TOPCon solar cell achieves 24.2% efficiency via new plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition tech
A team of international researchers has simplified the deposition of thin film layers in the commercial production of TOPCon solar cells. Via a tube-type industrial plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technique, they were able to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 22.8% in a 60-cell, 613 W TOPCon module.
Solar Calculator estimates residential solar potential
SolarReviews provides customized solar savings and design estimates for homeowners in just a few clicks, with no utility bills, paywalls, or registration required.
PCM-based thermal battery to store solar power via heat pump
Norway’s SINTEF has designed a heat storage system based on phase change materials (PCM) that can support PV generation and peak shaving. The battery’s container hosts 3 tons of liquid biowax based on vegetable oil and is now beating performance expectations at a pilot facility.
Greatcell achieves 32% efficiency for inorganic perovskite solar cell
Australian manufacturer Greatcell has built a cell with roll-to-roll coating technology. It designed it without a hole transport layer (HTL) and used carbon composite back contacts, which offer excellent electrical conductivity.
Rooftop wind energy innovation claims 50% more energy than solar at same cost
BASF is currently testing Aeromine Technologies’ patented motionless wind-harvesting system.
IEA-PVPS expects polysilicon prices to stabilize by end of 2023
The International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA-PVPS) recently published a report on trends in PV applications for the 2021-22 period. Prices for polysilicon, wafers, cells and modules rose, while production capacity expanded in China and beyond.
The Hydrogen Stream: UK consortium plans 10 MW offshore wind-hydrogen facility
A group of UK companies has started working on a 10 MW wind-to-hydrogen project, American Airlines has announced a new investment in hydrogen distribution, and ACWA Power has teamed up with South Korea’s Kepco to develop green hydrogen/ ammonia projects in the Middle East.
‘Footstep tech’ for solar module cleaning
Scientists in South Korea have used a triboelectric generator and an electrodynamic dust shield to develop a panel-cleaning system that can be activated by footsteps. They said the system can remove more than 70% of accumulated dust with the pressure of just 12 footsteps.
Aerocompact launches high-elevation mounting system for rooftop PV
Aerocompact’s new CompactFLAT GS mounting structure can be installed 40 cm above rooftop surfaces, with tilt angles of 10 and 15 degrees. The company says the product is ideal for bifacial solar arrays and green rooftops.
Australian state expedites development of pumped hydro project at gold mine
A plan to build a 2 GW/20 GWh pumped hydro project at an old gold mine in the Australian state of Queensland has been declared a “coordinated project,” in order to fast-track the plan.
