Technology

Researchers have developed a method to produce perovskite PV cells at low temperature, which does not result in a device exhibiting hysteretic current-voltage behavior. The technique employs a semi-transparent indium oxide rear electrode and when incorporated into a CIGS tandem device has achieved 20.5% conversion efficiency.

In a new report, Friends of the Earth (FOE) calculates that switching to 100% renewable energy in Africa, Latin America and most of Asia by 2030 would cost US$5.15 trillion – equivalent to the amount held by the world’s 782 wealthiest people. It concludes the financing for transforming the energy landscape exists, but that the political will is “shockingly” absent. Solar, meanwhile, is envisaged as playing a key role.

The new government program is aimed at supporting projects with the potential to significantly reduce the costs for solar energy systems while also boosting U.S. competitiveness and strengthening the country’s clean energy manufacturing sector.

Researchers from Germany’s Technical University of Munich (TUM) have discovered key processes by which lithium ion batteries lose capacity. The scientists believe that battery life can be enhanced through adjusting the process by which lithium ion batteries form a pacifying layer on graphite anodes or by carrying out modifications on the cathode surface.

UCLA researchers have developed a metal oxide sandwich perovskite cell that enhances the stability of the promising semiconductor by more than 10 times. The approach uses two metal oxide layers on either side of the perovskite material, protecting it rapid degradation when exposed to air.

Hunter Valley in Australia’s New South Wales is set to see its first new town in 50 years. The aim is to have the 20,000 strong residential development powered by a 100% renewable microgrid. AU$1.1 million is being invested in the initial investigation.

A research team from the Helmholtz Zentrum Berlin (HZB) and Ècole Polytechnique Fédérale (EPF) has developed a method to produce perovskite-heterojunction crystalline silicon tandem solar cells. Having produced an 18% efficiency cell with the technique, the researchers say with light trapping wafer texturing efficiencies as high as 25 to 30% could be achieved in the future.

Switzerland PECVD equipment startup will supply one of its Octopus II systems to a U.S.-based research group. It is the fifth Octopus system INDEOtec has supplied to laboratories globally.

The New Jersey-based research university won big for designing, building and operating the most cost-effective, energy-efficient and attractive solar powered house. Other winners included UC Davis and Mass/Central America.