Scientists seek to improve efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells with halogenes
Halogens have proved to be very successful in accelerating the electron transfer between the electrolyte and the semiconductor.
UMass scientists boost polymer-chain storage efficiency
A team from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (UMass) has developed a polymer based energy storage system, which releases energy on demand as heat. The scientists say their system utilizes a polymer chain ‘organized like a string of Christmas lights’ and can achieve more than double the storage density of previous polymer based systems.
U.S. researchers develop quantum dot solar glass
A team from the Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed a double pane solar glass, using quantum dot PV technology. The researchers say the glass could be integrated into buildings as a semi-transparent window, or added to existing solar panels to boost efficiency.
Suntech’s black silicon solar cells enter mass production
Wuxi Suntech Power Co., Ltd has announced its high efficiency black silicon solar cells have successfully entered mass production. It is targeting an annual capacity of 500 MW by Q1 2018.
From the US editor: Renewable energy and information pollution
A recent article in Bloomberg View illustrates clearly the mythology and misinformation that abounds regarding renewable energy, which in many cases is spread by the media.
EPFL proposes standard measurements for perovskite aging
Scientists working on perovskite solar cells at Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne have proposed a method of standardization for the measurement of stability and degradation in perovskite solar cells, in order to create consensus and speed up commercialization of the technology.
MIT scientists develop new process for faster screening of PV materials
The process includes a test device, measurement of current output under different levels of illumination and different voltages, and how performance varies under these changing conditions.
2017: The PV year in review
Trade cases, insolvencies, record-breaking low auction prices, China’s eye watering installation rates – all this and more characterized the 2017 solar PV industry. pv magazine reflects on the biggest stories, trends and developments of the past year; and summarizes what the industry can expect in 2018.
Hanergy to partner with Beijing EV group
Thin film solar producer, Hanergy has announced plans to partner with Chinese electric vehicle group BAIC BJEV to develop thin film solar products ‘for the car and household’, as well construction of distributed generation for industrial parks and solar poverty alleviation projects.
US researchers model alternatives to farmland for PV deployment
A team of scientists from the University of California has published a study, which says the state could meet 100% of its electricity demand up to 2025 from PV, without having to deploy a single panel on productive farmland or protected natural areas.
