Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
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Researchers at KAUST have developed corrugated arrays of interdigitated back contact solar cells with screen-printed aluminum contacts that can bend without cracking. The cells have a record-breaking efficiency for both silicon solar cell efficiency and bendability.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have unraveled the mystery of a multiplier mechanism in an organic crystal, which holds promise for dramatically boosting the efficiency of organic solar cells. The discovery explains how this reaction can occur in just tens of femtoseconds, avoiding loss of energy as heat.
Researchers have discovered a way to minimize waste in solar energy capture by designing materials that can harness previously wasted light. This breakthrough could push solar cell efficiency beyond 30%, addressing limitations of silicon-based solar cells.
Researchers have discovered that mesoporous perovskite solar cells exhibit better output stability than their planar counterparts due to the large surface area of the interface. The mesoporous structure dilutes defects, leading to a more stable power output and increased resilience to defect accumulation.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin discover why perovskite solar cells function despite numerous holes. The thin layer built up in the film prevents short circuits by recombination barrier and electron transport layer separation.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new design for algae-powered fuel cells that is five times more efficient and potentially more cost-effective. The two-chamber system separates charging and power delivery processes, enabling enhanced performance and reduced electrical losses.
Renewable energy generation causes grid frequency fluctuations due to variable wind speeds and photovoltaic feed-in. Power trading appears more significant in grid frequency fluctuation than renewable feed-in, with small grids showing larger fluctuations.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to create hybrid thin-film materials that can absorb and emit light efficiently. The technique, called Resonant Infrared Matrix-Assisted Pulsed Laser Evaporation, allows for the creation of delicate organic-inorganic crystals with improved scalability and durability.
Two doctoral students at the University of Kansas have demonstrated methods to improve the capture of sunlight in experiments at the Center for Design Research. By analyzing data from a year-long study on rooftop materials, they found that panels installed over green roofs performed best, generating an average of 1.4% more energy compa...
Researchers have created double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency, using two types of engineered quantum dots. The new technology utilizes a window architecture with two layers of low-cost materials, allowing for better sunlight collection and reduced energy losses.
Researchers propose a standardized measurement method for perovskite solar cell stability, addressing the lack of comparable data across laboratories and companies. The study investigates environmental factors affecting perovskite degradation, revealing specific behaviors that distort experimental results.
A team at MIT has developed a rapid screening method for new solar cell materials, bypassing time-consuming lab tests and improving accuracy. The approach uses simple lab tests combined with computer modeling to predict material performance, accelerating the search for more efficient materials.
Researchers from UBC and UNC Chapel Hill discovered that halogens can increase conversion efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells by 25%. The presence of halogens accelerates electron transfer, allowing for faster regeneration of the light-absorbing dye.
A study by UC researchers identified over 8,400 square kilometers of non-agricultural land in the Central Valley suitable for large solar installations. This land can generate enough solar energy to exceed California's projected demands by 13 times for photovoltaic power and two times for concentrating solar power.
Researchers have developed an open-source tool predicting solar cell energy output based on location and technology, highlighting the importance of environmental factors. The study found that certain materials can produce up to 5% more energy in hot, humid locations like Singapore.
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed glass with high levels of haze and light transmittance, making it suitable for improving solar cell efficiency. The glass can be switched from hazy to clear by applying water, potentially leading to cost-effective smart windows.
Scientists at EPFL Valais Wallis discovered that guanidinium can improve perovskite stability, delivering an average power conversion efficiency of 19.2% and stabilizing performance for 1000 hours under continuous light illumination. This breakthrough could lead to the development of more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells.
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new 'double-glazed' solar power device that uses gas to transport electrical energy, unlike existing solar panels. This innovative approach could lead to improved solar power generation methods and open up new possibilities for advanced photovoltaics.
Three UNIST researchers, Rodney S. Ruoff, Jaephil Cho, and Jin Young Kim, have been named Highly Cited Researchers in materials science and energy fields. They have made significant contributions to their respective fields, with Professor Cho leading expert on secondary batteries and Professor Kim a leading expert in organic solar cells.
Scientists at NREL have developed a switchable solar window that converts sunlight into electricity while maintaining transparency. The device uses thermochromic materials and has an average light transmission of 68% in its transparent state.
Scientists from ITMO University devised a novel way to address issues with solar cells, including reduced light reflection and overheating. By incorporating glass microparticles into the top electrode, they improved solar cell efficiency by 20%, making it more attractive for industrial applications.
Researchers have developed an 'ionic analog to the electronic pn-junction solar cell' that harnesses light to generate ionic electricity, with potential applications in desalination and brain-machine interfaces. The technology shows promise for producing electricity to turn brackish water drinkable upon exposure to sunlight.
