NREL partners with GE on microgrid development project
Collaboration includes involvement from the Electric Power Research Institute and focuses on $8 million program to leverage capabilities of energy systems integration facilities.
Niche solar products enjoying their moment in sun
From spray-on and peel and stick to solar cloth and solar-powered cycle paths, PV’s potential is being examined across a number of innovative applications.
Cleantech disruption to reduce annual utility revenues by up to $123 billion
The growth of distributed generation and energy efficiency is set to reduce utility revenues by up to $123 billion a year by 2025. This is the finding of a new report by consultants Accenture, in its Digitally Enabled Grid report, which advises that utilities will have to fundamentally transform their business models.
UNSW researchers achieve 40.4% CPV cell result with outdoor testing
Researchers from Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW))have achieved a conversion efficiency world record, for a cell testing in outdoor facilities. The 40.4% efficiency result was achieved using a triplejunction cell, onto which sunlight was concentrated using spectrum splitting CPV power tower.
Peel-and-stick solar cells
Stanford professor says peel-away solar cells could revolutionize BIPV. Chinese academic is working on scaling up the technology.
TU Delft student sets new tandem thin film silicon efficiency record
A PhD student at TU Delft has recorded a conversion efficiency of 14.8% with a tandem thin film silicon cell. Hairen Tan achieved the result through applying a number of innovative techniques, for which he picked up the Young Research Award at the recent international PV conference in Kyoto.
Report finds more info on solar, mini-grids needed to address energy gap
Practical Action has released a report that outlines gaps in the evidence that the UK-based NGO claims is tainting the energy debate in favor of the world’s richer population. More information and policy support for solar and mini-grids is in demand to help close the energy gap.
SunShot scheme awarded $9m solar R&D funding
The US Department of Energy will back all breakthrough research and development projects that advance solar PV to the tune of $9 million.
Future PV Forum brings close-to-commercialization technologies into focus
The 15th Forum Solarpraxis played host to the first Future PV Forum today in Berlin. 10 presentations across the solar innovation value chain showcased a range of technologies from the much-hyped perovskites to laser 3D printing for silver paste application on standard p-type crystalline silicon solar cells.
Midsummer reduces CIGS active layer to 800nm
Swedish thin film equipment supplier Midsummer has reduced the active layer in its CIGS deposition process to 800nm. The tool supplier claims that this is less than half of what other suppliers offer, substantially reducing costs.
