Heterojunction solar cell with 24.18% efficiency via hydrogenated amorphous silicon passivation
A Dutch research group has developed a passivation technique for heterojunction solar cells based on a hydrogenated amorphous silicon layer. Their cell achieved an in-house-certified power conversion efficiency of 24.18%, an open-circuit voltage of 726.0 mV, a short-circuit current of 39.97 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 83.3%.
Novel tech to recycle silver, aluminum from end-of-life solar panels
Researchers at the University of Leicester have developed a new method of extracting silver and aluminum from end-of-life PV cells using iron chloride and aluminum chloride dissolved in brines. According to them, the cheap solvents retrieve up to 95% of the metals within 10 minutes, achieving a 98% purity of silver chloride.
Australian grid operator turns to Smart Wires technology to unlock renewables
Transmission network operator Transgrid is counting on technology developed in the United States to increase the capacity for the bidirectional flow of energy between Australia’s most populous states with works on the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector upgrade project nearing completion.
Goldman Sachs, Cleanhill Partners acquire majority stake in US inverter maker EPC Power
With clean energy installations projected to skyrocket, the two financial powerhouses value EPC Power’s position in the evolution of the industry.
Spain set to hit 20 GW milestone
Spain has reached 17.1 GW of large-scale PV capacity and 2.5 GW of solar under the self-consumption regime, according to new figures from grid operator REE.
Hanwha Q Cells launches residential solar-storage-heat pump solution in Europe
Hanwha Q Cells has combined its solar panels and batteries with Samsung’s heat pumps. The offering includes an app that reportedly optimizes power consumption while maximizing solar power utilization.
US startup unveils 5 kW solar canopy for EV charging
Paired Power said its new 5 kW solar canopy measures 3.2 meters x 5.2 meters x 3.7 meters and can host up to 10 bifacial solar panels. It can be used in on-grid or off-grid modes and can be paired with lithium-ion battery storage systems up to 40 kWh in size.
US investment giant snaps up New Zealand rooftop solar specialist
BlackRock has agreed to acquire SolarZero, a New Zealand rooftop PV specialist, as part of its push into renewable energy in the Asia-Pacific region.
Tata Power secures EPC contract to build 125 MWp floating solar project
Tata Power Solar has secured an engineering, procurement and construction contract for a 125 MWp floating solar project in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
France concludes C&I rooftop PV tender with average price of €0.09091/kWh
The French authorities have allocated 89.8 MW of solar capacity in the country’s latest procurement exercise for commercial and industrial PV systems.
