Sodium-ion batteries – a viable alternative to lithium?
While lithium ion battery prices are falling again, interest in sodium ion (Na-ion) energy storage has not waned. With a global ramp-up of cell manufacturing capacity under way, it remains unclear whether this promising technology can tip the scales on supply and demand. Marija Maisch reports.
Next-gen battery trends
Lithium ion is the industry standard for a reason. Marija Maisch examines the most promising technological advances that could lead to further improvements in performance and cost from this versatile battery chemistry.
Scientists identify new ‘promising’ absorber material for thin-film solar cells
Researchers in the United States have identified zintl-phosphide (BaCd2P2) as a new potential high efficiency absorber material for thin-film PV applications among 40,000 promising inorganic materials. The selected compound has a potential energy bandgap of 1.45 eV and a carrier lifetime of up to 30 ns.
New York announces $16 million fund for clean hydrogen research and demonstration
The office of Governor Hochul released funds administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
Sunrise brief: Direct pay process, tax credit transfer recapture risk, and more
Also on the rise: Major U.S. bank signs $140 million tax equity deal for Louisiana solar project. Florida-based rooftop solar and storage company goes public. And more.
247Solar closer to commercializing modular concentrating solar plant
Taking a page from the solar PV and wind industries, the 247Solar Plant is modular and the majority of its components are mass produced and can be assembled at the site.
Colorado startup develops air-source steam heat pump for industrial use
Colorado-based AtmosZero has closed a Series A funding round that will help it accelerate the commercialization of its Boiler 2.0 technology. The air-sourced heat pump generates steam for industrial use and can be combined with PV generation and storage.
U.S. scientists build hybrid energy system integrating PV, radiative cooling
The hybrid system has a cooling power of 63.8 W/m2 and a photovoltaic power output of 159.9 W/m2. According to its creators, the cooling capacity provided by the system can be used in buildings or refrigerators.
Sunrise brief: Solar asset underperformance estimated to cause $4.6 billion in annual losses
Also on the rise: California ruling requires assessment of public health and environment in renewable portfolio standards, New Mexico upholds community solar, and more.
Tandem solar cell based on cadmium telluride, iron disilicide promises 43.9% efficiency
Researchers in Bangladesh have designed a dual-junction tandem solar cell with a bottom device based on iron disilicide (FeSi2), an emerging absorber material know for its high thermal stability and good optoelectronic properties. Their simulation showed the advantage of combining the larger bandgap of the top cadmium telluride cell and the smaller bandgap of the bottom FeSi2 cell.
