Swiss scientists achieve 21.4% efficiency for flexible CIGS solar cell
The result was confirmed by Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE). The cell was fabricated through a low-temperature co-evaporation method for the growth of the light-absorbing CIGS semiconductor thin film.
Direct solar hydrogen generation tech powered by 24.3%-efficient tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell
Developed by Australian scientists, the demonstrated system is claimed to achieve a solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 20% at a levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of $4.10/kg. The direct solar hydrogen generation technology is powered by a tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell with an unprecedented high open-circuit voltage of 1.271 V, and a power conversion efficiency of 24.3%.
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.
A new spin on battery manufacturing
Scientists in Germany developed a new process for manufacturing battery electrodes, that they say could be both more cost effective and environmentally friendly compared to current technologies. The technique could be applied to a range of different battery materials/chemistries and its creators say they are in discussion with a number of battery cell manufacturers regarding pilot production.
Minimum solar panel raw distance crucial for good soil, vegetation conditions, in solar parks
A Dutch research group has shown that south-oriented solar parks offer better environmental conditions for soil and vegetation than east-west oriented facilities. According to their findings, a distance between panel rows of at least 1.5 times panel height is crucial to favor ideal plant growth and soil functioning.
Uzbekistan launches tender for 500 MW of PV
Through the procurement exercise, the Uzbek authorities want to build several PV plants in the Namangan, Bukhara and Khorezm regions.
Rooftop PV for water heating – a residential super saver
Off-peak electricity rates in Australia are quickly becoming an unhelpful price signal for rooftop solar owners, who benefit by self consuming their excess solar ahead of drawing electricity from the grid at any time of day.
TotalEnergies to build 1 GW solar park in Iraq
TotalEnergies plans to build a 1 GW solar plant near the port of Basra, in southern Iraq.
The Hydrogen Stream: New solar-powered hydrogen tech from Japan
Moreover, two big Russian corporations have unveiled plans to produce hydrogen and Portuguese utility EDP said it wants to set up a a pilot project for a green hydrogen plant in Brazil.
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.
