The importance of measuring albedo at solar sites
As bifacial modules proliferate, estimations of albedo are becoming more important and with developers not prepared to install weather stations to assess solar resource, a popular option has become third-party, on-site measurements over periods as short as a day. Is this an acceptable compromise between costly on-site measuring and less accurate satellite data? Everoze’s Stefan Mau discusses the potential benefits and limitations of this approach.
Semi-transparent PV window based on passive radiative cooling coating
Scientists have manufactured and analyzed a novel coating for semi-transparent photovoltaic glazing that reportedly offers remarkable energy yield and a low heat gain rate. Through outdoor experiments, the researchers also found the glazing also provides satisfactory high-quality indoor lighting conditions.
Perovskite solar cell based on electron-rich surface passivation layer achieves 23.27% efficiency
Chinese in China have utilized two sulfone-based organic molecules known as diphenylsulfone (DPS) and 4,4′-dimethyldiphenylsulfone (DMPS) to passivate absorber defects in perovskite solar cells. The result is a device with a higher electron cloud density at the interface between the perovskite material and the passivation layer.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 64 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 19 new results reported in the new version.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: January-May solar curtailment rate hits 3.3%
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says that nationwide solar curtailment reached 3.3% in the January-May period, and 2.5% in May alone.
French startup unveils ‘low-carbon’ anodized aluminum solar carport
KparK Énergies says its low-carbon Carport Solaire Aluminium system and comes equipped with solar panels, microinverters, virtual batteries, and charging stations for electric vehicles.
PV market eyes recovery amid falling module prices
Martin Schachinger, founder of pvXchange.com, says that solar module prices are falling across the board, while batteries and inverters are hitting historically low prices due to market oversupply.
France’s Carbon choses locations for R&D center
Carbon, a French PV module maker, says it will invests €33 million ($35.4 million) in a new R&D center.
Photovoltaics for hydroponic greenhouses
Researchers in Iran have investigated the operation of a real solar-powered greenhouse in the Alborz province and have found that only 4% of the greenhouse’s roof needs to be covered with PV modules to meet demand for lighting and pumping water.
Fraunhofer develops tandem module for direct hydrogen production
Three Fraunhofer institutes in Germany have developed a tandem module for direct hydrogen production, as a modular, flexible alternative to large electrolyzers. PV is an additional power supply.
