All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 64 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 19 new results reported in the new version.
New diode equation can improve solar thin-film efficiency, researchers claim
Scientists in the United Kingdom and Finland publish a new model for analyzing thin-film and other PV devices with low charge-carrier mobilities. It’s claimed the unified diode equation for thin-film PV provides insights into the mechanisms driving limiting charge collection and power-conversion efficiency in low-mobility PV devices.
Australian community microgrid calls on residential solar to support energy security
Construction has begun on a solar and battery-based microgrid that is to provide the northeast Victoria town of Corryong with crucial energy resilience, helping keep the power on during emergencies such as bushfires and storms.
French startup unveils ‘low-carbon’ anodized aluminum solar carport
KparK Énergies says its low-carbon Carport Solaire Aluminium system and comes equipped with solar panels, microinverters, virtual batteries, and charging stations for electric vehicles.
Photovoltaics for hydroponic greenhouses
Researchers in Iran have investigated the operation of a real solar-powered greenhouse in the Alborz province and have found that only 4% of the greenhouse’s roof needs to be covered with PV modules to meet demand for lighting and pumping water.
Fraunhofer develops tandem module for direct hydrogen production
Three Fraunhofer institutes in Germany have developed a tandem module for direct hydrogen production, as a modular, flexible alternative to large electrolyzers. PV is an additional power supply.
KAUST builds perovskite-perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with 31.5% efficiency
The Saudi research institute said its new four-terminal tandem device has achieved the highest efficiency ever reported for perovskite-based 4-T and triple-junction tandem solar cells to date. The key feature of the cell is the hole transport layer of the top perovskite cell, which was engineered with self-assembled monolayers.
CSIRO partners with Google to prototype grid-forming inverters
Scientists from Australia’s national science agency and the electricity research and development arm of Google have developed a new ‘smart’ inverter they claim is almost twice as fast and about 50% more efficient than existing commercial inverters.
Belgian wildlife park hosts world’s largest wooden solar carport
Belgian energy company Perpetum Energy has built a 40 MW solar carport at Pairi Daiza, a privately owned zoo and botanical garden in Hainaut, Belgium. It said the total investment reached €40 million ($43 million) investment.
Udinese Calcio builds 1.1 MW PV system on stadium in Italy
Bluenergy is developing a 1.1 MW PV system on Udinese Calcio’s football stadium in Italy. The company said the project might include a 300 kW battery.
