MIT scientists developing silicon solar cell based on singlet exciton fission
Scientists in the United States have designed a microwire solar cell that could reportedly enable the coupling of singlet fission with silicon. Key to their achievement was an interface that transfers the electrons and holes sequentially into silicon instead of both at once.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 66 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 17 new results reported in the new version.
International PV module pricing may rise to $0.11/W by year end
International PV module prices, driven by Chinese averages, will likely rise from $0.08/W to $0.10/W today to $0.11/W by the end of 2025 and potentially $0.13/W by 2027, says Clean Energy Associates (CEA), noting that heterojunction and back-contact technologies now make up 12% of global module capacity.
Designing a Dyson sphere using photovoltaic modules
A photovoltaic Dyson sphere is a theoretical megastructure that could provide vast amounts of energy for interstellar space travel and large-scale technological endeavors.
Field survey protocol for monitoring PV backsheet degradation
A research group including scientists from U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc., and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has outlined a new protocol for assessing PV module backsheet degradation in the field. Through the proposed framework, the researchers analyzed PV backsheet degradation across 41 sites, with exposure times ranging from 1 to 38 years.
Indoor transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells may reach 36.5% efficiency
New research from Stanford University has investigated the performance limits of transition metal dichalcogenide solar cells for indoor energy harvesting intended for powering internet of things (IoT) devices and sensors. The analysis showed these cells may reach a power conversion efficiency of up to 36.5%.
Ecoprogetti supplies Texas solar panel maker with 800 MW production line
The Italian manufacturing equipment provider supplied U.S. solar manufacturer CS Solar MFG LLC with an 800 MW production line to produce bifacial glass-glass passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) panels with over 22% efficiency.
First Solar sues JinkoSolar for alleged TOPCon patent infringement
First Solar has sued JinkoSolar in a US federal court in Delaware, claiming that the Chinese manufacturer infringed upon US Patent No. 9,130,074, which is related to tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) solar technology.
Weil-McLain launches dual-fuel heat pumps for residential, light commercial applications
The U.S.-based heating specialist said its new air-to-water heat pumps use difluoromethane as the refrigerant and have a coefficient of performance of up to 5.37.
Deye debuts off-grid inverters for residential PV
The new single-phase off-grid inverters have an AC output power ranging from 3.6 kW to 6 kW, Deye reports. The systems feature a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency rate of 96.5%.
