Perovskite solar cell technology on the road to commercialization
A new US Department of Energy report describes the challenges of commercializing perovskite technology for the solar energy sector.
Upcycling silicon waste from end-of-life solar panels into thermoelectrics
Researchers in Singapore have developed a new technique in which polycrystalline silicon is pulverized into powder and pelletized into ingots. The process relies on spark plasma sintering to dope the silicon with germanium and phosphorus.
Quantum well superlattices for a new world record cell efficiency of 39.5%
Scientists in the United States have fabricated a triple-junction solar cell that reached 39.5% efficiency – a world record for any type of cell under one-sun illumination. Though relying on materials and processes that are still too costly for most commercial uses, the concept could soon see actual applications in powering satellites and other space-bound technology.
Cost comparison between lithium batteries, fuel cells, reversible solid oxide cells as storage for off-grid rooftop PV
Scientists in the United Arab Emirates have looked at how off-grid rooftop PV could be combined with batteries, fuel cells or reversible solid oxide cells for energy storage. The modeling assumed a typical commercial building in Los Angeles.
Waaree secures $2.37 billion of orders for 5 GW of bifacial PV modules
Indian solar manufacturer Waaree Energies has secured domestic and international orders to supply 5 GW of its bifacial 540 Wp and 600 Wp solar panels.
Adani Solar ranks as PVEL top performer for fifth consecutive year
Indian solar manufacturer Adani Solar has been ranked as a top performer in PV Evolution Labs’ (PVEL) 2022 PV Module Reliability Scorecard. The scorecard ranks PV modules based on lab and field test results for performance and reliability.
‘Pulsed Joule heating’ tech to remove snow, frost, ice from solar modules
US scientists have developed a way to remove snow and ice from solar panels at a much faster rate than conventional approaches. It is based on a glass coating on a film with high optical transparency and superhydrophobicity.
Small-scale floating PV with pumped hydro storage
Indian scientists have developed a system under which a pumped-hydro facility stores grid electricity during off-peak hours by pumping water to an upper reservoir. During peak hours, the system feeds the load, rather than taking power from the grid.
The long read: Decision time for India’s solar manufacturing plans
India is expanding solar cell production capacity in a big way. Will manufacturers go down the established mono PERC route or leapfrog to advanced n-type technologies? Uma Gupta investigates.
Terracotta solar tiles for historical buildings
Germany’s paXos, whose solar roof tiles were bought by Meyer Burger and unveiled last year, has shown off its new “Beaver Tail” terracotta solar tiles at Intersolar 2022.
