Conical-shaped solar panels cooled by forced airflow
A group of international scientists has compared the hypothetical performance of three novel shapes of solar modules – pyramidal, hexagonal and conical – and has found the latter has the strongest potential in terms of thermal behavior. According to their findings, a cooling technique based on forced airflow is key to making these solar module shapes into a feasible solution.
n-type perovskite tandem cell hits 27% efficiency
Scientists demonstrated a perovskite-silicon tandem cell that reached 27% conversion efficiency. Though higher tandem cell efficiencies have been achieved, this represents a big jump in efficiency for those utilizing n-i-p architecture, which previously had not surpassed 22%.
Solar+storage could provide 80% of annual EV power needs
A new EUPD Research report shows that a PV system can cover 39% of the power demand of an electric vehicle, but this potentially rises to 80% if storage is included.
New floating structure for offshore PV, from Malta
The new floating structures can be made of light, reinforced concrete or similar materials, and are claimed to withstand 6m high waves. They can be utilized with standard photovoltaic modules that are currently available on the market.
New research points to cheaper green hydrogen by 2030
New modeling by Monash University researchers has shown that the cost of green hydrogen with solar PV could satisfy the Australian government’s economic stretch goal of AUD 2 ($1.50) per kilogram by as early as 2030.
Trina Solar achieves 23.03% efficiency for 210 mm PERC solar module
The result was confirmed by Germany’s TÜV Rheinland and TÜV Nord.
Do engineers dream of solar panel efficiency?
A true next generation of solar cell technology is upon us. It is time to contemplate the benefits.
Transparent solar panels for agrivoltaics
Romande Energie and Swiss research institute Agroscope are testing startup Insolight’s transparent PV panels in an agrivoltaic project. The modules are replacing the plastic covers used to grow strawberries and raspberries.
Exploring the depths of Europe’s oldest grid-connected PV system
A 10 kW PV system has been feeding electricity into the Swiss power network since 1982. A research team has investigated the performance of the array’s first 35 years of life and has found that solar modules can target – at least in temperate climates – service lifetimes of 35 years, and that the bill of materials matters, a lot!
Electric scooter recharging station powered by solar pavement
Developed by Solum Photovoltaic Innovation, the recharging station is being powered by a 7.6 square meter, walkable photovoltaic pavement coupled to a 2-4 kWh storage system. This configuration is enough to repower 12 scooters per day.
