Author: solarenergy
An India-based research team has increased the energy conversion efficiency and stability of dye-sensitized indoor solar cells based on co-sensitized organic dyes. The best indoor PV devices achieved 40% efficiency under 4000 lux fluorescent lighting and 10.40% under standard AM 1.5G one solar lighting. December 2, 2024 Valerie Thompson A group of scientists led by India’s National Institute of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST) claims to have improved the stability and efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells for indoor PV applications. This type of solar cell, also called a Grätzel solar cell, named after its inventor, EPFL professor Michael Grätzel, is…
The researchers from the German institute explained that UV-induced degradation can 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 improve the UV stability of TOPCon compared to PECVD layers typically used in PERC and heterojunction cells. December 2, 2024 Emiliano Bellini Researchers from Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) have investigated the stability against UV exposure of three types of mainstream solar cell technologies: tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon), passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) and heterojunction (HJT). – and…
In November, an omnibus climate bill was signed into law by the governor of Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Legislature passes a new climate law that includes business locations, allowing for reformsBoston, MA Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey signed a new climate law in November that prioritizes clean energy siting and permitting, clean energy purchasing and net credits for community solar. The bill was a second attempt after the failed implementation of major climate reforms months earlier. Maryland will soon require contractor applications for a new Solar Access ProgramAnnapolis, Maryland Maryland will soon launch its successor to the Residential Clean Energy Rebate Program,…
Panasonic has unveiled a new version of its Eco Cute CO2 heat pump that produces domestic hot water primarily during the day based on solar radiation data. It integrates a special app to obtain solar energy forecasts for the day and plan the water heating hours for the next day. December 2, 2024 Emiliano Bellini Panasonic recently released a new version of its Eco Cute CO2 heat pump equipped with a solar radiance shift function that adapts daytime hot water (DHW) production to PV energy generation on the roof. The new heat pump system, called Ohisama Eco Cute, uses a…
The new smart solar window combines photoelectric and electrochromic functions. It can produce electricity while regulating the amount of solar radiation entering a building. December 2, 2024 Lior Kahana A group of scientists from China have developed a new smart PV window (SPV) that can produce electricity while simultaneously calibrating the amount of solar radiation entering a building. “Our study proposed an SPV window as well as the operation control strategies to improve building energy efficiency and network friendliness at the same time,” said corresponding author Yutong Tan. pv magazine. “The results showed that, compared to conventional low emissivity (Low-E)…
Following the Commerce Department’s preliminary decision to impose countervailing duties (CVD) on imports of silicon solar cells from Southeast Asia, the federal government has also tentatively decided to impose anti-dumping duties (AD). The trade subsequently conducted separate AD and CVD investigations into solar energy imports from Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam American Solar Energy Manufacturing Alliance Trade Committee submitted the research request earlier this year. The committee, which includes American manufacturers First Solar, Mission Solar and Qcells, claimed that The four Southeast Asian countries are hurting the U.S. solar industry through unfair trade practices. “We welcome these positive preliminary decisions…
Italian manufacturer Ecoprogetti has increased the capacity of a PV production line in Morocco, operated by Almaden Morocco, from 500 MW to 1 GW. December 2, 2024 Patrick Jowett The Italian Ecoprogetti has completed the expansion of a PV production line in Morocco. Located in the city of Al Hoceima, northern Morocco, the facility is operated by Almaden Morocco and now has a capacity of 1 GW, an increase of 500 MW. It is the largest solar panel production factory in Morocco and North Africa. The new line features technology based on tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) G12 18BB half-cut…
A map of the proposed Mowbray BESS. Image: NatPower UK Battery energy storage systems (BESS) developer NatPower UK has launched the first consultation for a proposed 1GW BESS in Yorkshire. The Mowbray Energy Storage project proposes to install a 1GW BESS and transmission-connected substation on 93 hectares of land north of the village of East Rounton, North Yorkshire. Lithium-ion batteries will be used for the project, and early design plans suggest these will be spread across two buildings on the site, surrounded by environmental improvements. To increase the biodiversity of the local area, the developers plan to plant native hedgerows…
Mercedes-Benz said it is now evaluating a 20% efficient, silicon-free photovoltaic coating that is significantly cheaper than conventional solar panels. December 2, 2024 Jochen Siemer By pv magazine Germany Mercedes-Benz has shared what it describes as an “exclusive insight into research activities and future technologies”, showcasing several innovations currently being tested for feasibility. The innovations include a range of concepts, from augmented reality glasses to alternatives to leather, made from recycled plastic and biotechnologically produced materials. Other developments include a regenerative brake integrated into the motor and transmission unit of electric cars, which is virtually maintenance and wear-free, and drive…
Muktagacha Solartech Energy Ltd. has agreed to build and operate a 20 MW solar power project in Bangladesh, following the signing of a $24.3 million investment package from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). December 2, 2024 Patrick Jowett Image: Aboodi Vesakaran, Unsplash The ADB has offered a $24.3 million financing package for a 20 MW grid-tied solar power plant in the north-central division of Mymensingh, Bangladesh. The package consists of a $15.5 million loan from the ADB and an $8.8 million loan from Leading Asia’s Private Infrastructure Fund 2 (LEAP 2), which is managed by the ADB. It has gone…