Author: solarenergy
As we continue to search for new ways to harness the power of the sun, one concept has captured the imagination of engineers and environmentalists alike: solar roads. These futuristic pathways promise to turn our network of roads and highways into power-generating surfaces. But what exactly are solar roads, and how do they work? What Are Solar Roads? Solar roads, also known as photovoltaic pavements, are roads that incorporate solar panels into their surface. The basic idea is to replace traditional asphalt or concrete roads with specially designed solar panels that can withstand the weight of vehicles while generating electricity…
Scientists from Denmark examined three facades installed on a mobile office container to conduct building-integrated PV experiments. October 25, 2024 Lior Kahana Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) built a photovoltaic test site (BIPV) integrated into the building and monitored it for a year to analyze the yields of different types of panels. They focused on BIPVs with different colors and rear ventilation configurations. The test site also included a section with differently structured front glass and a module with back-contact (IBC) cells, the results of which will be published at a later date. “The basic construction consists…
Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has reported strong early results from the first test of perovskite tandem solar cells in space, with perovskite-silicon and thin-film cells on an OOV-Cube satellite showing resilience to high radiation levels and possible ‘self-healing’. due to radiation damage. October 25, 2024 John Fitzgerald Weaver By pv magazine USA Perovskite tandem solar cells are all the rage in solar futurism. These next-generation cells promise to increase module efficiency over the current range 22% to 25% all the way to 35% – And possibly even as much as 45%. While questions remain about perovskite’s long-term durability, recent tests have shown…
The new quality standard for solar panels is based on VDE SPEC 90038-1. It guarantees that PV modules are produced and tested according to uniform quality criteria. October 23, 2024 Ralph Diermann Image: Michael Pointner, Unsplash By pv magazine Germany Photovoltaic experts from Goldbeck Solar, Baywa re, Enerparc, Abo Energy, Greentech, Iqony Solar Energy Solutions and Schoen Energy have developed the Solar Module Quality Standard (SMQS). The SMQS, based on the VDE SPEC 90038-1 specification, outlines the requirements for the production and testing of solar modules. It aims to streamline the purchasing process while ensuring the performance and longevity of…
Scientists have modeled eight different types of PVT systems, some with glass covers and some without. They found that the worst efficiency was achieved in uncovered systems with parallel circular tubes. October 24, 2024 Lior Kahana A group of international researchers have investigated how different designs affect photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module efficiency. The scientists modeled eight different types of PVT systems in software and compared them under the same conditions. “This study aims to compare how well different designs of combined photovoltaic and thermal collectors work in producing electricity and heat,” they said. “They were compared under conditions of radiation of…
Space Solar and Transition Labs will bring solar energy from space to Iceland by 2030 Space Solar, a leading company in space solar energy, has partnered with Transition Labs to supply Reykjavik Energy with electricity from the world’s first space solar power plant. This plant, which is expected to be operational in 2030, will have an initial capacity of 30 MW. Space Solar’s new solar energy system will orbit the Earth, capture solar energy and transmit it wirelessly to stations on the ground using high-frequency radio waves. These stations will convert the energy into electricity and supply it directly to…
Researchers in China have analyzed the effect of phase change material on BIPV and created an artificial neural network to predict its effect on system temperature. The proposed approach reportedly achieved superior predictive performance compared to previous methods. October 24, 2024 Lior Kahana A Chinese research group has investigated the effect of using phase change material (PCM) for cooling building-integrated photovoltaic panels (BIPV) and developed a method for predicting BIPV panel temperature using an artificial neural network (ANN) . PCMs can do that absorb, store and release large amounts of latent heat within defined temperature ranges. They are often used…
The European Commission is offering 85 net-zero projects a share of €4.8 billion in grants from the latest round of the EU Innovation Fund. Some projects will contribute 3 GW of new solar energy production capacity. October 24, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Guillaume Périgois, Unsplash The European Commission is investing €4.8 billion of emissions trading revenues into net-zero projects in the latest round of the EU Innovation Fund. The total represents the largest amount designated since the fund was established in 2020, bringing the total amount of support to date to €12 billion. Eighty-five projects from 18 EU Member States,…
The perovskite-silicon tandem device has a two-terminal configuration and a 2D perovskite layer on the bottom. It was able to maintain approximately 80% of its original efficiency for 1,700 hours. October 24, 2024 Emiliano Bellini A group of researchers from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in Germany have fabricated a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell that reportedly achieves efficient charge extraction and interfacial passivation. “Perovskite-silicon tandems have convincingly proven their high performance potential, with many groups now achieving efficiencies of more than 30%,” the study’s lead author Stefaan De Wolf told…
The 55MW project in Skeeby (pictured) is Yorkshire’s largest operational solar farm. Image: Atrato Onsite Energy. A new 55MW solar project in Yorkshire has come online today (October 24), becoming the largest operational solar farm in the region. Located in Richmond, North Yorkshire, the Skeeby project is owned and operated by Atrato Onsite Energy, which has invested £39.4 million in the development. Atrato has signed a three-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with British utility OVO Energy, which will receive 49 GWh of electricity annually from the site. The solar park consists of more than 93,000 double-sided solar panels, spread over…