Solaria unveils 430 W pure black residential solar panel
The new residential module of the U.S.-based manufacturer has a power conversion efficiency of 20.40%, a size of 1,076×1,957x35mm, and a weight of 21.3kg. The product is claimed to be compatible with next-generation, module-level power electronics.
How long do rooftop residential solar panels last?
Multiple factors affect the productive lifespan of a residential solar panel. In the first part of this series, we look at the solar panels themselves.
Solar in uncommon spaces
With land-use concerns on the rise, large-scale solar projects are increasingly being built on everything from landfill sites to water reservoirs. Here’s an overview of the state of the art.
LCOE of monofacial, bifacial solar modules
Does higher energy production outweigh an increase in costs? Clean Energy Associates tries to answer this question in a new case study.
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.
