First attempt to build solar cells based on gold polyhalide hybrid perovskite
Scientists in Sweden have proposed the use of gold polyiodide compounds in monolithic perovskite solar cells. They built a lead-free device that achieved an efficiency of 0.052%.
Solar-powered water desalination tech for off-grid applications
Berlin-based Boreal Light has developed water desalination tech powered by PV for off-grid applications. The solution uses 460 W solar panels from Chinese module manufacturer DAH Solar and produces clean water from direct seawater at a cost of €0.50 ($0.54)/m3.
Solax releases mini single-phase residential string inverters
Solax has introduced new products with nominal power ratings of 0.6 kW to 3 kW and efficiencies of 98%. It says the devices are compatible with heat pump systems and home EV chargers.
Gravity storage system based on linear electric machines
South African scientists have designed a novel gravity energy storage system that uses linear electric motors to vertically move multiple solid masses to store and discharge electrical energy. They say its levelized cost of storage (LCOS) is $137.20/MWh, but with efficiency improvements, it could drop to about $100/MWh
Video: Market outlook for vertical rooftop solar
Norway’s Over Easy Solar AS introduced a new vertical PV system for rooftop applications last year. pv magazine spoke to CEO Trygve Mongstad about system prices and future market prospects for vertical rooftop solar tech.
Perovskite-silicon tandem PV cell with textured wafers hits 28.1% efficiency
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have built a perovskite-silicon tandem cell with textured silicon wafers to offer superior light trapping. The device has an open-circuit voltage of 1,851 mV, a short-circuit current of 18.9 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 80.1%.
New polymer material for PV cables
Chemical manufacturer Avient has announced the launch of new, cross-linkable polymers for use in photovoltaic cables.
Startup unveils lithium iron phosphate battery for residential applications
MyGrid’s new 1.5 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery system purportedly runs for more than 6,000 cycles. It uses a bidirectional charger to receive and send electricity to the grid via a wall socket.
Solar-powered artificial leaf to produce hydrogen from air
Chemical engineers in Switzerland have invented a solar-powered artificial leaf. Their solar-powered, transparent and porous electrode turns water from its gaseous state in the air into hydrogen fuel.
Schneider Electric releases residential solution with battery, inverter, EV charger
Schneider Electric’s new Schneider Home platform includes a smartphone app to monitor and allocate energy resources.
