Video: Solar Superheroes return to SNEC
The Solar Superheroes made their live action debut at the SNEC show in 2016, and this year they returned, once again drawing huge crowds wherever they prowled or performed.
Japanese scientists seek to develop solar cell able to absorb spectral components of longer wavelengths
The new technology is designed to capture the spectral components of longer wavelengths that are usually lost during transmission through the solar cell. The Japanese scientists are using up-conversion of below-gap photons to reduce power losses and increase the cell efficiency.
Getting ready for terawatts of solar (with charts)
Researchers from NREL, Fraunhofer ISE and Japan’s AIST have released a new paper which looks at the barriers to deploying multiple terawatts of solar PV and what can be done to overcome them.
4JET launches CIGS processing tool
German equipment supplier 4JET microtech has launched its new MPCT solution which it says will enable laser edge deletion, bus bar exposure and via drilling operations in CIGS glass substrates.
Imec’s perovskite-based PV module reaches 12.4% efficiency
The Belgian research institute has improved the efficiency of its 4x4cm² perovskite module by 1.1%.
Schmid and MacDermid 2017 Technology Highlights award winners
Schmid Group and MacDermid Enthone have been selected as pv magazine’s 2017 Technology Highlights award winners. In late March, the prize jury of industry experts met to select the winners, from a shortlist of eight innovative new PV production equipment and materials. Dozens of entries to the award were received from suppliers worldwide. Alongside the two winners, the jury selected Sinton Instruments as worthy of special commendation as having provided the ‘Technology to Watch’ in 2017.
First Solar seeking sale of its share in yieldco 8point3 Energy
The Arizona-headquartered solar power company wants to strategically align its resources to support its new Series 6 module, and thus seeks sale of its stake in the joint SunPower yieldco. SunPower reaffirms belief that the yieldco can deliver long-term assets and growth.
ANU develops 26% efficient cell using perovskites
Researchers at the Australian National University (ANU) have achieved 26.4% efficiency using a stacked configuration of silicon and perovskite solar cells. The perovskite cell is semi-transparent and, according to ANU, could bring down the cost of generating solar power.
Fraunhofer ISE to investigate PV panels for commercial vehicles
German solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE is investigating the development of integrated PV panels for commercial vehicles. After conducting analyses using real life solar irradiance data, Fraunhofer sees great potential in this field.
Tempress & ECN develop process for IBC cell production
Equipment manufacturer Tempress has teamed up with Dutch research center ECN to develop a production process for n-type IBC solar cells with efficiency above 21%. A pilot of the new process was completed in just three months, illustrating its compatibility with mass production.
