Research

Cambridge scientists have designed a new reactor that is able to convert CO2, water, and plastics into syngas. The system utilizes a photoelectrochemical device powered by an encapsulated triple cation perovskite-based photocathode and an alloy anode.

Scientists in Norway used various imaging and characterization techniques to analyze the cells and other components of silicon PV modules that had been installed in the field for more than 10 years. The group’s aim was to isolate the role of moisture in various mechanisms that cause performance loss over time, and to understand how these mechanisms progress over long-term installation in real outdoor conditions.

IEA-PVPS has published a report to help the solar industry to choose appropriate surface radiation models and data providers based on location and application requirements.

Scientists in India have proposed a new concept that improves the yield of rooftop PV systems under partial shading. This concept combines conventional total cross-tied (TCT) techniques with partial power processing converters (PPPCs), using a resonant switched capacitor converter (RSC) and a switch inductor converter (SLC).

Qatari researchers have incorporated an electron transport layer (ETL) made of tin(IV) oxide into a perovskite solar cell through air-thermal-annealing, resulting in better efficiency and stability. The device demonstrated an open-circuit voltage of 1.045 V, a short-circuit current of 22.01 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 74.3%.

Researchers in Saudi Arabia have conducted a series of tests to investigate the temperature coefficient of the short circuit current in perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells and have found that it may not be considered a proper metric to assess these devices’ performance and behavior.

Asier Ukar, the director of PI Berlin Spain, discusses the importance of addressing the risks associated with tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) tech early on, even though it outperforms (passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) when considering standard and tangible indicators.

Scientists in India carried out a comprehensive study into the impacts of soiling on PV modules – measuring the amount of performance loss caused by different types of dust and bird droppings, and for modules installed at various tilt angles, in the hot-dry climate of Vellore in southern India. Their findings could allow developers to better take into account and mitigate the effects of soiling during site selection and system design.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory researchers have shown that microgrids equipped with solar-plus-storage systems can maintain an average levelized cost of energy (LCOE) below $0.30/kWh and limit annual public safety power shutoffs to 2% to 3% of annual energy demand.

Germany-based Wavelabs Solar Metrology Systems GmbH has released two new solar simulators for high-efficiency cell testing, one for use in production lines, and the other for use in research laboratories.