Technology and R&D

European research group Solliance has announced new conversion efficiencies of 13.5% (cell) and 12.2% (module) for its perovskite based PV technology. The group states that the records were achieved in a factory setting, using an industrially scalable roll to roll process.

A team of researchers from University of California, Irvine (UCI) has developed a device which which converts sunlight into electricity through the motion of ions, rather than through excitement of electrons as in standard photovoltaics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) study of solar pump technology used in India assesses technical performance and explores innovative business cases to increase user adoption. The study also helps farmers to choose the right size of the pump according to their requirement or size of fields.

The Belgian research institute and the Japanese electronics group say they have developed a solid nanocomposite electrolyte with a lithium ion conductivity several times greater than in its liquid equivalent.

The Digital Solar Plant Testbed evaluates solutions to accurately predict energy generation, improve utilization and reduce maintenance costs. IIC has estimated that 30% reduction in O&M expenses with the help of accurate forecasting will save around $15 million/year for utilities managers.

Researchers from the Institute of Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS) and the renowned Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) have collaborated on a new technique for the creation of perovskite solar cell materials. The technique replaces traditional solvent based processes with steel ball mill grinding.

A new type of greenhouse with special PV modules installed, which absorbs some light, while allowing some to pass through to allow photosynthesis has been tested by researchers at the university of California with very positive results.

Spanish inverter supplier Ingeteam is taking part in a research program deploying drones to inspect existing PV power plants, to spot the causes of underperformance. The SCARAB project is headed by the company and has been provided with almost €650,000 (AU$980,000) in funding from the Spanish government.

Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created a solar cell using colloidal quantum dots, which achieved 13.4% conversion efficiency – a new world record for this emerging technology.

Fossilized Diatoms, an algae that has the ability to manipulate light, are being used to solve a design problem that has long plagued the proliferation of organic solar cells. The diatoms can be found in all waters and in the bark of trees. They possess a skeleton made of nanostructured silica or glass.