A stretchable, transparent solar cell with 8% efficiency
Korean scientists have unveiled a colorless device made of silicon microwire composites. The enhanced light absorption of the cell, the researchers claim, is due to the re-absorption of light by the microwires, which also benefit from an enhanced electric field.
Achieving 21.2% efficiency in a perovskite cell thanks to food additives
South Korean scientists have developed two perovskite solar cells based on a polymer made with peppermint oil and walnut aroma food additives, respectively. The new dopant‐free hole transport polymer is said to enable longer durability of the devices and to prevent lead-leakage.
Trade shows postponed over coronavirus fears
As the contagion continues to spread, its impact is beginning to be felt on the solar industry outside China with the cancellation or postponement of major trade shows and conferences that were set to take place over the next few weeks.
Korean researchers announce flexible CIGS solar cell with 20.4% efficiency
The thin-film cell was manufactured through a low-temperature process and doping with alkali elements.
Quantum dot hybrid HTJ cell with 12.82% efficiency
South Korean researchers have developed a hybrid tandem solar cell based on quantum dots and organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) photoactive materials. They claim that the cell could reach an efficiency rate of around 15% if they continue to reduce energy losses in the quantum dot cell and enhance near-infrared absorption.
Hanwha officially exits polysilicon business
Hanwha Solutions has confirmed that it will shut down its polysilicon business over the course of the next year, only a week after saying that it was still evaluating its plans for the sector.
Is this the end for Korean polysilicon?
The nation’s only two poly manufacturers could both shutter factories in their homeland due to downward price pressure. OCI says it will maintain only 6,500 MT of its 52,000 MT annual production capacity in an operational state and Hanwha Chemical says it is ‘examining the situation’. Poly analyst Johannes Bernreuter has discussed the reasons for the crisis with pv magazine.
Jinko Solar the world’s biggest module provider again in 2019
The solar giant shipped 14.2 GW of modules last year, up 33% on 2018 for the high-water mark of another year dominated by Chinese manufacturers.
Coronavirus could cost Chinese battery makers 26 GWh of output
WoodMac analysts say the amount of new battery manufacturing capacity added in the nation this year could fall by as much as 10% because of the outbreak. With Tesla’s Shanghai gigafactory affected by the extended new-year-holiday shutdown, the analyst warned of potential supply shortages for Australia and the U.S. and U.K.
European battery providers mindful of possible coronavirus shortages as LG Chem halts production in China
Storage system providers in Europe have told pv magazine output has thus far been unaffected by the virus outbreak in China. Manufacturers are aware, however, the situation may change rapidly if self-isolation measures taken by the authorities continue.
