photovoltaics

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, presents the solar irradiance data it collected for Asia in July. The data show that Super Typhoon Doksuri and the associated cloudiness could not bring monthly irradiance below the long-term averages for most of the continent.

An international research team has developed high-efficiency solar cells with a 21.59% efficiency rating by using an all-inorganic phase heterojunction approach. The team used an anti-solvent-free DHA method to produce high-quality, inorganic perovskite thin films, resulting in better device performance under ambient conditions.

South Korean scientists have developed a new building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar cell featuring a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) electrode. This innovation is expected to enhance light scattering and meet aesthetic standards.

Perth-based ClearVue is making significant strides as its transparent solar windows demonstrate tangible outcomes following a two-year study and published paper.

In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.

A Dutch-German research team has used a unique method to detect silver shortages in the PV industry. By mapping the silver supply chain from 1995 to 2021, they have identified distinct supply patterns and associated risks.

Recycling is of significant importance in a circular economy, yet some challenges have to be faced when recycling PV modules. The novel Hot Knife method to separate the crystalline silicon photovoltaic module front glass from the backsheet contributes only a few permill to the life cycle related potential environmental impacts of PV electricity.

Indian scientists have suggested building pumped-hydro storage systems connected to solar plants using mines as the lower reservoir and nearby rivers as the upper reservoir. They claim that the proposed combination may reach a levelized cost of energy of $0.2693/kWh.

The Fraunhofer ISE has developed an electro-optically optimized transparent conductive oxide layer that can reportedly improve the efficiency of perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells. A device built with the film achieved remarkable efficiency and fill factor.

Overirradiance conditions may affect the operating performance of photovoltaic plants, the stability of the electrical grid, and the efficiency of inverters. A research team has warned these effects are currently not being given proper consideration by the solar industry.