Mark Hutchins
Role of UV in solar cell degradation
US scientists have tested a range of modern cell designs under strong ultraviolet light and have found that many of them, including p-type PERC and n-type heterojunction cells, are more susceptible to degradation than older back surface field designs. They noted that the rear side of bifacial cells may be particularly vulnerable.
Scientists, industry players reveal plans for new LETID testing standard
An international research group has published the details of a two-year project to develop reliable ways to assess light-elevated temperature-induced degradation in operational PV modules.
The Solar Tech Check: PV in space, and thin films stride forward
This week has seen NASA announce the completion of a new folding array set to power a mission deep into our solar system, while scientists continue to work on new applications to take such explorations even further from the sun. New measurements also promise routes to higher efficiency in cadmium-telluride PV, and details emerge of one of thinnest solar cells seen so far.
A year in PV: Technology trends in 2021
The PV industry in 2021 has largely been defined by disruption: Price increases from raw materials to final shipping have led to shortages in PV module supply and project delays the world over. Despite these upsets, innovation has continued at pace, and the year has seen plenty of technological twists and turns that are sure to spell good news for solar in the long run. Read on for a look back at some of the biggest developments.
Construction and solar industries gain from collaboration on building-integrated photovoltaics
A new report published by IEA PVPS looks to bring together the interests of the two industries, and clearly categorize both the building envelope and energy functions of different BIPV components.
The good, the bad and the ugly: Defects in perovskite solar cells
Scientists in the UK delved deep into the structure of a perovskite solar cell to understand the complex relationship among the materials that make up the perovskite layer
A promising new design for shingled solar modules
Research finds that the energy yield of a novel approach could almost double that of standard shingled cell interconnection under random shading conditions.
Big modules head for standardization
The China Photovoltaic Industry Association is expected to release a standard for 210mm modules before the end of October.
Reliance Industries acquires REC Group, plans 1 GW U.S. module facility
The move comes as Reliance pushes forward with its $10 billion plan to expand in the renewable energy industry.
Measuring impacts on solar performance, whatever the weather
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories used machine learning to analyze maintenance reports, performance data, and weather records from more than 800 solar farms located across the country.
