Carbon dioxide removal portfolios enable reaching ambitious climate targets
In a new monthly column for pv magazine, the LUT University describes how carbon dioxide removal may support reaching climate targets from a portfolio perspective.
Novel BIPV concept integrates louvers to enhance power production
Scientists have proposed a building-integrated PV system that integrates airflow to cool the panels and control room temperature. The system, which also acts as a shading device, can reportedly mitigate drops in power generation efficiency without additional energy consumption.
Reducing silver use in heterojunction solar cells via low-cost copper wires
A research team in Germany has proposed to use direct wire bonding to reduce silver consumption in heterojunction solar cells. The scientists used low-cost copper wires as electrodes with conductive paste applied in discrete pads to replace the traditional metallization and interconnection process.
The best residential PV system configuration for Saudi Arabia
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have identified the best and optimum PV system configurations for the Saudi residential market. Their analysis investigated the capacity threshold that leads to a lower cost of electricity compared to grid electricity costs. They used NREL’s HOMER software to analyze the energy requirements of the residential units, the solar energy potential and weather characteristics of the selected location, and the financial parameters influencing a project’s profitability.
Brazil approves six labs for solar module testing
Brazil’s national accreditation body, Inmetro, has authorized six labs across the country to test solar modules.
French consortium building linear DC solar park along Rhône River
A consortium is installing an experimental linear solar park in shade house configuration in Vaucluse, southern France, using high-voltage direct current architecture to reduce electricity losses.
The best tilt angle to improve PV module performance in world’s worst soiling accumulation zone
Scientists have measured the performance of PV modules under strong soiling conditions in Saudi Arabia and have identified the most suitable tilt angles for improving power generation. They have also found that a key role is played by rain intensity, dust, sandstorms, and cloud cover.
Enecoat claims 30.4% efficiency for four-terminal perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
The Japanese manufacturer said its tandem cell utilizes a top perovskite solar cell with an efficiency of 22.4% and 81% infrared transmittance.
Italian scientists show technical feasibility of solid oxide fuel cells in PV-driven residential buildings
The researchers conducted a case study on a solid oxide fuel cell system deployed in a nearly zero-energy single-floor villa with a size of 80 m2 located in southern Italy. They found that, in particular conditions of photovoltaic production, the system is not only able to meet the home electric loads, but also to inject surplus energy into the network.
Recycled silicon powder from end-of-life solar panels can be reused in anti-corrosion coating
Researchers in India have demonstrated a wet chemical process to recover silicon with high purity from end-of-life solar panels, which they used to make functionalized silica nanoparticles. Tests of the processed nanoparticles in anti-corrosion coatings showed a corrosion protection efficiency of 99.5 %, which they said was 200 times lower corrosion rate compared to uncoated silica nanoparticles.
