Optimized antimony trisulfide solar cells may reach 11.68% efficiency
An international research group has analyzed the most important barriers preventing antimony trisulfide solar cells from reaching satifsfying power conversion efficiencies and has suggested a series of optimization parameters that could get them closer to commercial production.
Algeria reveals winners in 3 GW of PV tenders
The Algerian authorities have announced the developers selected for a 1 GW tender launched by the nation’s state-owned utility in late 2021, as well as the winners of a 2 GW tender launched in February 2023. The projects will range in size from 80 MW to 220 MW.
Algeria’s Sonelgaz awards 3 GW of solar projects
Representatives of Algerian state-owned utility Sonelgaz have signed contracts with local and foreign companies for the construction of 20 solar projects from two tenders.
The Hydrogen Stream: US funding 16 geologic hydrogen exploration projects
The US Department of Energy (DoE) has announced plans to invest $20 million in 16 projects across eight states to accelerate the exploration of geologic hydrogen.
Researchers apply thresholding to PV soiling image analysis
Thresholding methods have commonly been used to characterize the soiling accumulated on glass coupons. Researchers led by the Sapienza University of Rome have identified 16 automatic thresholding methods that may be used for analyzing soiling on PV panels.
New perovskite material for lead-free solar cells
An Algerian research group has analyzed the electronic, elastic, optical, and thermoelectric characteristics of the KGeCl3 perovskite to verify if this lead-free material may be used for solar cells and other electronic devices. The scientists found that the novel material has a direct bandgap semiconductor with bandgap energies of 0.92 eV, 1.26 eV, and 1.88 eV for cubic, tetragonal, and orthorhombic phases, respectively.
The Hydrogen Stream: North African hydrogen development stokes concerns
French researchers have identified a number of potential social issues that may arise as North Africa develops its significant hydrogen potential, while the European Commission has released the details of its pilot auction for European renewable hydrogen production.
New control technique for microgrid-connected PV systems
An international research group has applied for the first time integral backstepping control (IBC) as a control strategy for PV systems connected to microgrids. Through a series of simulations, the scientists found the new approach can provide better results than classic backstepping control (BC) and other techniques.
Algeria’s Sonelgaz reveals prequalified bidders for 2 GW solar tender
Sonelgaz, Algeria’s state-owned utility, is seeking proposals to build 15 solar plants in 11 locations. The projects will range in size from 80 MW to 220 MW.
The Hydrogen Stream: China Southern Power connects hydrogen plants to grid
China Southern Power Grid, a state-owned utility, has revealed plans to use alloy materials to store hydrogen.
