U.S. researchers claim to have improved the stability of one of the most promising halide perovskites – α-FAPbI3 – by squeezing the compound’s crystal lattices. The authors of the research prevented the crystal assuming an hexagonal shape at the room temperatures required for a PV device to operate properly.

Danish developer Obton and Ireland’s Shannon Energy have promised to develop the projects within five years. Total investment is expected to be around €300 million and the companies have already acquired projects with a combined generation capacity of 150 MW.

The research group that developed the cell said the two materials used to produce it, dubbed 2PACz and MeO-2PACz, will soon be commercially available. The material consists of 1-2nm of self-assembled monolayers deposited on the surface of the perovskite by dipping it into a diluted solution.

The government has abrogated a controversial measure introduced last year which favored big developers in the allocation of fiscal incentives for rooftop projects linked to building renovation.

Barium zirconium sulfide is another chalcogenide perovskite being tested in relation to the development of more efficient solar cells. Researchers at Buffalo University, in New York state, have created a thin-film based on the material they say offers significant light absorption and good charge transport.

The renewable energy unit of the French energy giant has made a public call to source mounting structures for the large scale PV projects it wants to build in France up to 2023.

The UAE Federal Electricity and Water Authority is seeking expressions of interest to enable it to pre-select independent power producers for the project. The plant will be owned 60% by the government of Umm al-Quwain and the electricity authority, with the successful developer owning the balance.

The Ministry of Industry, Trade and Energy has issued an expression of interest to pre-qualify developers for two 5 MW solar plants. The facilities will be on the islands of Sal and São Vicente.

Scientists at the Beijing Institute of Technology have identified the most suitable areas for solar parks in the Chinese capital using a geographical information system and a new multi-criteria decision-making technique: the ‘best-worst’ method. They claim the approach can help establish technically and economically viable projects.

A research team from the University of Huddersfield used electron microscopy to analyze micro-cracks in 4,000 polycrystalline silicon solar cell samples. The results showed power losses may vary from 0.9-42.8%, and increased temperatures due to micro-cracking may favor the formation of permanent hot spots in the cells.