Robotic measurement system assesses new materials for solar cells
Researchers in Japan have developed an automated system to perform photoabsorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and white-light flash time-resolved microwave conductivity tests.
Vitamin C treatment improves stability of inverted organic solar cells
Danish researchers report that treating non-fullerene acceptor-based organic solar cells with vitamin C provides an antioxidant activity that alleviates the degradative processes arising from heat, light, and oxygen exposure. The cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 9.97 %, an open-circuit voltage of 0.69 V, a short-circuit current density of 21.57 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 66%.
Key takeaways from SunRise Arabia conference
Saudi Arabia has laid out an ambitious vision to establish itself as a renewable energy hub for the Middle East and beyond. The market is growing rapidly, with solar generation capacity more than tripling in 2023. But obstacles remain for the Kingdom to continue on this PV pathway, and these challenges were up for discussion this week in Riyadh at the SunRise Arabia conference, organized by Solarabic and pv magazine.
Wafer prices stable ahead of Chinese New Year festivities
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Tata Power lights up Indian tea estate with bifacial PV system
Tata Power Renewable Energy has commissioned a 1.04 MW solar system for the Chengmari Tea Estate in India. The installation features 1,900 bifacial PV modules.
Austrian ski resort hosting vertical PV arrays with cross structures
Helioplant has developed a 7.2 kW vertical PV installation for high-altitude locations. The system purportedly remains free of snow, even after intense winter precipitation.
PV self-consumption rising as batteries cut grid imports by 94%, says Relectrify
Relectrify says battery energy storage in commercial settings in Australia can offer economic benefits. It has released data showing that a recently commissioned 120 kW ReVolve battery has reduced the customer’s import of energy from the grid by more than 94%.
Novel MPPT technique based on Coronavirus algorithm
The proposed algorithm is intended for harvesting the maximal power in PV systems operating in varying weather scenarios. According to its creators, the new approach can be applied on a low-cost microcontroller.
Germany allocates 1.61 GW in latest utility-scale PV tender
Germany’s latest auction for utility-scale solar concluded with prices ranging from €0.0444 ($0.048)/kWh to €0.0547/kWh. The procurement exercise was significantly oversubscribed.
New anti-reflective coating for silicon solar cells
Developed by an international research group, the novel anti-reflective coating is based on silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide. It reportedly minimizes a solar cell’s reflection loss, while enhancing its light absorption properties.
