Improving n-type TOPCon solar cells
Scientists in China have studied the formation of contacts in tunnel-oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar cells, and the role of high-temperature annealing processes on the quality and performance of cells. Their findings could open up pathways for scientists looking to squeeze even more efficiency out this rapidly growing cell technology.
Analysis of solar inverter responses to forest fires
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation inverter reliability team has determined that inverter settings need to be further developed to help them to respond more effectively to forest fires, which triggered power grid issues in the United States during the 2016-17 period.
Photovoltaics for inland shipping vessels
Dutch researchers have looked at how PV systems could be used to power bulk vessels for inland shipping. They found that 7.18% and 5.78% of the energy demand of container ships and bulk vessels can be respectively supplied by solar panels.
Solar, geothermal heat pumps for heating, cooling demand in office buildings
Photovoltaic-thermal panels and geothermal heat pumps could mostly cover the heating and cooling demand of office buildings, according to new research from Greece.
The case for residential solar sharing
Technische Universität München researchers have run a series of tests to investigate the growing share of rooftop PV in Germany. They found that the sale and purchase of electricity between households could reduce consumption peaks and prevent grid bottlenecks.
Hanwha Solutions to set up TOPCon module production line, build EVA factory
Hanwha Solutions has unveiled a $548.8 million plan to enter the TOPCon module business and expand its EVA production capacity in South Korea.
Perovskite solar cell achieves 24% efficiency, retains 87% of output after 100 days
Researchers at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory claim to have achieved a breakthrough for high-efficiency perovskite solar cells.
IEA says global heat pump installations to hit 600 million by 2030
The International Energy Agency (IEA) says that the deployment of 600 million heat pumps by 2030 could cover 20% of the annual heating requirements of buildings throughout the world.
PV-powered direct air electrolysis module to produce hydrogen from moisture in air
Scientists in Australia have developed a new way to produce hydrogen using water from the atmosphere. They claim their new module can ensure stable performance and provide green hydrogen for remote areas.
Solar perovskite tandems and potential-induced degradation
Scientists have found that perovskite solar cells and perovskite-silicon tandems might be vulnerable to potential-induced degradation. They exposed tandem cell devices to PID stress and found that they lost as much as 50% of their initial performance after just one day.
