Scientists unveil desert solar modules with higher performance ratio, reduced temperature sensitivity
Researchers in Morocco have carefully configured and tested a novel desert solar module optimized for harsh desert climates. The new design delivered a 5.8% improvement in performance ratio, a 1.95% increase in efficiency, and reduced temperature sensitivity by 0.85% compared to standard modules.
Alpine PV has LCOE ranging from €0.097/kWh to 0.162/kWh
New research from Switzerland shows that capex costs for Alpine PV projects in Switzerland currently range between €2,231/kW and €4,182/KW for ground-mounted projects and up to €3,802/kW and €7,108/kW for wall-mounted and floating projects, respectively.
Japanese researchers test 15%-efficient perovskite solar module for agrivoltaics
Japan’s Sekisui Chemical launched an agrivoltaics project in partnership with Terra, a unit of Japan-based Citizen Energy Chiba, to test the peformance of its perovskite solar cell technology and the effect of the PV system on plants.
Optimal locations for solar power plants in Asia Pacific
A research team from Japan and Indonesia used satellite data to investigate fluctuations of solar irradiance over the Asia Pacific region and draw conclusions on which areas are best suited for future installations.
All-perovskite tandem solar cell based on tin-lead perovskite achieves 28.8% efficiency
Conceived by Chinese scientists, the cell was built with new surface reconstruction strategy based on the use of 1,4-butanediamine (BDA) and ethylenediammonium diiodide (EDAI2) as surface modifiers. The device was able to retain 79.7% of its initial efficiency after 550 h.
Varta launches Varta.wall DC high-voltage battery
Varta says it now expects high demand for its Varta.wall DC high-voltage battery. It initially presented the product at Intersolar 2022, but has struggled with its market introduction.
PV-driven drip irrigation system with compressed air storage
The proposed system uses compressed air to store energy, as well as for the prevention of clogging in the irrigation tubes. Two experimental systems were built and tested in China and clogging was reduced by up to 93%.
New coating prevents plant growth on underwater solar cells
The US Navy has funded Danish research on preventing biofouling while maintaining visible light transmission on underwater solar cells. The top solution uses ultra-low concentrations of nano-sized, seawater-soluble pigments. Power generation stayed close to 100% after 13 weeks underwater.
New residential storage system from Germany with 12,000 charging cycles
German manufacturer EKD says its new Ampere.StoragePro E3 battery uses lithium-iron phosphate cells and can be cascaded to reach up to 231 kWh.
Lightweight mobility with vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
A European consortium of commercial and research groups is developing lighter weight, solar-powered, cost-conscious, three and four-wheel prototype vehicles for passengers and cargo. The $13.4 million project aims for a platform that has standardized components, including the battery, powertrain, and solar PV parts, as well as support for end-of-life, maintenance, and refurbishment.
