United States

Polaron formation in perovskite solar cells has been indicated in scientific research as a possible factor for making this kind of cell particularly efficient, although the mechanism behind polarons’ action is completely unknown. A U.S. research group has now observed how polaron distortions form and grow.

Scientists in the United States claim that further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of kinetic stabilization strategies to increase cell voltage in redox flow batteries and bring them closer to commercial viability.

The renewable energy division of the Portuguese power company has concluded a $684 million deal with Canadian investment group Connor, Clark & Lunn Infrastructure for a wind and solar portfolio in the United States.

Capital Dynamics’ Clean Energy Infrastructure unit previously acquired a 30% stake in Arlington Valley Solar Energy II as part of the acquisition of three PV projects from LS Power in November.

The economic feasibility of plant factories has been questionable because of energy costs. Now, customers of one containerized farm provider in the United States can opt for 100% clean energy with a subscription service.

A white paper published earlier in December by PV Evolution Labs investigates the formation of performance damaging cracks in PV cells, based on mechanical stress testing of more than 40 commercially available PV modules. While the lab warns that susceptibility to cracking will change according to the specific bill of materials making up each module, certain technologies are shown to perform better than others.

Across the United States, more than three dozen solar projects with nameplate capacities of at least 100 MW are set to enter service in 2021. The Texas oil patch is on track to host the largest of them.

Nikola and Republic were working on a garbage truck based on a zero-emissions battery-electric drive platform, but they have decided to scrap their collaboration.

Despite much of the world being on lockdown for a big chunk of 2020, there are few who could say it has been an uneventful year. And while the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic will be what defines 2020 for many, in the solar industry there’s plenty more to shout about, from the rapid rollout of high-powered modules to a drastic increase in carbon-neutral pledges from companies and governments around the world. Across five installments, pv magazine takes a look back at the year in solar. First up are the U.S. election and carbon neutral pledges.

The new U.S. storage strategy includes plans to shift new tech from the lab to the marketplace. It also focuses on ways to manufacture at scale and ensure supply chain stability.