Emiliano Bellini
Rooftop solar may ‘unintentionally’ exacerbate urban heat
New research from Hong Kong confirms that rooftop PV systems could raise daytime temperatures in urban environments. The scientists explained that although their findings highlight important urban resilience considerations, they should not detract from the broader benefits of PV systems for energy sustainability and carbon reduction.
Green hydrogen remains ‘prohibitively’ expensive in Africa
A European research team has assessed the levelized cost of hydrogen across 31 African countries and has concluded that importing green hydrogen from Africa to European is economically unfeasible by 2030, with prices ranging from $10.2/kg to $3.8/kg.
Indian scientists build 29.14%-efficient tandem solar cell with inverted top perovskite device
The researchers said they optimized the low-bandgap inverted perovskite cells through a passivating aluminum oxide (Al2O3) interlayer deposited via atomic layer deposition (ALD), which significantly helped improve device efficiency.
Perovksite-TOPCon tandem solar cell based on self-assembled monolayer achieves 31.1% efficiency
Researchers in China have fabricated a perovskite-TOPCon solar cell with a top perovskite device utilising a self-assembled monolayer aimed to improved cell stability. The tandem cell achieved a high fill factor and a certified efficiency of 30.9%.
Scientists discover new failure mode in LECO-treated TOPCon solar cells
An international research team has observed a significant increase in series resistance in LECO-treated TOPCon solar cells after temperature and bias treatment. The scientists said they now need to conduct further investigations into its impact on cell efficiency, reliability, and bankability.
South Korea launches 1 GW PV tender
South Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) has kicked off a tender for 1 GW of solar and 1.25 GW of wind. The ceiling prices for solar contracts stands at KRW 157,307 ($113.6)/MWh.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 66 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 17 new results reported in the new version.
Turkey opens anti-dumping probe into Chinese PV frames, junction boxes
The Turkish authorities claim to have found evidence of dumping practices by Chinese PV junction boxes and frames manufacturers, which allegedly caused substantial damage to domestic producers.
Researchers warn of ‘hidden contaminants’ that could increase TOPCon, HJT solar module humidity-induced degradation
Australian researchers have identified five contaminants that could increase damp heat-induced degradation in TOPCon and heterojunction cells and modules. Their analysis has shown these contaminants could originate from improper handling during cell or module processing.
Danish startup launches solar tile for pitched roofs
Solartag has developed a 71 W solar tile with a weight 14.2 kg/m² and a power conversion efficiency of 16%. The new product relies on black PERC cells and is standardized for mass production, according to the manufacturer.
