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.
Artificial intelligence could speed interconnection, says Amazon executive
Grid operator SPP is in discussions with Amazon Web Services about using AI to speed interconnection studies for utility-scale solar. A NextEra executive is bringing the idea to other grid operators.
Wind, solar payback times under a year in some parts of world, says Rystad
Record energy prices, particularly in Europe, are driving demand for renewables and energy storage. That is changing the equation for utility solar and wind investment and shortening project payback times to under a year in some regions. Storage deployment, driven by recent policy developments around the world, is also expected to get a big boost through to 2030.
World has technical potential to host 47.6 PWh of photovoltaic-thermal panels
Scientists from the Central European University in Hungary have estimated the global technical potential of photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) energy production by using a high-resolution geospatial model.
Sunrise brief: U.S. solar electricity for $0 per kWh?
Also on the rise: A user guide to the Inflation Reduction Act. Rooftop wind energy innovation claims 50% more energy than solar at same cost. And more.
Solar powered shoebox-sized robots to reach unexplored areas on Mars and Moon
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory will use Rocket Labs PV to power mobile robots as part of its Cooperative Autonomous Distributed Robotic Explorers (CADRE) program.
Ontario confirms 1.5 GW-plus tender for battery storage
The Canadian province of Ontario will include a big slice of energy storage capacity as it plans its near-term grid requirements.
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.
User guide to the Inflation Reduction Act
BlueGreen Alliance releases implementation guide to help workers, families and communities maximize benefits of the IRA.
Could we see U.S. solar electricity for $0 per kWh?
A Credit Suisse report suggests that from 2025 through 2032, the United States could see solar and wind PPAs regularly signed for under 1¢/kWh, due to a combination of manufacturing and project tax credits.
