Technology and R&D

Researchers from Australian Center for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW))have achieved a conversion efficiency world record, for a cell testing in outdoor facilities. The 40.4% efficiency result was achieved using a triplejunction cell, onto which sunlight was concentrated using spectrum splitting CPV power tower.

Stanford professor says peel-away solar cells could revolutionize BIPV. Chinese academic is working on scaling up the technology.

A PhD student at TU Delft has recorded a conversion efficiency of 14.8% with a tandem thin film silicon cell. Hairen Tan achieved the result through applying a number of innovative techniques, for which he picked up the Young Research Award at the recent international PV conference in Kyoto.

Practical Action has released a report that outlines gaps in the evidence that the UK-based NGO claims is tainting the energy debate in favor of the world’s richer population. More information and policy support for solar and mini-grids is in demand to help close the energy gap.

The US Department of Energy will back all breakthrough research and development projects that advance solar PV to the tune of $9 million.

The 15th Forum Solarpraxis played host to the first Future PV Forum today in Berlin. 10 presentations across the solar innovation value chain showcased a range of technologies from the much-hyped perovskites to laser 3D printing for silver paste application on standard p-type crystalline silicon solar cells.

Swedish thin film equipment supplier Midsummer has reduced the active layer in its CIGS deposition process to 800nm. The tool supplier claims that this is less than half of what other suppliers offer, substantially reducing costs.

The R&D laboratory says once the residential rooftop PV system is commercially available, homeowners will be able to purchase and install the system as easily as installing a washer and dryer.

Using a technique it has labeled ‘Snow Globe Coating,’ Germany’s Fraunhofer ISE is pursuing a titania rearside cell coating technology. Fraunhofer says it provides a reflective back coating to cells, boosting efficiency.

Interview: On Monday the Meyer Burger Group and the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) inaugurated their Swiss-Inno pilot line for heterojunction technology (HJT) in Neuchatel, Switzerland. Christophe Ballif, head of the CSEM’s PV-center, will lead research efforts on the line, representing the culmination of a decade’s research into the technology in the Swiss town. Ballif spoke to pv magazine about the project.