TOPCon solar cell achieves 24.2% efficiency via new plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition tech
A team of international researchers has simplified the deposition of thin film layers in the commercial production of TOPCon solar cells. Via a tube-type industrial plasma-assisted atomic layer deposition (PEALD) technique, they were able to achieve a power conversion efficiency of 22.8% in a 60-cell, 613 W TOPCon module.
Rooftop wind energy innovation claims 50% more energy than solar at same cost
The patented motionless wind harvesting system from Aeromine Technologies is currently being piloted by BASF Corporation.
Sunrise brief: Secret solar stories revealed in new solar podcast
Also on the rise: Recent advances in fast EV charging. DC rooftop PV providing domestic hot water to residential building at 140 F.
DC rooftop PV providing domestic hot water to residential building at 140 F
Domestic hot water, with a heating system powered exclusively by DC solar power, has now covered the needs of an apartment building in Linz, Austria, for a period of a year. The 14 residential units are each connected to their own 1.36 KW solar arrays.
Recent advances in fast EV charging
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Labs and University of Tennessee have developed a novel fast-charging battery anode material. Plus news updates from GM, Volvo and Shoals Technologies.
The mobility rEVolution: Zero-cobalt cathode for highly stable lithium-ion batteries
U.S. researchers say they have developed a way to make cobalt-free lithium-ion battery cathodes, while Ford says it has broken ground on a new $5.6 billion production complex for electric vehicles and batteries.
Solliance hits 30.1% efficiency on perovskite/silicon tandem solar cell
The Solliance consortium achieved a 29.2% record efficiency for the solar cell in November 2021, from just 28.7% in March 2020. In recent months, it increased the perovskite cell for the tandem device from 17.8% to 19.7%.
American-Made Solar Prize pitch showcase at RE+
Ten hardware and ten software track finalists compete for $1.4 million prize.
Model to assess microclimates in vertical agrivoltaic systems
Swedish researchers have developed a model to analyze the microclimate parameters of a vertically mounted agrivoltaic system. They validated their model by comparing its estimations with measurements of solar irradiance, PV module temperature, and ground temperature.
Start-up plans solar manufacturing in disadvantaged communities
Great expectations from startup CHERP, manufacturing their new solar panels in 30 MW/year micro solar module assembly facilities located in underserved communicates, via public-private partnerships.
