St. Andrews University discovery could push solar cell’s theoretical efficiency limit
Researchers at the University of St. Andrews have demonstrated that atomically precise groups of nanoparticles known as nanoclusters can cut a single high energy photon into two lower energy ones, a discovery which could lead to major advancements in the development of solar cells.
MIT researchers develop ‘any surface’ solar cell
A team of scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Energy Initiative has developed a flexible, transparent solar cell, using low-cost organic materials and graphene. The researchers say this cell could turn virtually any surface into a source of power generation.
Study finds that storage prices are falling faster than PV and wind technologies
A study from the University of California and TU Munich in Germany shows that long-term R&D spending played a critical role in achieving cost reductions.
Stanford & DOE research brings insight into perovskite efficiency
Scientists at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have published research revealing unusual atomic motions in perovskite materials exposed to light. The discovery, says Stanford, could prove crucial to further increasing the efficiency potential for perovskite solar cells.
UNIST achieves 22.1% efficiency in perovskite solar cell
Researchers at South Korea’s Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) announced a new world for efficiency in hybrid inorganic-organic perovskite solar cells, at 22.1%.
Organic electrode material could boost lithium ion capacity
Researchers at Germany’s Helmholtz Institute have developed a new electrode material which could improve the capacity and charge/discharge speed of lithium-ion technology, as well as reducing for costly cobalt in the batteries.
Australia’s Greatcell signs MOU with JinkoSolar
Under a non-exclusive Memorandum of Understanding with JinkoSolar, Greatcell noted it would make available developmental perovskite cells for further evaluation.
U.S. university CPV system outperforms silicon by 54% in test
A single-cell concentrating photovoltaic system developed by researchers at Penn State University reportedly reached 30% efficiency, and generated 54% more energy during a two-day test than a commercial silicon solar in the same conditions.
Swiss researchers testing planted rooftop areas in combination with PV systems
Scientists in Switzerland are testing the optimum use of combined PV systems and planted flat rooftop areas, and how both systems affect each other. A first prototype has been installed on a roof of a senior citizen residence in the country.
JinkoSolar and TÜV Rheinland to create testing standards for bifacial modules
The two establishments will develop a standardized testing method designed for bifacial technology and the difficulties and opportunities that exist where these modules are concerned.
