Ultrathin perovskite solar cell based on Gires-Tournois resonator
Scientists in China have conceived a perovskite solar cell that uses a back mirror based on silver to improve light harvesting. The device could reportedly achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 27%.
Horizon Power starts vanadium battery tech trial in Australia
Western Australia’s state-owned regional energy provider Horizon Power has officially launched the trial of a vanadium flow battery in the northern part of the state as it investigates how to integrate long-duration energy storage into its network, microgrids, and other off-grid power systems.
New research finds utility-scale solar parks foster biodiversity
A series of longitudinal studies of three solar-pollinator sites in Minnesota have demonstrated evidence of native prairie growing under solar panels, providing both soil benefits and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Nigeria’s C&I solar plans under a cloud of diesel
A new approach aims to reconnect commercial and industrial (C&I) energy users to the grid, supplying daytime power from solar and batteries through grid infrastructure funded by PV installers, with diesel as a backup when needed.
The Hydrogen Stream: US government offers $2.2 billion for H2 hubs
The US Department of Energy has revealed plans to allocate up to $1.2 billion for a hydrogen hub in Texas and the Gulf Coast and up to $1 billion for a similar project spanning Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Michigan.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: January-October solar additions hit 181.3 GW
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says developers installed 181.3 GW of new PV capacity from January to October 2024, including 20.42 GW in October alone.
Startup to build wood solar canopies for collective energy in France
BoucL Énergie says it will install wooden-framed parking canopies in southern France, as part of a future collective self-consumption plan.
Improving solar-air source heat pump performance via heat grid
A scientific group has proposed adding thermal solar panels to air-source heat pumps while also using grid heating to keep temperatures stable at night. The group modeled a system that could reportely achieve a coefficient of performance of 10.11 and represent an optimal solutions for cold climates.
JA Solar plans 2 GW solar cell, module factory in Egypt
Chinese manufacturer JA Solar has agreed to build a 2 GW solar cell and module factory in Egypt with support from UAE-based Global South Utilities.
‘Assertive women often face different perceptions in the workplace’
This week, Women in Solar Europe (WiSEu) gives voice to Amila Colakhodzic, Senior Originator and Client coverage at Austria-based Kommunalkredit. She says she constantly prioritizes open communication and inclusivity while challenging biases. “Despite women being the largest untapped resource in renewable energy, the solar sector has improved significantly. Since transitioning from wind to solar in 2018, I’ve witnessed technological advancements and increased diversity, with women taking on technical, commercial, legal, and leadership roles,” she states.
