Fraunhofer ISE reclaims multicrystalline PV cell efficiency record with 21.9%
German solar research institute Fraunhofer ISE has reclaimed the multicrystalline PV cell efficiency record, achieving 21.9%. Fraunhofer researchers deployed n-type high-performance multicrystalline technology to produce the record-setting PV cell.
pv magazine Exclusive: A conversation with Charlie Gay
The man chosen to lead the SunShot Initiative at the Department of Energy talked with our own Frank Andorka about the $30 million in grants SunShot awarded, future funding opportunities and why he’s more excited than ever about the future of solar energy in the United States.
Money for nothing (except ground-breaking clean-energy ideas)
With help from the California Sustainable Energy Entrepreneur Development (CalSEED) initiative, the California Energy Commission is calling all enterprising clean-energy entrepreneurs to submit proposals to get a piece of $24 million to bring their ideas to fruition.
MIT report questions value of distributed solar
The Utility of the Future report decries poor state-level rate-making, mythical cross-subsidies by non-solar customers, and economies of scale as reasons that adding more distributed PV to utilities’ portfolios make little long-term economic sense.
1366, Hanwha achieve 19.6% multicrystalline cell efficiency
Using 1366’s groundbreaking kerfless silicon wafers and Hanwha’s proprietary PERC cell process, the cells’ remarkable performance was verified by an independent testing firm.
Bill Gates’ energy innovation fund commits to $1 billion in investment
The Breakthrough Energy Coalition is backing research on zero-carbon technologies; however its guidelines show a lack of understanding of solar technology and market development.
Australian researchers produce 12% efficient, 16cm2 perovskite PV cell
University of New South Wales researchers have achieved the highest efficiency for a perovskite PV cell of its size to date.
Going out in a blaze: DOE announces clean energy financing & projects
In the face of likely Trump Administration assaults on clean energy, the outgoing Obama Administration is firing all guns to support renewable energy and innovation projects.
Project Sunroof offers community-wide solar installation estimates
The new tool measures technical potential, but may not be an accurate indicator of how much solar could realistically be installed in any given city.
NREL: 30% wind and solar on U.S. grids “no big deal” (with graphics)
National Renewable Energy Lab says ample resource availability, falling prices, and results from both research and actual experience in Europe are showing that there is no reason why we can’t reach much higher levels of renewable energy deployment.
