Organic solar cells for space demonstrate radiation resistance, self-healing
Conventional silicon solar cells degrade rapidly in space, and gallium arsenide cells are heavy and inflexible. Research from the University of Michigan suggests carbon-based solar cells could be a good fit for space applications.
U.S.-made perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could be produced at around $0.35/W
Techno-economic analysis conducted by NREL researchers has shown how perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules could currently hardly compete in cost with incumbent PV panels. Production costs for U.S.-made tandem products were found to range between $0.29/W and $0.42/W, with module efficiencies ranging from 25% to 30%.
Canadian scientists build micro III-V solar cells with record-breaking open circuit voltage
The proposed cell is based on indium gallium phosphide (InGaP), indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs) and germanium (Ge) and has an active area of 0.25 mm2. It can be used for applications in micro-concentrator photovoltaics (CPV).
EnerVenue to supply nickel-hydrogen batteries to RWE for pilot testing
RWE plans to cycle EnerVenue’s nickel-hydrogen energy storage technology at its testing facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. RWE says it wants to boost its own storage capacity to 6 GW by 2030.
Mercedes-Benz testing new solar paint
Mercedes-Benz said it is now evaluating a 20%-efficient, non-silicon photovoltaic coating that is significantly cheaper than conventional solar modules.
Fraunhofer ISE warns of risk from higher than expected UV-induced degradation in TOPCon, PERC, HJT cells
The researchers of the German institute explained that UV-induced degradation may cause larger than expected efficiency and voltage losses in all dominant cell technologies, including TOPCon devices. The scientists expect that silicon nitride layers could be used to enhance TOPCon UV stability compared to PECVD layers typically utilized in PERC and heterojunction cells.
New sodium-ion developments from CATL, BYD, Huawei
Sodium-ion batteries are undergoing a critical period of commercialization with Chinese cleantech juggernauts actively working on their products.
Air Energy launches to bring solid-state lithium-air batteries closer to commercialization
While some may call it a fairytale chemistry, solid-state lithium-air battery (SS-LAB) technology is now a step closer to commercial reality with the foundation of Air Energy. The startup has set out to scale the application of this promising technology over the next five years.
Sunrise brief: Gautam Adani indicted in U.S for alleged solar-related bribery scheme
Also on the rise: Northvolt CEO steps down following bankruptcy filing. Vertical solar power at U.S. airports. And more.
Sunrise brief: Looming Trump tariffs drive rush on imports, push shipping costs higher
Also on the rise: Final rules on direct pay expands access to clean energy tax credits. Zendure releases pre-sized home solar and energy storage kit. And more.
