Articles tagged with "photovoltaics"
New Triple-Junction Tandem Perovskite Solar Cell Sets World Record - CleanTechnica
A research team at the University of Sydney has achieved a new milestone in perovskite solar cell technology by developing a triple-junction tandem solar cell that combines two layers of perovskite with silicon. This 16 square centimeter device demonstrated a world-record power conversion efficiency for its size, while a smaller 1 square centimeter "champion" cell reached a record 27.06% efficiency. The triple-junction architecture addresses both efficiency and durability challenges by leveraging the low cost and high efficiency of perovskite alongside the robustness of silicon. Significantly, the smaller cell also set a new standard for thermal stability, passing the International Electrotechnical Commission’s Thermal Cycling test involving 200 cycles between -40°C and 85°C, and retaining 95% of its efficiency after over 400 hours of continuous light exposure. Although these cells are still smaller than typical commercial solar panels, the results demonstrate the potential for scaling up stable, efficient perovskite-based solar devices.
energysolar-cellsperovskitephotovoltaicstandem-solar-cellrenewable-energymaterials-scienceInorganic perovskite solar cells achieve highest efficiency to date
Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) in Lithuania have achieved a record efficiency of over 21 percent in inorganic perovskite solar cells by developing a durable protective layer that addresses a major challenge of rapid degradation. This protective layer, formed through a novel passivation technique using perfluorinated 2D ammonium cations, enables strong adhesion to the pure inorganic perovskite surface by creating hydrogen bonds with lead iodide fragments. This breakthrough overcomes previous difficulties in bonding 2D layers to inorganic perovskites, resulting in stable heterostructures that maintain integrity even at elevated temperatures. The improved passivation not only enhances efficiency but also significantly boosts durability. The team demonstrated that mini-modules with an active area over 300 times larger than typical lab cells achieved nearly 20 percent efficiency and sustained stable operation for over 950 hours at 85°C under continuous illumination. These stability results meet stringent commercial standards comparable to silicon solar cells, marking a critical step
energysolar-cellsperovskitematerials-sciencerenewable-energyphotovoltaicspassivation-technologyUNSW Researchers Claim Solar Cell Breakthrough - CleanTechnica
Researchers at UNSW Sydney have announced a significant breakthrough in solar cell technology by harnessing singlet fission to improve silicon solar cell efficiency. Unlike conventional solar cells that convert one photon into a single electron/hole pair, singlet fission enables one high-energy photon to generate two excited electron/hole pairs, effectively doubling the electrical output from the blue portion of the solar spectrum. The team demonstrated that using photochemically stable dipyrrolonaphthyridinedione (DPND) derivatives as the singlet fission material, combined with thin layers of tin oxide and PEDOT:PSS for interface passivation, can create commercially viable singlet fission photovoltaic devices. This approach avoids the instability issues of previously used materials like tetracene. The breakthrough offers a practical pathway to enhance silicon solar cells without the complexity and cost of tandem designs, which require multiple junctions and extensive redesign. Current silicon modules typically achieve efficiencies of 20-25%, but singlet fission could push
energysolar-cellsphotovoltaicssinglet-fissionsilicon-solar-cellsrenewable-energymaterials-scienceMolecular coating unites photovoltaics, photodetection in one device
A research team from Korea University and Dongguk University has developed a novel molecular coating for organic solar cells that enables a single device to function simultaneously as a solar cell and a photodetector. This innovation overcomes the traditional conflict between the two technologies: solar cells require rapid charge movement for power generation, while photodetectors need to suppress charge movement to detect faint light signals. The breakthrough was achieved by applying a self-assembled monolayer of a simple molecule—benzene and phosphonic acid (BPA)—onto a transparent electrode (indium tin oxide, ITO). This molecular layer optimizes energy alignment at the interface, allowing efficient charge extraction for power generation and noise suppression for light detection. The BPA-coated device demonstrated a high indoor efficiency of 28.6% under typical indoor lighting conditions (1,000 lux LED at 2700K) and retained 87% of its performance after 1,000 hours of exposure. It offers a nearly ninefold improvement
energymaterialsphotovoltaicsorganic-solar-cellsphotodetectorsindoor-solar-powerIoT-devicesNew bendable solar cells hit 21.6% efficiency under heat, humidity
