help of MBRAUN systems, reaching 33.7% certified power conversion efficiency. This ultra-high performance photovoltaic technology is essential for fast green energy transition.
Jul 4, 2023 // Technology, perovskite, efficiency, KAUST
IIT Bombay Team Harnesses Tandem Device for Efficient, Stable Solar Cells
IIT Bombay team demonstrates a higher efficiency and greater stability in their solar cell tandem device, potentially leading to low lifetime costs for solar cells.
Jul 3, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education, NCPRE
Toyota & EneCoat: Carbon-Neutral Automotive PSCs
EneCoat and Toyota Motor Corporation join forces to develop and commercialize highly efficient automotive perovskite solar cells to contribute to achieving carbon neutrality. Their joint venture seeks to advance renewable energy, self-sufficiency, and power generation efficiency.
Jun 30, 2023 // Technology, solar cells, perovskite, Toyota Motor, EneCoat
Unlocking Perovskite Solar Efficiency and Stability
The University of Oxford and the University of the Basque Country have made a breakthrough in the development of perovskite solar cells. Through the use of an additive, the cells have 25.7% efficiency, improved air stability, and longer longevity. Read on to discover more.
Jun 28, 2023 // Technology, solar cell, perovskite, efficiency, University of Oxford, University of the Basque Country
Low-Cost Perovskite Solar Cells: Nickel-Doped Graphite Solution
Explore the potential of cost-effective perovskite solar cells. Researchers from multiple institutions have developed an alternative to using costly metals with a nickel-doped graphite layer and a bismuth-indium alloy layer, enabling a simple painting process for low-cost fabrication. With the potential to reduce manufacturing costs by up to 1000x, solar energy may become more accessible.
Jun 27, 2023 // Technology, solar cells, perovskite, graphite