NREL scientists test back-contact architecture on perovskite solar cells
Scientists in the United States explored the use of all back contact architectures for perovskite solar cells. The group notes several advantages to this strategy, as well as challenges to overcome. Ultimately, the work outlines a route to cell efficiencies better than 20%.
How safe are smart EV chargers?
Research has uncovered critical security threats associated with a number of common smart electric-vehicle chargers, but it’s not too late or too logistically difficult to remedy the issues.
US energy storage facility knocked offline after batteries overheat
The Moss Landing Energy Storage Facility in California, which became operational in December 2020, has gone offline after overheating. The system features lithium-ion batteries from LG Energy Solution. Fire crews found scorched battery racks and melted wires.
Designer bacteria for energy storage
A group of biologists in the United States working with a bacteria discovered a mechanism that could be used to convert electricity into biofuels or other useful substances. With better understanding of the genetics, the group says the mechanism could rival hydrogen for the storage of renewable energy.
Co-evaporated perovskite solar cell with 19.5% efficiency
German scientists have built a perovskite solar cell with spiro-TTB as a hole transport material, via the thermal co-evaporation method. The solar cell has an open-circuit voltage of 1.08 V, a fill factor of 83.0%, and a short-circuit current of 21.6 mA cm.
WTO dispute panel rejects China’s claims in CSPV import dispute with the U.S.
The panel rejected all four claims against the U.S. relating to safeguard measures that the Trump administration imposed on solar panels imported from China.
EDF inks PPA for 300 MW/600 MWh solar-plus-storage project in the US
The Desert Quartzite Solar+Storage Project is in Riverside County, California, and could enter service in early 2024.
Perovskites can also detect nuclear radiation
Scientists in Switzerland found that perovskites can be used to detect thermal neutrons emitted by radioactive devices. Taking advantage of several properties that also make the materials attractive for solar cell applications, the group was able to fabricate a novel device that could have various practical applications, including in energy generation.
High-voltage non-aqueous hybrid flow battery with novel chemistry
US scientists claim to have created a crossover-free, high-voltage, non-aqueous hybrid flow battery with a novel chemistry for the solid sodium anode. The device has shown a high working voltage of around 2.6 V and a coulombic efficiency of 95.0%.
US solar panel shipments rose 33% in 2020
Solar PV module shipments reached a record high in the U.S. market in 2020, up 33% year on year.