A European consortium called PEARL has made significant advances in developing flexible, low-cost perovskite solar cells with carbon electrodes, achieving over 21% power conversion efficiency (PCE) on bendable substrates and aiming for a 25% efficiency target. Utilizing roll-to-roll (R2R) manufacturing techniques, the project has demonstrated scalable production methods suitable for flexible, thin-film solar modules. These developments position the technology for applications including building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A key breakthrough is the improved durability of these solar cells, which remain stable for over 2,000 hours under harsh conditions of 85°C and 85% humidity, thanks to a new protective encapsulation. The use of carbon electrodes not only enhances stability but also supports environmental goals by reducing production costs below 0.3 EUR/Wp and minimizing carbon emissions to less than 0.01 kg CO2eq/kWh. Various partners in the
energysolar-cellsperovskiteflexible-electronicsroll-to-roll-manufacturingphotovoltaicscarbon-electrodesScientists develop aesthetic solar facades with 80% PV efficiency
German researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Electron Beam and Plasma Technology (FEP) have developed aesthetically appealing solar facade modules that achieve up to 80% of the efficiency of conventional photovoltaic (PV) panels. Utilizing roll-to-roll nanoimprint lithography (NIL), a process that stamps microscopic decorative patterns onto films continuously and cost-effectively, these solar modules can seamlessly integrate into building facades without compromising energy performance. The decorative films are visually indistinguishable from traditional metal facade panels, addressing a major barrier to the adoption of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) by architects and builders. A key technical advancement involved improving adhesion of the decorative films to both PV glass and metal elements through a nanoscale plasma treatment of the ETFE film substrate, ensuring durability for long-term use. This innovation supports Germany’s climate neutrality goal by unlocking additional renewable energy potential on vertical building surfaces, which are often underutilized. The Design-PV project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for
energyphotovoltaicssolar-energynanoimprint-lithographybuilding-integrated-photovoltaicsrenewable-energyfacade-technologyPhilippines' First Floating Solar Farm Sets A National Blueprint For Clean Energy - CleanTechnica
The Philippines has inaugurated its first floating solar farm, a 4.99 MW photovoltaic installation on the Malubog Reservoir in Toledo City, Cebu. This pioneering project is a collaboration between Carmen Copper Corp., a subsidiary of Atlas Consolidated Mining, and global engineering firm Black & Veatch, which served as the EPC contractor. Completed within 15 months on schedule and budget, the plant features 8,540 solar panels, a prefabricated substation, and a six-kilometer distribution line connecting to Carmen Copper’s grid. The facility currently supplies about 10% of the mine’s power needs, significantly reducing fossil fuel dependence and demonstrating responsible mining aligned with the Philippines Department of Energy’s renewable energy goals. Floating solar technology offers distinct advantages, including enhanced panel efficiency due to water cooling, preservation of valuable land resources, and reduced water evaporation from the reservoir—an important environmental benefit amid regional water concerns. The Malubog Reservoir, originally created in the 1970s for mining operations and
energyrenewable-energysolar-powerfloating-solar-farmclean-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-energySolar cells on ultra-thin glass to transform energy technology for space
Researchers from Loughborough and Swansea universities are developing lightweight cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells deposited on ultra-thin glass to revolutionize energy systems for satellites and space manufacturing. This CdTe-on-glass technology offers a lighter, cheaper, and highly radiation-resistant alternative to the conventional silicon and multi-junction solar cells currently used in space missions. While multi-junction cells dominate due to their high efficiency, their complex manufacturing and high costs limit scalability. The new technology targets 20% efficiency in space and has already achieved 23.1% efficiency on Earth, with initial space testing conducted aboard the AlSat-Nano CubeSat. The collaboration aligns with the UK’s strategic vision to capture a significant share of the growing global space technology market, valued at £17.5 billion in the UK alone. The European Space Agency forecasts a surge in space solar demand from 1 MWp/year to 10 GWp/year by 2035, driven by satellite constellations and
energysolar-cellsspace-technologycadmium-telluridephotovoltaicssemiconductor-materialssatellite-power-systemsAgrivoltaics Benefit from Comparatively High Acceptance - CleanTechnica
energyagrivoltaicssolar-energyphotovoltaicssustainable-agriculturerenewable-energypublic-acceptance