IBC solar cell based on new patterning technique achieves 20.41% efficiency
A Dutch-German research team has built an interdigitated back contact PV device with a new patterning approach based on the enhanced oxidation rates under the local laser-doped n++ BSF regions. The cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 656.6 mV, a short-circuit current density of 40.38 A/mAcm2, and a fill factor of 77.39%.
EU Council, Parliament adopt Net-Zero Industry Act – resilience auctions are coming
The trilogue negotiations on the Net-Zero Industry Act have concluded. The European Council and Parliament reached a provisional agreement on Feb. 6, following discussions on Article 20 Market Access, which set out the rules for resilience auctions.
Bauer Solar warns about counterfeit solar modules under its brand name
Several containers with fake glass-glass module are said to be in circulation in Europe. Germany’s Bauer Solar has taken legal action against the counterfeiters, who are suspected to be based in China. It said the fake panels can be identified by the packaging and a lack of wooden reinforcements for the pallets.
Hybridizing PVT energy with heat pumps, borehole storage
A European research group has tested an energy system combining PVT collectors, a water-to-water heat pump and borehole thermal energy storage in an Italian swine farm and has found the proposed system can completely replace fossil fuel-based power generation.
The impact of climate-based PV panel degradation rates on inverters
New research from Belgium shows the importance of assessing inverter reliability by including climate-based PV panel degradation rates. The scientists found that, especially in hot and arid climates, PV inverters should be designed with parameters above the standard value.
New CIGS solar cell design with antimony trisulfide promises 31.15% efficiency
The novel solar cell uses antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3) as the back surface field (BSF) layer. According to its creators, this layer can be included in conventional CIGS solar cells to improve their efficiency and reduce the absorber material’s cost.
The impact of wildfire smoke on rooftop PV
While investigating on the effects of wildfire smoke on rooftop PV installations, a group of scientists in Australia has discovered that solar arrays, due to their sensitivity to smoke, could serve as an early warning detection of wildfires by providing temporal and spatial information on the presence and approximate concentrations of smoke.
Solar waste to provide material supply security
Researchers from the University of New South Wales have rejected suggestions that end-of-life solar panels could create a “waste mountain” in Australia, saying instead that they could serve as valuable material reservoirs for future production.
U.S. researchers testing dual-use solar snow fence
Pairing electricity production with snow drift barriers to protect roads is being evaluated by the Minnesota department of Transportation.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Shenzhen Hiking PV to set up GW-level factory
Shenzhen Hiking PV has unveiled plans to set up a joint venture with a state-run company to build gigawatt-level perovskite/polysilicon tandem cell and panel production capacity in Guangdong province, while Hoshine has announced progress at its PV integration park in Xinjiang.
