Fraunhofer develops contactless method for measuring back-contact solar cells
Scientists at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE have developed a contactless method to measure the performance of back-contact solar cells, enabling in-line assessment of key parameters such as efficiency, fill factor, and current-voltage characteristics.
Fraunhofer presents solar module cleaning tech using structure-borne sound
Fraunhofer Institute for Digital Media Technology IDMT has developed a solar module cleaning system that uses structure-borne sound and targeted mechanical vibrations to dislodge dust. Researchers will present the technology at Intersolar Europe in Munich from May 7 to 9.
How to combine photovoltaics with rainwater harvesting
Scientists have developed a system that harvests rainwater running off PV panels for household use or hydrogen production. Their analysis showed that, in the southern Sahel, the system can meet both the energy and water requirements for electrolysis, with surplus rainwater covering up to 50% of a household’s daily water demand.
Fraunhofer ISE streamlines use of epitaxial wafers in TOPCon solar cell manufacturing
Researchers at the German research institute have demonstrated that the so-called EpiWafers could be used directly for solar cell fabrication without needing a pre-gettering step. Their experiments provide a proof of principle* for epitaxially grown silicon wafers from German wafer manufacturer NexWafe GmbH.
Longi achieves 34.85% efficiency for two-terminal tandem perovskite solar cell
The result was confirmed by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Indexel Engineering secures 50 MWh supply of US developed sodium-ion batteries from Unigrid
Indexel Engineering has secured 50 MWh supply of sodium-ion batteries from US-based battery innovator Unigrid.
Attero enters solar panel recycling MoU with NISE
Attero and the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) have signed a memorandum of understanding for research and development of solar panel recycling technology in India.
Premier Energies, Germany’s RENA Technologies join forces for solar cell innovation
Premier Energies Ltd has partnered with Germany-based RENA Technologies GmbH on process innovations for n-type solar cells and the development of wet chemistry techniques for next-generation tandem solar cells.
Longi claims world’s highest efficiency for silicon solar cells
Longi said it has achieved a 27.81% efficiency rating for a hybrid interdigitated back contact, as confirmed by Germany’s Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin (ISFH).
Push on to accelerate next generation PV materials
There is no consensus on the future of PV technology but there is general agreement that existing silicon solar cells do not represent the pinnacle of solar energy generation. This has resulted in the exploration of alternative materials and device architectures, with tandem solar cells emerging as the front runner for the next generation of solar cells to be deployed at scale.
