TCO-free heterojunction silicon solar cell with 22% efficiency
The cell was built with a phosphorus-doped n-type Czochralski (Cz) silicon wafer with a resistivity of 1.09Ωcm and a thickness of 170mm. Ti/Au/Ag metal stacks were used for the contact with the hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) layers.
Pairing a battery with solar could cut its overall value, Berkeley Lab report says
Separating generation from storage usually delivers higher value, but it may also deliver higher costs, the report said.
Hybrid wind-solar could make green ammonia cost-competitive in niche markets by 2030
According to a new study from the LUT University, hybrid wind-solar plants offer the ideal profile to reduce the costs of green ammonia. Although natural gas will be able to provide lower prices over this and the next decade, beyond 2040 ammonia generated by wind and solar may reach a price of between €300 and €330 per ton.
Optimization model to combine residential PV with hybrid hydrogen storage
German scientists have outlined a model to combine hydrogen storage with conventional battery storage in high-efficient energy buildings powered uniquely by photovoltaics. In the proposed configuration, the DC power of the PV system is connected directly to the hybrid hydrogen system, a lithium-ion battery, an electric water heater, and an inverter, which in turn would provide AC current to the household and a heat pump.
US scientists gain an atom-level view into perovskite cell efficiency
Using Department of Energy laboratories, scientists learned at the atomic level that a liquid-like motion in perovskites may explain how they efficiently produce electric currents.
Beekeeping at existing solar parks in France
Engie Green has joined forces with the associations France Nature Environnement and Apicluster to install beehives at several of its solar PV parks in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur region, in southern France.
Growing interest for PV arrays with eastern and western orientation in Germany
A report from Fraunhofer ISE reveals that the share of PV systems with southern orientation has decreased from 61% in 2000 to 42% in 2019. It also highlights that solar rooftop installations with a tilted angle lower than 20 degrees have increased from just 5% in 2000 to 24% in 2019.
Sensor tech to detect fire in lithium-ion storage systems
The deflagration-prevention system combines automatically controlled door locks with a smart controller which manages signals from fire safety inputs such as smoke, heat, or gas detectors. It is applicable from 50 kW to multi-megawatt cabinets.
Water quality untouched by floating PV
Baywa re and Dutch researchers have evaluated the first positive effects of floating PV on the flora and fauna in water. They have also ascertained that the erosion of a lake’s banks has decreased.
Hanwha Q Cells announces n-type module with passivating contacts
Production on the new module, called Q.Tron, is expected to begin this year. The product is described as an evolution of the company’s Q.antum cell technology.
