Solar windows one step nearer commercial production
U.S. building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) developer New Energy Technologies Ltd has announced significant advances in its patented SolarWindow, spray-on solar power coating system.
High efficiency cells from lower grade silicon
University of New South Wales (UNSW) researchers have released results indicating that lower-quality silicon can be used to produce high efficiency solar cells. The development is based on controlling the charge state of hydrogen atoms within silicon to help correct defects on an atomic level.
Germany: First meeting of the Photovoltaics Innovation Alliance
Over 100 scientists are meeting in Germanys capital today to discuss the interim results of their research and development projects, funded by the Photovoltaics Innovation Alliance. The goal is solar power cost reductions.
Wind-solar hybrid plants up to twice as efficient
Solar and wind power generation complement each other better than previously thought, according to a study released by the Reiner Lemoine Institut and Solarpraxis AG.
Germany: New PV research lab opens in Berlin
The Free University of Berlin and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) has opened a new laboratory for photovoltaic research in the German capital.
Israel: Hydrogen-bromine flow battery goes online
EnStorage Inc. has developed the first ever grid-connected hydrogen-bromine (HBr) flow battery with its 50 kW battery connection at the company’s test site in southern Israel. The battery is said to provide up to 100 kWh of storage capacity.
Australia: Research shows fully renewable system possible
New research from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Australia has drawn the conclusion that a fully renewable electricity system could not only be possible but cost effective. Key to the research, is that the study factors in a carbon price between AUD50 AUD100/ton, which would make even the most efficient coal-fired plants cost uncompetitive.
Organic solar substrate that literally grows on trees
Researchers have published results showing that organic solar cells can be produced on cellulose nanocrystal substrates (CNC). The cells are easily recyclable and are being touted as the first solar cells from materials that literally grow on trees.
Singulus Technologies and M-Cells to cooperate on cell production
PV equipment producer Singulus Technologies and solar cell manufacturer M-Cells have signed a letter of intent to expand technological cooperation for commercial production of crystalline silicon cells.
Solar fire and theft protection
Fires and theft have become growing problems for the solar industry. Leto Solar is now waiting for a patent for its H?MOS technology which, the company claims, enables the development of solar panels with capabilities to combat these problems.
