Idea of solar powered trains gaining traction
In two separate studies, in the U.K. and Switzerland, respectively, the notion of combining solar power and trains has been explored. The results indicate it could offer a cost-competitive, energy saving alternative to the traditional power methods currently employed.
Solar Frontier to venture into BIPV — report
Japan’s Solar Frontier plans to start integrating its thin-film PV technologies into materials for walls and roofs, with sales expected to begin before the end of the decade, according to a recent report.
Japanese scientists use organic ferroelectric to extract more current from solar cells
The new technology uses a quantum-mechanical process, which can extract current from solar cells in a much quicker, less wasteful way, the research team claims.
EPFL-led research group seeks to stabilize perovskite solar cells with guanidinium
The group of scientists is adopting organic cations, instead of inorganic cations like cesium or rubidium, to stabilize the crystal structures of perovskites with solar applications.
NexWafe secures $9.4 million for kerfless wafer project, targets 50% cost reductions
NexWafe GmbH has completed €8 million (around US$9.4 million) in financing for the next stage of its kerfless wafer manufacturing plans. The company sees big market potential for the product, which projects cost reductions of 50%.
Longi claims 82.15% bifaciality record for its PERC solar cell
After announcing a record 22.71% conversion efficiency with its monocrystalline passivated emitter rear contact (PERC) solar cells in October, the Chinese solar manufacturer now claims it has achieved an 82.15% record bifaciality for the bifacial version of the same cell.
Japan research team develops new semi-transparent solar cell
The new cell, based on perovskite and silver nanocubes, is being developed for solar window applications.
Mali: Africa GreenTec issues €10 million corporate bond for solar containers
Up to 250,000 people are set to benefit from the containers, with communities revived by opportunities electricity can offer them.
Singulus develops new diamond wire multi wafer texturing process
The German tooling firm announces the development of a new texturing process for multicrystalline wafers using diamond wire sawing on its LINEX inline system. Company believes process can boost multi wafer market in 2018.
Japanese scientists develop new solvent-based photon upconversion platform
For the new kind of photon upconversion, the research team used deep eutectic solvents as an alternative to ionic fluids.
