Study shows n-type bifacial TOPCon cells more prone to degradation than p-type
Dutch scientists have reported higher degradation risk for n-type TOPCon cells with EVA encapsulant due to potential moisture degradation. Front-side metallization makes n-type cells more vulnerable than p-type cells, according to damp heat tests.
PV-powered robotic lawn mower from New Zealand
Researchers from Massey University in New Zealand have developed a robotic lawn mower with three 50 W solar panels and a 20 Ah lithium-iron-phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. Two of the PV panels can be retracted and stacked inside the robot. They slide out when it needs to recharge its batteries.
Mobile solar system for agricultural farms
India’s Vivasvan Solar has designed a foldable solar structure mounted on a trolley. The system employs mechanisms to prevent damage to the panels during transit and is especially useful for agricultural farms.
Dust removal for solar panels via electrostatic cleaning
A Jordanian research team has designed a cleaning technique for solar modules that uses static electricity to remove dust from panel surfaces. The system features an electrostatic ionizer that reduces attraction between dust particles and their accumulation on modules, improving their energy yield.
PV-powered underground heat exchanger for buildings
Researchers in India have combined PV generation with heat produced by an earth-to-air heat exchanger to provide buildings with space heating and cooling. They say the proposed system could result in an annual energy gain of 8116.7 kWh.
Jakson Green to develop green hydrogen refuelling station in New Delhi
The green hydrogen production, compression, storage, and distribution facility will be powered by an in-situ hybrid renewable power and storage plant.
US company develops robotic solution to address installer shortage
Sarcos has designed a robotic PV construction solution that delivers, detects, lifts, and places PV modules in large-scale solar plants. It has recently field tested and validated the prototype solution in a pilot project funded by the US Department of Energy.
Bifacial CdTe solar cell achieves record power density via film lithography
The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and First Solar have used cracked film lithography (CFL) to build a bifacial cadmium telluride solar cell with a power density of 20.3 mW cm−2. They claim the cell has a higher bifacial power density than any polycrystalline absorber currently manufactured at scale.
Neogen signs technology license agreement with Japanese major to manufacture lithium battery electrolytes in India
With this arrangement, Neogen gets access to a proven global technology to manufacture electrolytes at scale for lithium-ion batteries in India.
Rock-based thermal energy storage production moves into gigawatt scale
Israeli company Brenmiller is set to launch a 4 GW to 5 GW production line for its thermal energy storage systems, which use crushed rocks to retain heat that can be released as steam, hot water, or hot air.
