Ultra-thin perovskite-organic tandem solar cell with 24.0% efficiency
Researchers in Germany have built a perovskite-organic solar cell with low interfacial losses and a high open-circuit voltage. The device achieved an open-circuit voltage of 2.15 V, a short-circuit current of 14.0 mA cm−², and a fill factor of 80%.
AI method learns from experienced staff on perovskite solar production lines
Academics from MIT and Stanford who have posited a new production method for perovskite solar cells have also developed a machine learning system which benefits from the experience of seasoned workers – and they’ve posted it online for anyone to use.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Polysilicon prices keep rising
The cost of solar panel raw material polysilicon topped $40/kg this week, according to the China Nonferrous Metals Association, continuing a three-month upward trend.
Hybrid thermionic-photovoltaic converter for applications in thermal energy storage, waste heat recovery
A Spanish-Italian research group has developed a solid-state thermal-to-electric energy converter based on hybrid thermionic-photovoltaics (TIPV) for different applications. It consists of a three-terminal TIPV device made with a tungsten (W) thermionic cathode, a PV/anode structure made of an indium phosphide (n-InP) anode, and a photovoltaic cell based on indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs).
Bluetti launches 350 W portable solar module
The new product relies on 23.4%-efficient solar cells and features a short-circuit current of 10.8 A. It can be folded into a briefcase and is claimed to be an ideal solution for camping and outdoor activities.
EU adopts directive allowing reduced VAT on several goods, including solar panels
The Directive No. 2022/542 was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on April 5. According to the new provisions, member states will be free to apply a VAT rate of 0% to 5%.
Concentrating solar power system for building applications, usable with PV
Conceived by a German start-up, the system is claimed to achieve a 75% efficiency in converting direct radiation into heat. It may be either equipped with solar trackers or photovoltaic modules, which would both occupy the same space on the front and lateral sides of the installations.
First Solar bags two module orders totaling 4.75 GW
The US manufacturer secured this week two solar module supply deals from Origis Energy and Silicon Ranch, respectively.
Low-temperature perovskite solar module with 19.1% efficiency
Researchers have developed a PV module with with an efficiency of 20.72%, based on tin oxide (SnO2) as an electron transport layer, an organometal halide perovskite layer, organic halide salt phenethylammonium iodide (PEAI) as a passivation agent, and Spiro-OMeTAD as the hole transport layer (HTL).
Radiative cooling for PV modules – challenges and prospects
A group of international scientists has investigated the potential use of radiative cooling in PV systems, in a newly published review focusing on challenges and opportunities for the passive cooling technology.
