Perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells approaching 30% efficiency in lab
Scientists at the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin have taken back the world efficiency record for a perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell, achieving 29.15% with a device measuring 1cm². The record has been confirmed by Fraunhofer ISE, and according to HZB, this means that the 30% efficiency mark is within reach.
Raising the efficiency of polycrystalline cells with new luminescent EVA film
Chinese researchers have developed a pure EVA film, which they claim can enhance the conversion efficiency of conventional crystalline solar cells by around 0.50%. The film is able to convert UV light into strong visible light.
Morning Brief: NV Energy RFP, Power Ledger launches REC marketplace
Today in the brief: Solar Integrated Roofing acquires Milholland Electric, Ubiquitous Energy installs its first transparent solar window façade, Wisconsin schools told to prep for solar possibility, and more.
Mystery solved? Active Tesla roof tiles come from New York? Passive tiles from China?
All of this guesswork would be unnecessary if Telsa press relations related to the press. And why does Elon Musk insist that the solar glass is made entirely in Buffalo, New York?
Virginia is a state to watch on renewables
A once red state’s embrace of a renewable portfolio standard could be a boon to ratepayers. The Virginia Clean Economy Act is currently working its way through Virginia’s General Assembly and, if passed, would be the most ambitious clean energy policy in the state’s history.
First half of 2019 saw sunlight down as much as 10%, grand solar minimum held off in second half
Clean Power Research saw solar generation shift downward from the norm as much as 10% in many U.S. locations in the first half of 2019.
A record-breaking quarter for Tesla energy storage and an improvement in solar
The internet’s favorite energy company installed 530 megawatt-hours of battery storage in Q4, beating out the previous record, set last quarter, as well as showing continued improvement in solar installations.
MIT and NREL see solar modules reaching well below 20¢ per watt
Although, the author of this article sees a path below 15¢ per watt. Researchers at MIT, working with financial modeling teams at NREL, have projected the electrical losses and financial gains of thinning solar cells from the current 160 micrometers to 50 micrometers.
Does Tesla make solar glass roof tile in its Buffalo, New York factory? Or in China?
Elon Musk has spoken of the “exponential” ramp-up of its solar glass tile at the Buffalo factory. But pv magazine has found indications that the solar tile product is coming from a Chinese source.
Appalachian Power renews search for 200 MW of solar
Driven by Virginia Senate Bill 966 and the company’s latest integrated resource plan, Appalachian Power has issued a new request for proposals after failing to find any suitable projects during a 2018 request.
