Tandem perovskite-silicon solar cell achieves 23.5% efficiency via novel anti-reflective coating
Korean scientists utilized an anti-reflective coating based on silicon dioxide (SiO2) nanoparticles and large phosphor particles to increase diffuse light transmittance in a tandem perovskite-silicon PV device. The device’s efficiency improved from 22.48% to 23.50%.
Determining solar cells’ optical properties with conventional flatbed office scanners
Australian researchers have sought to measure solar cells’ optical properties via low cost office scanners and found they may offer results that are comparable to those of tools used in the PV industry.
New industrial plant concept for end-of-life PV panel recycling
Italian startup Tialpi is developing a process to recycle end-of-life solar panels that promises to recover 100% of a PV module’s weight. The new plant design is currently being tested at the company’s facility in the Italian northern province of Biella.
Three-junction III-V solar cell with 29.3% efficiency
Japanese researchers have built an InGap-GaAs-CIGS solar cell that purportedly has the potential to reach an efficiency of 35%. The device has already achieved an efficiency of 31.0%, an open-circuit voltage of 2.97 V, a short-circuit current density of 12.41 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 0.80.
BNEF outlines scenarios to replace Europe’s largest coal plant with 10.7 GW of solar, wind
BloombergNEF (BNEF) has outlined a potential transition plan for a coal-fired power plant in Belchatow, Poland. It said that 5 GW of solar and 5.7 GW of wind could replace 80% of Belchatow’s lignite generation capacity by 2036, in an optimal scenario.
Quinone flow battery for grid-scale renewables storage now close to commercial viability
US startup Quino Energy has raised more than $7.8 million to scale up its quinone redox flow battery technology. Harvard University and University of Cambridge researchers came up with the initial research for the battery design.
Impact of vertical PV on grasslands
A French consortium has commissioned an 89 kWp pilot project featuring 252 vertically installed solar panels. The companies are now trying to assess the impact of vertical bifacial solar panels on grasslands.
Grid-tied PV system synchronization techniques at a glance
Indian researchers have compiled an extensive review of all existing synchronization techniques for grid-connected PV systems. They divided the methods into open-loop and closed-loop systems and provided what they defined as a basic conceptual framework to develop superior grid-tied systems.
New solar-powered tubular motor for blinds
Next Series technology, produced by Italian smart home specialist Nice, facilitates a 35% reduction in energy consumption, compared with analog motors. The company says the solar kit is sustainable and easy to install.
New tool to simulate climate at utility-scale PV project sites
Scientists in China have designed a new methodology to simulate the near-surface climate of utility-scale PV plants. Their findings suggest that the new tool could be used to design more climate-friendly solar parks.
