Reducing PV module temperature with twisted tape
Researchers in Iran have investigated how twisted tape in water-cooled channels can enhance heat transfer in solar modules. They have used a computer simulation to analyze the new approach with different parameters and have found the panels’ ectrical efficiency increased by up to 11.84%.
Nanostructured antireflective coating for gallium arsenide solar cells
A Spanish research team demonstrated a broadband antireflective coating for gallium arsenide solar cells. Based on thermally oxidized gallium nanoparticles, the nanostructured coating reduced reflectance by 30% across the solar spectrum, and increased solar cell performance by 10%.
S-5! launches new clamp for solar carports
The US mounting system provider said its new product is designed to fit both Cee and Zee purlin-framed structures. It features a bottom-oriented setscrew.
‘It’s not a matter of sodium versus lithium, we need both’
A US research team has developed all-solid-state sodium batteries that retain performance down to subzero temperatures. The systems utilize a special chloride-based solid-electrolyte-coated cathode.
MIT researchers develop polymer film that could prevent solar panel corrosion
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology say their polymer coating could be used to protect photovoltaic modules, due to its impermeability to gases. The team has demonstrated that a 60-nanometer-thick film can extend the lifetime of a perovskite crystal by several weeks.
Fraunhofer ISE builds first perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with copper metallization
Using the mask-and-plate copper metallization technique, scientists at the German research center fabricated a 1.21 cm² perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell featuring a heterojunction bottom device. The cell achieved an efficiency of 19.35%, reportedly the highest value reached to date for this cell type using galvanic front metallization.
Rinnai unveils air-to-water heat pumps for commercial, industrial use
The systems use propane as the refrigerant and range in capacity from 40 kW to 410 kW. Their coefficient of performance reaches up to 3.88.
Open-access, modular monitoring platform for multi-year outdoor PV testing
A team of researchers in Canada has developed the Jericho Open Resistive Data Logger—an open-access photovoltaic (PV) monitoring platform that integrates data acquisition and processing hardware, a software framework, and a comprehensive sensor array. Designed primarily for agrivoltaic applications, the system has a total estimated cost of around $2,000.
Antaisolar launches single-axis tracker
The Chinese company says its AT-spark has a length of up to 143 m and a rotation range of 60°. It can accommodate up to 120 solar modules.
Peak Energy to supply up to 4.75 GWh of sodium-ion batteries to Jupiter Power
In a major milestone for the two-year-old Series A startup and the broader stationary energy storage sector, US-based Peak Energy has signed a supply agreement potentially worth more than $500 million.
