Technology

As fossil generators are phased out, grid-forming inverters will need to be phased in so that the grid can be restarted after any blackout.

Several of the projects also aim for lower costs for PV module materials or PV racking, as well as for lower defect rates on module assembly lines.

Also on the rise: Illinois’ solar residential market fell off the roof in Q2, Arizona approves incentives for residential energy storage, and green roofs can improve panel efficiency.

The improvements are believed to stem from lower temperatures on the green roof.

The panel achieved a power conversion efficiency of 23.5%.

The technology is being developed in Japan and should be able to inspect solar modules to provide data on traceability and components used.

Halide perovskites combined with conventional silicon could help solar break the 26% efficiency barrier, disrupting the technology without disrupting business systems.

German scientists have applied a new combination of cathodes and electrolytes to improve the stability of lithium-metal batteries. They fabricated a device with an energy density of 560 watt-hours per kilogram and a Coulombic efficiency of 99.94%.

A group of scientists at Shoolini University have highlighted the potential of covalent organic frameworks, which have a range of properties that may have applications for green hydrogen production.

A new study from Stanford University and Cornell University shows that blue hydrogen can produce more greenhouse emissions than heat produced by coal and gas. The modeling classifies blue hydrogen emissions as carbon dioxide and unburned fugitive methane, as well as lifecycle emissions linked to the mining, transport, storage, and use of methane.