Graphene/silicon heterojunction solar cell with 18.8% efficiency
A Chinese-German research group developed the cell with an ink of graphene oxide (GO) mixed with Nafion that can be spin-coated on an n-type silicon wafer to form a high-quality passivating contact scheme. The GO:Nafion layer simultaneously creates a p–n junction with silicon and passivates the surface defects at the GO:silicon interface.
Maxeon partners with Reclaim PV to save panels from landfill in Australia
Solar manufacturer Maxeon Solar Technologies has teamed with Adelaide-headquartered solar panel collection and recycling company Reclaim PV Recycling to recover and recycle SunPower branded solar panels in Australia.
Solar-powered electric lawn mowing
Perhaps in anticipation of California’s coming ban on small combustion engines, battery-powered electric lawn mowers have begun to appear in the market. At least one model is equipped with built-in solar power.
The PV cooler lifespan effectiveness factor
Researchers in Malaysia have defined a new parameter to evaluate solar module cooling techniques based on their lifespan effectiveness. They warned that the proposed methodology should be utilized only with standard test conditions, a temperature of 25 C, and a reference PV system without the cooling system.
III–V solar cell based on spalled germanium substrate achieves 23.36% efficiency
US scientists used spalled germanium instead of gallium arsenide, as the former reportedly reduces several issues associated with GaAs spalling. The cell achieved an open-circuit voltage of 1.019 V, a short-circuit current density of 28.49 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 80.45%.
Perovskite solar cell defect characterization during manufacture for improved stability
A novel electrochemical robotic arm is under development at the University of Arizona to identify perovskite defects during manufacturing rather than after to improve durability.
Universal Solar to open 600 MW solar module factory in Panama
The US module provider said the panels produced at the facility will be 100 percent compliant with the U.S. Commerce Department’s Withhold and Release Order on Hoshine silicon.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: GCL Tech starts production at polysilicon fab in Leshan, Jolywood expands backsheet capacity
In other news, Shuangliang secured a large wafer deal from the Chint Group and Tongwei raised the prices of its solar cells.
Cooling down solar modules with cotton wicks immersed in water
The novel technique consists of attaching cotton wicks immersed in the water (CWIWs) to the backside photovoltaic module. The water is supplied to cotton wicks from top to bottom by gravity which the scientists said helps the effective absorption of cotton and reduces water consumption.
Vehicle-integrated photovoltaics for low-speed electric vehicles
Canadian startup Capsolar claims its flexible solar modules can be adapted to any type of low-speed electric vehicle with no extra modification and custom work. The panels have an efficiency of 21.3%.
