NREL scientists observe perovskite degradation at nano-scale
A team from the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has developed a novel microscopic technique, which enables them to observe degradation in perovskite materials at the nano-scale and pinpoint key areas to improve the stability and durability of the material.
NREL/First Solar/CAISO project honored for supply of ancillary services
California ISO says that the project shows that renewable energy plants with smart inverter technology can provide grid services similar to, or in some cases better than conventional generation.
NREL hits new efficiency record for quantum dot cell
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have created a solar cell using colloidal quantum dots, which achieved 13.4% conversion efficiency – a new world record for this emerging technology.
Microlink partners with NREL on heterojunction technology
Semiconductor maker Microlink Devices has signed an exclusive deal with the national lab to commercialize a type of lightweight heterojunction solar cell architecture, which could be utilized in powering satellites and aircraft.
Zillow expands its solar evaluation listings to 84 million homes
Expanding on its decision last year to include the value of solar systems in its online home-sales listings, the online clearinghouse has more than doubled the number of houses which it will evaluate for solar potential.
NREL: U.S. fixed-tilt solar plant costs fall to $1.03/watt-DC (with charts)
The U.S. government’s premier renewable energy lab has found a 30% fall in utility-scale solar costs year-over-year, leading to levelized costs of electricity competitive with combined cycle gas generation.
Energy storage could save money for up to 5 million U.S. businesses (w/charts)
A new study by NREL finds widespread availability of rates with high demand charges for commercial customers, meaning that businesses across the country could save money with energy storage.
NREL, Swiss researchers break 35% cell efficiency
A collaborative project between the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratories and researchers from two Swiss centers has tested a range of multi junction cells in tandem configuration, and achieved efficiencies of up to 35.9%.
It’s starting: Cuts at national labs slash more than 500 jobs
Though NREL and Berkeley Lab are not specifically mentioned – yet – the cuts at two other labs could signal dim times ahead for these two vital labs for renewable energy research.
How much will community solar compete with residential in the United States?
Community Solar is coming at a time of PV, especially residential, market uncertainty. So far the United States is a big enough sandbox for both markets to play in.
