Selenium solar cell with optimized energy bandgap
Chinese scientists have built a selenium solar cell with an alloyed selenium-tellurium absorber, which reportedly reduces interfacial defects. Under standard illumination conditions, the device has an efficiency of 1.85%.
US rooftop solar adoption rising as system value increases
Annual rooftop solar installations more than double when a homeowner’s long-term “profit” on a system increases from zero to $1,000, a new study shows.
Pakistan approved 280 MW of solar in 2021-22
Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has published its annual report for the 2021-22 financial year. The regulator granted nine licenses for solar projects, totaling 44.74 MW of installed capacity, and 7,032 net-metering licenses for a total of 243.43 MW.
JinkoSolar achieves 26.1% efficiency for n-type TOPCon solar cell
JinkoSolar has set another world record for n-type solar cell efficiencies with its TOPCon technology, this time reaching 26.1%. The new record was confirmed by China’s National Institute of Metrology.
African PAYG solar companies have hogged 72% of sector’s investment
The first post-pandemic update on the state of the world’s off-grid solar industry has painted a picture of domination by European companies, but highlighted the potential for new startups in West Africa and an increasing use of PV as a backup to unreliable grid supplies.
Methylammonium-free perovskite solar cell with 22.29% efficiency
Japanese scientists have built a perovskite solar cell without methylammonium to improve the device’s thermal stability. The cell showed better efficiency and stability under standard testing conditions.
Sodium-ion battery anode made from toxic hogweed
Russian researchers have transmuted poisonous Sosnowsky’s hogweed into high-grade anode material for sodium-ion batteries. The obtained material has a Coulombic efficiency of 87%, which is on par with the best reported results for hard carbons synthesized from other raw materials.
SunDrive lands $13 million to scale copper-based solar tech
Australia’s SunDrive has completed a new AUD 21 million ($13 million) funding round to help commercialize its revolutionary solar cell tech, which replaces silver with copper to improve solar panel efficiency and reduce costs.
Swedish startup offers reusable nickel metal hydride batteries for renewables storage
Nilar International began manufacturing the ReOX reusable batteries at its factory in Sweden. The natural aging process of the battery is reversible and the battery is reportedly able to operate at full capacity at least three times.
Chinese manufacturer brings residential heat pump kit to Europe
Sprsun has developed a monobloc heat pump that is reportedly easier and faster to install. The product features a 3 kW/220 V electric heater, a water pump, an expansion tank measuring 5 liters, a three-way valve, and an 18 A AC contactor.
