Researchers in Switzerland have replaced the electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells with a thin layer of quantum dots. On an area of 0.08cm², they achieved a record efficiency of 25.7% and high operational stability.

SMA’s new hybrid inverter reaches a maximum efficiency of 98.2% and a maximum European efficiency of 97.5%. It is compatible with DC-coupled high-voltage lithium-ion batteries from leading suppliers, according to the manufacturer.

The basic version of the “Delta Pro” product has a storage capacity of 3.6kWh. The weight of the battery in the basic version is 45kg and its size is 63.5×28.5×41.6 cm.

The procurement exercise’s final prices ranged between €0.0570 and €0.0828 per kWh.

The PV facility will have a capacity of 7.7MW and will rely on 19,000 of the latest generation solar modules from the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM).

The new package includes an increase in solar capacity, to be allocated through tenders, and the mandatory installation of PV systems in all commercial buildings.

Designed by scientists in Germany, the module facade has to be integrated with a building’s technical equipment. The rooms behind the facade can be supplied with solar power and at the same time heated, cooled and ventilated.

The newly installed PV capacity for the first 11 months of 2021 reached 4,844MW.

In addition, the new CEEAG guidelines allow government and national authorities to hold tenders for specific technology applications, such as floating solar and agrivoltaics.

Germany’s TÜV Rheinland is investigating how photovoltaics could be used for powering railway traction networks in a 14-month research project.