Technology and R&D

The application of busbarless cell interconnection approaches could unlock the potential of heterojunction (HJT) technology, primarily by reducing the historically high silver usage of negatively-doped, “n-type” cell technology. As HJT manufacturing increases, a wave of applications may very well be on the horizon.

Imec has successfully integrated silicon heterojunction PV cells into curved surfaces, resulting in a 6% efficiency increase compared to passivated emitter and rear contact (PERC) half cells. The cells are suitable for applications in vehicle-integrated and building-integrated PV (BIPV).

Scientists in India have developed a 500 W seven-level inverter prototype based on switched capacitors. The device is reportedly able to achieve a high efficiency despite switching, conduction, and capacitor voltage ripple losses.

Waaree Technologies plans 5 GWh battery cell production capacity leveraging 3DBattery’s lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery technology.

Swedish battery maker Northvolt has developed its first sodium-ion battery in partnership with Uppsala University spinoff Altris. The cell has been validated for an energy density of more than 160 Wh/kg and is designed primarily for energy storage applications.

An international research group has utilized a new porosification technique to build gallium arsenide (GaAs) solar cells that allow the recovery of germanium films. The new cell achieved an efficiency that is reportedly in line with that of other GaAs PV devices, but can be produced at a lower cost thanks to the reuse of germanium.

Achieved by scientists led by the National University of Singapore, the result is the highest efficiency ever recorded for a perovskite-CIS tandem solar cell at the research level to date. The researchers used methyldiammonium diiodide (MDADI) to reduce open-circuit voltage losses in the top perovskite cell.

Schneider Electric’s state-of-the-art battery lab will focus on developing innovative battery technologies and exploring new energy storage solutions that prioritize sustainability and minimize environmental impact.

Nextracker has tailored solar tracker solutions for the Indian landscape, addressing critical concerns like undulating terrains and rapidly changing irradiance conditions on utility-scale sites—Rajeev Kashyap, Vice President and Managing Director at NEXTracker, Inc, tells pv magazine 

Researchers in China have built a prototype of a spectral-splitting concentrator agrivoltaic system (SCAPV) with a PV efficiency of 9.9, a hybrid light-use efficiency rating of 9.05%, and a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of $0.033/kWh.