A look into a crystal ball reveals the secrets of perovskite solar cell stability
Scientists in Switzerland and South Korea looked deep into the crystalline structure of a perovskite thin-film to better understand the mechanisms behind the sensitivity to heat and moisture that causes so many stability issues for solar cells based on these materials. They discovered a part of the crystal’s surface that is particularly vulnerable to moisture-induced degradation, and developed an approach to grow perovskite thin-films with strong resistance to moisture and thermal stress.
New model to predict safety of floating solar arrays
South Korean scientists have developed a way to determine when a floating PV system is safe to install in the field.
US Patent Trial and Appeal Board rules in favor of Q Cells in patent dispute with REC
The US Patent Trial and Appeal Board has issued a favorable decision for Hanwha Q Cells over REC Solar’s patent claims. The court has ruled that the contested claims of REC’s US patent were not patentable. The decision is similar to those in courts in China and Europe, according to Q Cells.
Trina sues Hanwha Q Cells for patent infringement in China
Trina Solar has filed a patent lawsuit related to several products developed by Hanwha Q Cells, and has revealed that the Chinese customs authorities have already seized some of them.
South Korea moves forward with long-expected solar panel recycling scheme
South Korea’s new provisions establish a standardized collection system for each of the country’s major regions, in order to ensure a waste panel recycling/reuse rate of more than 80%.
South Korean city to host 1.5 GW solar project at industrial site
A consortium led by Hanwha Asset Management has revealed plans to build a massive, KRW 3 trillion ($2.29 billion) solar project on rooftops and idle plots of land at an industrial complex in Daegu, South Korea.
Natural-born p-doped material for pervoskite solar cells
Researchers in South Korea have found that molybdenum ditelluride could increase carrier generation in perovskite solar cells. They simulated a cell with a perovskite absorber and a layer made of the new material, and determined that its efficiency could exceed 20%.
SND to open 1 GW factory for TOPCon solar modules in South Korea
SND has announced plans to build a new factory in Gwangju, South Korea. It will also produce panels with an unspecified tandem technology. It plans to open the factory in 2025.
Heat pumps competitive with gas boilers in some markets, says IEA
Th International Energy Agency (IEA) says unsubsidized heat pumps are already competitive with gas boilers in mature markets like the United States, Canada, Japan, Italy, and China. It says global sales will soar to record levels by 2030.
EDPR Sunseap testing solar floaters made of recycled plastic
PlasticBean, a manufacturer of recycled plastic pellets, has agreed to work with EDPR Sunseap to use 100% recycled plastic in floating PV solar projects in Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea.
