Training AI to improve film quality in perovskite solar cells
With the aim of improving coating processes for large area thin films for high-performing perovskite solar cells, German and Swiss researchers have developed deep learning and explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) technology. The results suggest it can be used to define optimal coating process parameters more quickly and more accurately.
EV battery prices fell by 50% at end of 2023, says TrendForce
Average sales prices of Chinese power cells at the end of 2023 were half of what they were at the start of the year, according to TrendForce. Despite the drop, the research firm says prices should stabilize in the second half of 2024.
Color characterization technique for BIPV
Scientists in Switzerland have created a new technique to characterize the color of BIPV panels. The method uses an optical fiber spectrometer to detect color characterization signals.
Hemetsberger wages battle for gender parity at SolarPower Europe
PV is often touted as the progressive titan of the renewable energy industry, but when Walburga Hemetsberger joined Europe’s solar lobby giant SolarPower Europe in 2019 as CEO, she faced a problem: her board was male-only. On the cusp of her fifth year in an industry where she is a rare species – a woman in charge – she explains why she fought for more female representation in the solar sector from the belly of her business group.
KAUST unveils triple-junction perovskite-perovskite-silicon solar cell with 26.4% efficiency
The triple-junction solar cell is based on a 15.0%-efficient top perovskite solar cell modified with potassium thiocyanate (KSCN) and methylammonium iodide (MAI). According to its creators, the triple-junction device displays a remarkable power conversion efficiency improvement compared to state-of-the-art devices.
Fraunhofer IWU unveils online tool for sizing of rooftop PV systems
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Machine Tools and Forming Technology (Fraunhoer IWU) has developed a new online tool to calculate the size of rooftop solar arrays, heat pumps and batteries.
Energy trade model for interconnected renewable microgrids
Scientists from China proposed a new method for energy trade optimization between interconnected microgrids and the main utility grid. The novel approach utilizes particle swarm optimization and gravitational search algorithms with Nash Bargaining.
Photovoltaics may increase safety in nuclear power plants
New research from Iran shows that PV installations linked to battery storage may help prevent accidents and increase safety in nuclear power plants by acting as an emergency load. The scientists proposed a system design that considers both technical and economics factors.
New passivation strategy paves the way for lead-free perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells
Scientists in Japan have developed a lead-free tin sulfide solar cell that is intended for applications in tandem perovskite-silicon PV devices. Through a new passivation technique based on the use of phenylsilane (PhSiH3) as a reducing agent, they were able to considerably increase the cell efficiency compared to a reference device with no PhSiH3 treatment.
Ocean Sun completes 270 kW off-grid floating PV system at Spanish port
Norwegian floating solar specialist Ocean Sun has deployed a 270 kW system based on its novel membrane technology at the saltwater port of Tazacorte on La Palma, one of Spain’s Canary Islands.
