Mini perovskite solar module with 14.55% efficiency
The 5x5cm device was developed by a Japanese research group. The thickness of the perovskite films was increased to reduce defects and pinholes and this was achieved by adding ammonium chloride to the lead iodine solution used in the formation of the films. The device was able to work for 1,600 hours at more than 80% of this efficiency.
Boeing brings more PV power to NASA International Space Station
Six new arrays with a combined capacity of 120 kW will be installed on the International Space Station starting from this year. The panels will be brought to the station with the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft during three resupply missions. The installation of each solar array will require two spacewalks.
GCL on verge of cross default over $500m senior notes
The polysilicon manufacturer yesterday extended the deadline for postponing settlement of the investments until Friday – with the notes set to expire on Saturday.
Satellite-derived datasets to measure ground albedo for bifacial PV
A researcher from the NREL has set up a series of datasets of measured ground albedo values using measurement network data in the U.S. and data contributed by the PV industry. The measured albedo datasets are intended to help developers of ground-mounted PV projects in making a choice between monofacial and bifacial panels.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: Strong profit growth for Sungrow, new wafer prices from Longi
Furthermore, Risen predicts its solar module shipments will reach 15 GW this year and Sze Tan Hung has increased her stake in solar cell and panel maker Solargiga.
Solar system prices to rise – then fall – in 2021, with another record year anticipated
IHS Markit is predicting the world will add 30% more solar capacity this year.
3-D multi‐ribbon interconnection tech for IBC cells
The interconnection tech, developed by scientists at the Belgian research institute Imec, is based on a three-dimensional fabric of encapsulant with incorporated horizontal and vertical solder‐coated metal ribbons. Mini solar modules built with the proposed technique have provided interesting results in tests for thermal cycling reliability, showing very limited degradation.
French startups develop PV-powered desalination solution
Two French companies have collaborated on the development of the Osmo-Watt system, which is powered by solar panels. They claim that the technology can produce up to 100 cubic meters of drinking water per day.
The impact of solar spectra on PV module performance
Scientists in Poland have measured the effect of solar radiation spectra in variable weather conditions on the performance of different kinds of PV module technologies. They found that amorphous silicon panels offer the best response to this effect in stationary or BIPV projects on facades, while crystalline silicon and CIS solar panels represent the best options in projects with trackers.
Passive cooling with porous materials for PV modules
Researchers in the Middle East have proposed a new passive technology to cool off solar modules, based on highly conductive porous materials.
