TOPCon shingle solar cell achieves 22.0% efficiency via thermal laser separation
Scientists from Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE and US panel maker Solaria have applied thermal laser separation and post-metallization passivated edge technology to tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) cell production. They have developed shingle PV devices that are more efficient than cells built with conventional laser scribing and mechanical cleaving methods.
Heat pumps vs. renewables – a dilemma for Germany’s way out of gas
Researchers have looked at whether Germany can substitute more gas with renewables-powered heat pumps or renewable electricity to reduce load hours at gas-fired power plants. They argue that heat pumps are the fastest way to cut German gas consumption.
Dutch researchers propose modified IEC 61853 standard for bifacial solar
Scientists in the Netherlands have proposed the extension of the IEC 61853 standard to bifacial solar modules, with some key corrections. In particular, they recommend changing the third and fourth parts of the standard.
New polymer electrolyte for lithium-metal batteries
Researchers at the University of Hong Kong have discovered a series of anionic network solid electrolytes that can deliver at least a fourfold improvement in cationic transport for lithium-metal battery applications.
Raptor Maps points to growing problem of PV system underperformance
Raptor Maps analyzed 24.5 GW of large-scale solar assets and determined that power losses due to equipment anomalies nearly doubled from 1.61% in 2019 to 3.13% in 2022. At the module level, cell and diode anomalies were the most common issues, it said.
Honda reusing vehicle fuel cells to build 500 kW stationary fuel cell system
Honda has revealed that it is testing a pilot stationary fuel cell stationary power system in California.
Solar desalination via photovoltaic-thermal energy
UK researchers have proposed the use of photovoltaic-thermal energy for desalination purposes, via an approach based on synergistic electro-thermal coupling mechanisms. They have found that some system configurations could offer a lower levelized cost of desalinated water, in addition to higher efficiencies.
Agrivoltaics can provide food, energy for growing world population
Cornell University researchers have discovered that soybeans planted beneath 3.9-meter-high solar modules can positively affect panel temperatures and the microclimates of farms.
Study shows payback times for heat pumps could plunge by 2030
McKinsey & Company says in a new report that payback periods for heat pumps could fall by up to 38% by 2030.
The Hydrogen Stream: Israeli startup to make hydrogen powder in Netherlands
Electriq and Zenith Energy Terminals are teaming up on hydrogen powder production in Amsterdam, while Universal Hydrogen has completed the world’s first passenger flight based on hydrogen fuel cell propulsion.
