Inverted perovskite PV cell with silver thiocyanate HTL hits 16.66% efficiency
Egyptian researchers have developed a novel hole transport layer (HTL) for inverted perovskite solar cells using silver thiocyanate instead of the commonly used PEDOT:PSS and copper thiocyanate. The new HTL material demonstrated exceptional efficiency and stability in the constructed cell.
Key takeaways from Solar + Storage España
RE+ held the Solar + Storage España event in Barcelona on May 10 and 11, in collaboration with pv magazine. Our team of editors curated and hosted the two-day “Sun of Spain to Lead Europe” conference.
Qcells builds pilot line for perovskite-silicon tandem PV cells in South Korea
Qcells says it is building a pilot line for perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that will start operations later this year in South Korea. It is working closely with its team in Germany, where it has already established another pilot line for tandem cells.
Ostend-Bruges Airport to host Belgium’s second-largest solar plant
EnergyVision, a Belgian developer, has revealed plans to build a €35 million ($37.9 million), 40 MW PV facility for Ostend-Bruges Airport. The project will involve 66,200 solar modules, each with outputs of 605 W. Construction is set to begin in September.
Renewables curtailment rose by 40% in Australia in 2022, says market operator
Daniel Westerman, the CEO of the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), says that renewable curtailment in Australia has risen by approximately 40% from last year.
Lebanon signs 11 solar PPAs, but financial closure remains challenging
Lebanon’s government has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 11 projects with 165 MW of PV capacity. Investors have one year to reach financial closure.
Open-source optimization tool for energy systems offers global coverage
An international research group developed the PyPSA-Earth model for energy system and power studies, technology evaluation, phase-out plans, diversification, and market simulations. It offers accessibility to countries without defined energy planning scenarios.
US startup releases hourly grid-monitoring distributed energy tool
Bidgely, an energy data software startup, has developed the 8760 Energy Model, a data set and report that provides utilities and industry stakeholders with behind-the-meter energy data, tracked at an hourly level throughout the year.
New perovskite solar cell design promises 31.09% efficiency
Chinese researchers have developed a solar cell using CsSnI3 perovskite, known for its unique phase transitions and near-IR emissions. By simulating the device with various electron transport layers (ETLs) and hole transport layers (HTLs), they determined that the optimal cell could be created using a titanium oxide (TiO2) ETL and a nickel(II) oxide (NiOx) HTL.
Indian utility to assess feasibility of 130 MW floating solar plant
NTPC says it will assess the feasibility of a 130 MW floating solar plant in the Indian state of Tripura, while Gujarat State Electricity is seeking consultancy services for a proposed 1.5 GW floating solar plant.
