Cleaning solar modules with sand and wind, on Mars
NASA scientists have partially cleaned up the solar modules of the Insight lander operating on Mars, by using grain sands collected nearby and trickling them on the panels during the windiest time of the day. This handmade technique has made it possible, according to them, to increase the PV array’s yield of about 30 watt-hours of energy per ‘sol,’ or Martian day.
Watch how this solar array will boost the International Space Station’s power capacity
The solar cells for the space station were provided by Boeing’s subsidiary Spectrolab.
Developing standards for solar & wildlife habitat
A group of researchers in the U.S. analyzed recent developments in efforts at dual land use projects, combining solar energy with habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Based on recent projects and studies, they offer a list of best practices for developing the habitats; and warn that without careful oversight the promising concept could amount to little more than greenwashing.
Four-terminal III-V solar cell with 32.57% efficiency
Scientists at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory have simulated a III-V solar cell by stacking gallium arsenide films onto interdigitated back contact silicon solar cells with a glass interlayer. The scientists have already done some initial mini-module integration work, but significant size scaling will ultimately be needed to reach commercialization. The cell currently has an active area of 1 cm2.
Portable, grid-connected solar carport
The “Gismo Power” solar carport is entirely mobile, can be connected to the grid, and can be folded for storage.
Solar 101: Obvious and not-so-obvious US solar incentives
Here are three tools to help you navigate the sometimes-complex array of US state incentives for your rooftop solar project.
Are oil and gas companies on the run?
Private sector fossil fuel spending on exploration is drying up just as modest rises in clean energy investments are being observed. With stock market investors increasingly embracing renewables, the IEA has observed positive signals in its latest energy investment report, but warned we are still doing far too little to keep global heating at bay.
Canada Infrastructure Bank to invest in 250 MW/1,000 MWh storage project
The massive Oneida Energy Storage project in Ontario will store surplus energy during off-peak periods and provide grid-balancing services to reduce renewables curtailment.
US startup offers rapid shutdown module with power optimization
Enteligent’s rapid shutdown device is bolstered by what it describes as ”robust power optimization.”
Bifacial n-type TOPCon cell with 22.6% efficiency
The device also showed an open-circuit voltage of 702 mV, a short-circuit current of 40 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 79.7%. It has a large area of 239 cm².
