Technology and R&D

UNSW researchers have investigated the impact of electron irradiation on PERC and TOPCon solar cell performance and have identified bulk lifetime degradation as main power loss cause. Their work stresses the need for increasing radiation tolerance in commercial space silicon solar cells.

The company’s demonstration centre in Dallas, Texas, showcases its Arcturus steam-generating heat pump, which it says is eight times more efficient than natural gas boilers and six times more efficient that electric boilers and thermal energy storage.

Scientists in Ghana have developed a device that combines a conventional solar PV-powered steam cooker with sand-based thermal energy storage. The system can achieve a thermal efficiency of 38.9% and has a payback period of 4.5 years.

The Chinese company said its 2,016 Wh portable LiFePO₄ energy-storage system is expandable to 22,176 Wh with additional battery modules. It delivers 2,400 W output, offers 16 ports, app-based control, and includes built-in audio and lighting features for home, travel, and off-grid use.

Scientists in India have developed a novel method to optimize the placement of an EV charging station on the grid, along with the size of its PV generation and battery storage. They have also created a framework for an innovative slot offering.

Viridian Solar, a UK-based roof-integrated solar PV specialist, announced new flashing products to seamlessly integrate its solar panels with skylight-style windows made by Keylite Roof Windows.

In a new scientific paper, the Chinese solar manufacturer explained that the 27.81%-efficient hybrid interdigitated back-contact cell it unveiled in April is based on passivated tunneling contacts and dielectric passivation layers, while also incorporating both n-type and p-type contacts.

The IF25 Heat Auction will offer a fixed premium subsidy to projects that electrify industrial processes using technologies such as heat pumps, induction heating, solar-thermal and geothermal heat systems. The bidding window is expected to open in early December.

The heating and cooling business of the Japanese giant has released a new range of heat pumps for commercial projects. The systems have capacities of 40 kW and 50 kW.

A Canadian research team has developed a framework for local urban agriculture production, with the produce harvested distributed by electric vehicles powered by sidewalk-integrated photovoltaics. The PV-powered transportation system was calculated to have a payback time of 2.8 years.