NREL, Swiss researchers break 35% cell efficiency
A collaborative project between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories and researchers from two Swiss centers has tested a range of multi junction cells in tandem configuration, and achieved efficiencies of up to 35.9%.
It’s starting: Cuts at national labs slash more than 500 jobs
Though NREL and Berkeley Lab are not specifically mentioned – yet – the cuts at two other labs could signal dim times ahead for these two vital labs for renewable energy research.
Imec hits 23.9% efficiency with tandem perovskite/silicon mini-module
Belgian research institute Imec has achieved a conversion efficiency of 23.9% on a perovskite/silicon tandem module measuring 4 square centimeters. This efficiency level, according to Imec, represents the first time such a stacked configuration has outperformed a standalone silicon solar cell.
Storage prices are falling faster than solar and wind
A study from the University of California and TU Munich in Germany shows that long-term R&D spending played a critical role in achieving cost reductions.
Stanford, DOE research brings insight into perovskite efficiency
Scientists at the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have published research revealing unusual atomic motions in perovskite materials exposed to light. Stanford says the discovery could prove crucial to further increasing the efficiency potential for perovskite solar cells.
U.S. Senate sub-committee FY 2018 budget proposal increases energy research spending
The Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Water development slammed what it called an “unrealistic” budget from President Trump, and proposed additional funding for agencies Trump planned to gut or eliminate.
Penn State CPV system outperforms c-Si by 54%
A single-cell concentrating photovoltaic system developed by researchers at Penn State University has reached 30% efficiency, and generated 54% more energy during a two-day test than conventional crystalline silicon solar under the same conditions.
U.S. Department of Energy backs solar with further $46 million for SunShot Initiative
The funding is for 48 identified solar projects spanning two SunShot programs designed to advance solar power technologies in the U.S.
NREL turns 40 amid questions about its future
DOE’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories has built up an impressive list of accomplishments over the last 40 years. But can it survive the Trump Administration’s budget ax?
Great Recession-level economic losses could become reality if climate change left unchecked, research shows
Inequality will widen with many poorer parts of the US on course to see their income reduced by 20% if climate change continues to accelerate.
