Strategies to address thermomechanical instability of perovskite solar modules
A U.S. research team has investigated the thermomechanical reliability of metal halide perovskite (MHP) modules and cells in an effort to identify the best strategies to improve their stability under thermomechanical stressors. The scientists discussed, in particular, film stresses, adhesion of charge transport layers, and instability under light and heat.
Sunrise brief: Battery energy storage tariffs tripled; domestic content rules updated
Also on the rise: Bringing lithium-sulfur batteries closer to commercialization. Largest solar project in Wyoming moves forward. And more.
Perovskites move into production
Perovskites remain a great hope for the future of the solar industry, once the possibilities of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) and heterojunction PV have been exhausted. A look at the latest perovskite research shows that industry optimism is built on a strong foundation.
Solar peaks at 123% of grid, supplies 31% of California’s April electricity
The Golden State set multiple clean energy records in April, with solar power increasingly dominating the grid, supported by robust energy storage solutions.
Research shows repaired PV modules can perform with acceptable losses
A research group has demonstrated the technical feasibility of using repaired solar modules with satisfying results. It also warned, however, that there is an urgent need to define a protocol for evaluating the features of a “viable” repaired panel.
Renewables must triple by 2030 to hit net-zero by 2050, says BloombergNEF
BloombergNEF says in a new report that solar and wind must drive most emissions cuts before 2030 to stay on track for net-zero by 2050. Its net-zero scenario targets a combined solar and wind capacity of 31 TW by 2050.
Strong state solar policies boost adoption of distributed energy
Of the 29 GW of solar installed in the U.S. in 2023, 31% was distributed solar, according to the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.
Powering drones with ultra-thin, flexible perovskite PV cells
An Austrian research team has demonstrated that lightweight, flexible and ultra-thin perovskite solar technology can power palm-sized autonomous drones.
Reflective ground covers boost solar energy production
Researchers in Canada are testing the use of reflective surfaces to boost electricity production in bifacial solar panels.
$20 Million federal initiative targets low-emission silicon and thin film research
The Solar Energy Technologies Office has launched a dual initiative to propel upstream advancements in a collection of solar cell types, and to reduce the emissions of solar-grade polysilicon under 1 kg CO2 per kg.
