Polyelectrolyte-based inverted perovskite solar cell with 20.29% efficiency
Taiwanese researchers have added bathocuproine (BCP) molecules to three different kinds of solvents used in perovskite cells and have ascertained how this combination increases the carrier mobility and passivates the electron-poor defects. Furthermore, they utilized a polyelectrolyte (P3CT-Na) thin film as hole transporting material instead of commonly-used thin films based on PEDOT:PSS.
China’s ‘quasi-monopolistic’ stranglehold on solar noted by EU body
The bloc should accelerate investment into mining and processing within its shores, as well as ramping up recycling, according to European employers and trades unions, with coal workers already equipped with the necessary transferable skills.
Polymer current collectors could prevent battery fires
A team of NREL researchers has proposed a new approach to fix lithium-ion batteries’ fire problem. The answer may lie in temperature-sensitive current collectors.
Guide to help installers detect hidden costs in high-power modules
Spanish PV product distributor Techno Sun has published a report analyzing the consequences of high-power modules for installers and distributors. The guide provides a method to calculate the additional costs of large solar panels from different points of view.
New photonic material for self-aligning solar cells
US scientists have made light-tracking, three-junction tandem PV cells with an active area of 650 × 650 square micrometers. They are based on indium gallium phosphide, gallium arsenide, and indium gallium arsenide antimony nitride and use photonic crystal film for maximum efficiency.
Denmark introduces incentive for green heating
Danish gas transmission system operator Evida will exempt homeowners and individuals that want to abandon gas and choose renewable energy for heating from paying the grid disconnection fee. The scheme will be run on a first-come, first-served basis.
Solar canals already competitive with ground-mounted PV
U.S. researchers have assessed the technical and economic feasibility of solar canals in California and have found that their LCOE is already close to that of ground-mounted solar plants. Three different project configurations were analyzed for eight different sites across the California network of canals.
Minute to design it: Solar design apps save time creating proposals for owners
In a sales environment where only one in 10 viable solar projects moves forward, getting from a good idea to a firm decision by a customer needs to happen fast. Here’s how one commercial solar installer makes technology work.
Integrating big solar into olive groves
German energy company Steag wants to build three PV plants totaling 244 MW across several olive groves in the southern Italian region of Apulia. The unsubsidized agrivoltaic projects are expected to sell electricity through power purchase agreements. The distance between the rows of the olive grove and the photovoltaic system has been specifically designed both to avoid shadowing and allow the passage of the automatic machinery necessary for the cultivation of the olive trees.
New manufacturing tech for 16.06%-efficient mini perovskite solar modules
A US-Taiwanese research group has created a new spin coating method which they claim can be applied in the mass production of mini perovskite panels. The scientists used sulfolane as an additive in the perovskite precursor to convert the perovskite phase via a new reaction route. They demonstrated a mini-module with a power conversion efficiency of 16.06% and an active area of 36.6 cm2.
