Solar module lifetime predictions are getting better
NREL has proposed a new methodology for determining solar module degradation rates, taking into account measurement challenges such as sensor drift, inverter nuances, soiling and others – keeping the focus on the solar modules themselves.
Flexible solar power saves money
An analysis of a First Solar power plant in Tampa, Florida suggests that by operating solar plants with more flexibility operators can save money for ratepayers – while also allowing for significantly higher penetration levels of renewables.
Mars electricity generation record set with 29.5% efficient solar cell
The NASA InSight lander generated 4,588 watt-hours during sol 1, a new record for electricity generation on Mars.
Researchers hit new organic PV record
A team of scientists at Germany’s Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen Nürnberg has set an efficiency record of 12.25% for a non-fullerene based organic solar cell.
Beyond 40% – Fraunhofer ISE hits new module efficiency record
Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy (ISE) has set a new world record for PV module efficiency. Scientists at the institute achieved 41.4% efficiency for a solar module using both tandem cell and high-concentration PV technology.
All I want for Christmas is a 90% efficient solar panel
NovaSolix hopes to use carbon nanotubes to capture a broader portion of the sun’s electromagnetic spectrum, a process they hope will yield a 90% efficient solar cell at a tenth of the cost of modern solar modules.
A 15% efficient solar window that delivers 40% of US electricity
University of Michigan team hopes to offer a 15% efficient solar window product, that allows 50% of the light through, and have received $1.3 million from the Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop it further.
The right technical assumptions: An interview with Davion Hill, DNV GL
In this interview DNV GL’s Davion Hill gives a preview into the company’s new Battery Performance Scorecard, discussing some of the findings and what they mean for both battery makers and consumers.
Demand-side flexibility: helping solve solar’s curtailment conundrum
This op-ed by WattTime takes a look at solutions to solar curtailment, including new software to enable greater demand-side flexibility.
PJM subsidiary to test blockchain for trading RECs
The platform will be designed to enable tracking and peer-to-peer trading of certificates at the kilowatt-hour scale, at low cost and with improved ease of use.
