Researchers apply thresholding to PV soiling image analysis
Thresholding methods have commonly been used to characterize the soiling accumulated on glass coupons. Researchers led by the Sapienza University of Rome have identified 16 automatic thresholding methods that may be used for analyzing soiling on PV panels.
Novel tin selenide solar cell design promises 36.45% efficiency
Tin selenide solar cells have so far reached limited efficiencies in real applications. Bangladeshi scientists claim to have found a way to drastically improve their performance by adding a copper/indium/selenium (CIS) thin-film layer and a back surface field (BSF) layer.
Solar module prices in India ‘likely to remain subdued in the near term’
Vikram V, vice president and co-group head of corporate ratings at Indian investment information and credit rating agency ICRA Ltd, speaks to pv magazine about falling solar cell and module prices, the impact on Indian pv manufacturers, and the way forward.
Topography-induced shading on floating PV
Researchers in Turkey have studied the impacts of topography-induced shading on floating PV at the Ayvalı hydroelectric power plant and have identified differences between the regions with the highest and lowest electricity production potential.
Lumartix unveils solar simulator with plasma-light engine
Switerzland-based Lumartix has developed a steady-state solar simulator system for research labs. It claims a light emitter lifetime of more than 20,000 hours.
MXenes-based organic solar cells offer greater stability, claim scientists
An international research team claims to have achieved greater stability in organic solar cells made with an electron transport layer doped with two-dimensional titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) – also known as “2D MXenes.” They used green solvents and an MXenes material known as titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx).
European research consortium aims to clear hurdles for BIPV adoption
A group of companies and research institutes are developing tools, technologies, and methods in a four-year project to promote building-integrated PV (BIPV), with the goal of clearing the path for mass deployment.
Red Solar claims 26.01% efficiency for TOPCon bifacial solar cell
Chinese manufacturer Red Solar says its new 182 mm bifacial solar cell, which is based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) tech, has an efficiency of 26.01%.
Optical photovoltaic converters for power transmission systems
Researchers from Spain have developed a novel model to evaluate optical photovoltaic converters used in high-power optical transmission. They have found that indium gallium nitride (InGaN) and indium aluminum nitride (InAlN) semiconductors could provide better results than gallium arsenide (GaAs).
Korean researchers explore viability of BIPV panels based on steel plates
A team from South Korea’s Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST) has developed a new method to increase the adhesion performance of EVA and POE on steel plates. The proposed technique may be applied to BIPV modules that use steel panels instead of backsheets.
