Prospects for reusing silicon from end-of-life solar modules in new ingot production
Scientists in the Netherlands proposed a new testing scheme for recycling silicon from end-of-life photovoltaic panels. Their methodology helped create different wafer categories for recycling silicon for new ingot production but also showed that most of recycled silicon in the near future will come from p-type products, which will harldy be reutilized in a market now dominated by n-type modules.
Perovskite-HJT tandem solar cell based on phosphonic acid, self-assembled monolayer achieves 30.22% efficiency
Researchers in Switzerland have fabricated a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells that utilizes a heterojunction cell as bottom device. The cell is said to circumvent the film formation issue associated with the use of phosphonic acid and achieve high efficiency levels.
Pumping underground water in the desert with PV, wind
Scientists have designed a system that combines solar panels, wind turbines, and battery storage to operate water pumping systems in Jordan. They simulated it under several scenarios in search of the optimal size.
French startup offers 10 kWh battery generator for TV, film crews
Pess Energy has launched FlyWatt, a 10 kWh compact battery-based generator for film and TV production crews. A compatible solar panel kit is available to recharge the equipment offgrid.
Bifacial perovskite solar can achieve bifaciality of 90% when tilted at 20 degrees
New research from India has shown that bifacial perovskite solar cells can achieve a 2% higher power conversion efficiency with a tilt angle of 20 degrees. The scientists also developed a bifacial perovskite solar cell for applications in both tandem or single-junction PV devices.
New model to generate high-resolution annual solar energy potential maps
Researchers in Iran have used digital elevation models to improve the accuracy of solar energy potential maps. Their model is intended to identify the best areas for solar panel deployment in urban areas.
Assessing impact of fire on PV facades
An international research team has analyzed which factors contribute to fire accidents in PV facades and has found that the distance between the wall and the photovoltaic modules plays a crucial role. The scientists also said project developers should attentively consider what combustible materials are embedded in the wall cavity.
Global solar module prices stable-to-firm as markets wind down for year end
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
Christmas Day forecast delivers solar surprises for some
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that, while much of the Americas will see cloudier weather than normal for the season, particularly in the eastern United States and parts of central Brazil, Europe’s solar outlook is split with high pressure over central regions bringing clearer skies to the Iberian Peninsula. Across Asia, cloud cover is expected for India and the Far East, while Australia’s northern and eastern regions are likely to enjoy abundant sunshine.
Scientist develops machine-learning method to identify faulty solar panels
A scientist in Sweden has developed a new hybrid local features-based method using thermographs to identify faulty solar panels.
