EPFL unveils perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with certified efficiency of 30.9%
The tandem solar cell is based on a perovskite top cell treated with an additive known as 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzylphosphonic acid (pFBPA), which reportedly improves its power conversion efficiency and fill factor. The tandem device also integrates a bottom heterojunction silicon cell made with a 190-μm-thick, 2 Ω.cm, n-type, float-zone, shiny-etched monocrystalline wafer.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: CNOOC buys 790 MW of modules at $0.12/W
China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) says it has bought 790 MW of solar modules from Yingli at $0.12/W through a procurement process.
Improving PV module performance with thermoelectric heat storage based on PCM
Scientists in China have fabricated a prototype of a PV system integrating phase change materials, a thermoelectric generator and thermal collectors. The three technologies are intended to cool the solar panel and increase its power generation efficiency.
Silfab Solar secures funds to develop US-made back-contact n-type PV cells
Silfab Solar is one of seven recipients of US Department of Energy (DoE) funding for projects that will rely on dual-use PV technologies to electrify buildings, decarbonize the transportation sector, and reduce land-use conflicts.
NREL-led consortium releases PV reliability forecasting tools
The Durable Module Materials consortium (DuraMAT) announced in its latest annual report the availability of new PV forecasting tools, and new research results towards the goal of more reliable PV modules.
Carbon-based perovskite solar cell without hole transport layer achieves 14.15% efficiency
Researchers in China have outlined a new surface engineering strategy to build low-cost solar cells without a hole transport layer. The devices were treated with benzoylcholine halide to reduce non-radiation recombination and achieved remarkable efficiency and stability.
Chinese Academy of Sciences presents new way to assess HJT solar modules
Researchers in China have developed a model to predict lifetimes of heterojunction (HJT) modules made with ultraviolet cut-off polyolefin elastomer (POE) encapsulant. The approach considers factors such as temperature, humidity and UV irradiation.
All-perovskite tandem PV cell based on carboranes hits 27.2% efficiency
Researchers have developed a thermal regulation strategy to improve the performance of inverted tin-lead perovskite tech for all-perovskite tandem solar cells. It has an efficiency of 23.4% and contributed to a 27.2% efficiency in a tandem cell while ensuring stability.
Competition, oversupply to reduce n-type solar module prices
Global solar demand will continue to grow in 2024, with module demand likely to reach 492 GW to 538 GW. Amy Fang, a senior analyst at InfoLink, looks at module demand and supply chain inventories in a market still affected by oversupply.
New dates, rules for 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge
The Bridgestone World Solar Challenge has announced a new set of dates for for the 2025 edition of its unique 3,000 km solar car race across the Australian continent, along with some regulation changes.
