Technology and R&D

Resilicon says the basic engineering phase of its planned polysilicon plant in the Netherlands is underway after the project secured a technology provider and engineering, procurement and construction contractor. Once completed, the plant will produce high-purity polysilicon for solar supply chains.

Japanese researchers have proposed a method for future vehicle-integrated photovoltaic route planning. It integrates environmental shading effects based on satellite and geographic information system data.

A Chinese research group claims to have achieved remarkable efficiency and stability in a solar cell based on a perovskite absorber incorporating MXene, a novel type of 2D material known for its excellent conductivity, chemical stability, and thermal resilience. The device reportedly retained 80% of its initial efficiency after 500 hours.

German researchers say shared-use and digital brokerage models could lift utilization and profitability of supermarket EV charging stations by up to 255%.

Canadian researchers investigated how the transparency of cadmium telluride and crystalline silicon solar panels affects lettuce growth in agrivoltaic systems. They found that 69%–transparent silicon panels increased lettuce yield by 3.6%, whereas cadmium telluride panels led to a reduction in yield.

Researchers in India have developed an algorithm for quadrant swapping in PV arrays, enabling the creation of new quadrants containing either shaded or unshaded modules. The method was tested across ten shading scenarios with varying irradiation levels and demonstrated “superior” performance compared to conventional approaches.

The U.S. startup said the 30 x 30 cm perovskite solar cell device featured its tin oxide electron transport material produced in a sheet-to-sheet slot die coating process.

Researchers in Canada have proposed using gravity-based energy storage in high-rise buildings, in combination with photovoltaic facades, small wind turbines, and lithium-ion batteries. Their modeling indicated that this hybrid system could achieve a levelized cost of energy ranging from $0.051/kWh to $0.111/kWh.

Scientists in the United Kingdom have developed a new web-inspired concept for floating PV farms, modeled after spider webs. The system is said to be particularly suitable for spiral and radial configurations, as well as for deployment between offshore wind farms.

ArcelorMittal has started producing its Helioroof building-integrated PV modules in France. The steelmaker says the system aims to simplify energy retrofits for commercial and industrial roofs.