CSEM, EPFL reveal technical details of 31.25%-efficient tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell
A year after achieving what at the time was a world record efficiency for a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell, scientists from EPFL and CSEM published a paper showing the technical features of the device and how that result was made possible. The key was regulating the perovskite crystallization process using an additive in the processing sequence.
Solar-powered tool shed store electric lawn equipment
SunVilla says its new Smart Yard power station is a 6.4 kWh semi-solid state battery system with 3.8 kW of battery output. It features 100 W to 200 W solar modules mounted on a tool shed to charge electric systems and provide storage for lawn equipment.
Agrivoltaics for vertical farming
An Italian research group has assessed the advantages of combining solar power generation in greenhouses with vertical farming. The scientists claim this new approach offers better land use while increasing agricultural yield.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Big module makers call for wafer standards
Trina Solar, JinkoSolar, JA Solar, Longi, Risen, Canadian Solar, Tongwei, Chint, and Das Solar have issued a joint statement demanding the standardization of wafer sizes.
Indoor perovskite PV solar cells with 32.0% efficiency
Scientists in Thailand built an indoor perovskite solar cell with low-cost carbon electrode architecture. The manufacturing process is based on antisolvent deposition and vacuum thermal annealing (VTA) and reportedly results in higher perovskite film quality.
Using existing fences as near-zero-cost racking solution for PV deployment
American researchers are proposing to use steel zip ties to attach solar modules to fences in animal farms as a low-cost racking solution for agrivoltaic applications. They found the proposed approach is technically and economically viable, provided careful wind load tests are conducted on the fences.
China polysilicon prices hold steady amid rebound talk
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
US government offers $45 million for pilot production of PV components
Funding from the US government’s “Investing in America” agenda is intended to support silicon component manufacturing and the development of dual-use PV technologies.
Bisol launches new solar panels for agrivoltaics, carports
Slovenian solar manufacturer Bisol is offering new solar panels with outputs of 320 W and 410 W. Front efficiencies range from 16.4% to 17.3% and the temperature coefficient is -0.34% per degree Celsius.
Prasham Greens unveils water-draining clamps for solar panels
India’s Prasham Greens has designed water-draining clamps to get rid of accumulated water from the edges of solar panels after rain and water-based cleaning.
