Solar PV

Scientists in China have proposed to use polydimethylsiloxane films doped with soda glass to reduce solar module temperature. The coating achieved solar transmittance of 94.8% and sky window emissivity of 95.3%.

An international research team has conducted a series of simulations to investigate how a cadmium telluride buffer layer may help increase efficiency and stability in perovskite solar cells. Their experiment showed that cell efficiency may climb from 11.09% to 23.56%.

Conceived by an international research team, the new bidding strategy applies to the day-after and the intraday markets. It uses a technique that transforms results from probabilistic models into actual scenarios. Their method showed its ability to yield increased revenues and reduced imbalance.

Scientists in Morocco have conceived a photovoltaic-thermal panel that uses a channel-box heat exchanger consisting of 94 channels attached directly to the PV module. The simulated design reportedly results in an overall panel efficiency of over 90% and good results in terms of temperature inhomogeneity.

Irish investment company Greencoat Renewables has acquired a 80.5 MW solar farm in eastern Ireland. It has also entered into a long-term power purchase agreement for 100% of the energy produced.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Eiffel Investment Group are providing €24.4 million in funding for the construction of a 60 MW solar plant in southern Romania.

Construction of a 24 MW solar plant is underway in northwestern Uganda. Once commissioned, it will be the first solar asset in the region and Amea Power’s first operational asset in the country.

A research team at Korea Electrotechnology Research Institute (KERI) in South Korea is tackling the use of solar PV in non-ideal conditions with a new tool to optimize for urban and indoor PV diffuse light and partial shading conditions. The team also developed three-dimensional solar modules featuring a glass-free, lightweight design that features self-tracking that reportedly produces 60% more power compared to conventional flat modules.

Scientists in India have suggested to use thermoelectric cooling to enhance PV module performance. Through a field experiment, they found that thermoelectric coolers combined with water can reduce solar module temperature by up to 38 C.

Scientists in Poland have sought for the first time to improve PV cell yield with a new type of concentrator based on dyes. The device utilizes a tinted and luminescent acrylic glass known as polymethyl methacrylate, which reportedly increases power generation by 1.21%.