Technology and R&D

Researchers at UT Austin received grant funds from the Department of Energy to produce hydrogen fuel from rocks in an emissions-free process.

By adding an ionic pair stabilizer to perovskite cells enables coating to take place in ambient air, simplifying the manufacturing process.

U.S.-based Thornova said its new panel features a power conversion efficiency spanning from 22.4% to 23.2% and a temperature coefficient of -0.29% per C. The company is a subsidiary of China-based manufacturer Sunova Solar and is currently planning a cell and module factory at an unspecified location in the United States.

Maxeon said it has achieved a 24.9% efficiency rating for a full-scale Maxeon 7 solar panel using its IBC technology. The US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) confirmed the result.

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.

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.

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.

The office of Governor Hochul released funds administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).

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.

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.