Researchers at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology have successfully transferred the nanostructures from the wings of black butterflies, which can absorb light over a wide spectrum and improve thin-film solar cell efficiency. The optimized nanostructures enhance light absorption by up to 200 percent.
A new technique for synthesizing thiophene derivatives has been developed, offering a convenient and effective two-step procedure. The compounds exhibit promising photophysical properties, including fluorescence, making them suitable for various applications, including OLEDs and potential biomedicine uses.
Researchers have developed a method to produce high-quality perovskite photovoltaics using mechanochemistry, resulting in improved efficiency and reduced structural defects. The production process involves grinding powders to create homogeneous perovskites with fewer defects, which improves the cell's performance.
Inorganic-organic halide perovskites have distinctive advantages for high efficiency solar cells, with recent breakthroughs in developing efficient hole transport material free PSCs. Significant ion transport has been found to redistribute doping and defects, affecting photoelectric behavior and stability.
The University of California, Santa Cruz, has developed solar greenhouses that can generate electricity while promoting plant growth. Eighty percent of plants showed no impact, while 20% grew better under the magenta windows.
Researchers at UNIST have developed highly stable perovskite solar cells using fluorine-functionalized graphene nano-platelets, overcoming the material's notorious instability. This breakthrough could lead to next-generation solar cells with high efficiencies and low costs.
Severe air pollution in northern and eastern China blocks about 20% of sunlight from reaching solar panels, significantly reducing solar energy production. The study found that aerosol pollution reduces the potential for solar electricity generation by as much as one and a half kilowatt-hour per square meter per day.
Researchers at Brown University have improved the resolution of laser terahertz emission microscopy (LTEM) to 20 nanometers, enabling detailed imaging of individual nanostructures. This technique can be used to study a wide variety of materials, including semiconductors and perovskite solar cells.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a micro-scale biological solar cell that generates high power density and long operational capability, making it suitable for lab-on-a-chip applications in remote regions. The device harnesses microbial photosynthetic and respiratory activities to provide a clean and renewable power source.
KAUST researchers have created a new method for producing solar cells using lateral p-n heterojunctions, which achieve greater power conversion efficiency than traditional methods. This breakthrough simplifies the production process and enables cheaper solar tracking systems to become redundant.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute are developing new materials for solar cells and photocatalysts to boost efficiency and reduce costs. They aim to create practical ways to store solar energy, addressing intermittency and waste issues in the current system.
Sandia scientists develop a system to convert surplus solar flux into additional electricity at tower CSP plants, increasing capacity by up to 10 MW and reducing costs. The concept involves cladding the tower with photovoltaic panels, generating over 10% of total capacity.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed a photodetector that doubles its efficiency by combining two distinct materials, producing quantum mechanical processes. This breakthrough can revolutionize the way solar energy is collected.
Researchers from University of Groningen have discovered a way to increase charge conductivity in lead-sulphur quantum dots by adding extra sulphur. This breakthrough enables the tuning of electric properties, improving efficiency of quantum dot solar cells above current records.
Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.
Researchers have developed a new method to deposit CuSCN layers on perovskite films, resulting in stabilized power-conversion efficiencies exceeding 20%. The introduction of a thin spacer layer of reduced graphene oxide allows the cells to achieve excellent operational stability, retaining over 95% of their initial efficiency.
Berkeley Lab is developing algorithms to monitor the grid for irregularities and dispatch safe settings to counter potential cyber attacks. The project aims to enhance grid resilience while maintaining security. It partners with industry leaders and utilities to leverage best practices and standards.
Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method for fabricating semitransparent and flexible solar cells using transition metal dichalcogenides. The new technology improves power conversion efficiency up to 0.7%, making it the highest value reported with few-layered materials.
Perovskite solar cells could generate electricity more efficiently by harnessing the kinetic energy of electrons moving at high speeds. The study found that electrons retain their highest levels of energy for up to 10 quadrillionths of a second, limiting the time frame for extraction.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a novel approach to prevent ice build-up by cracking it. By adding inner pillars and holes to surfaces, they can create macro-cracks that allow ice to fall off, reducing adhesion strengths by up to 50%. This method has the potential to revolutionize anti-icing technology in various industries.
Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a method to make stacks of semiconductors just a few atoms thick, offering a simple and cost-effective way to produce thin, uniform layers. This breakthrough could enable the creation of smaller, faster electronics with unique properties.
Scientists at Berkeley Lab have successfully demonstrated the efficient conversion of carbon dioxide to fuels and alcohols using artificial photosynthesis. The system achieved efficiencies rivaling natural counterparts, producing ethanol and ethylene with high energy conversion rates.
Glycol ethers added to thin film manufacturing boost perovskite crystal structure and efficiency, increasing solar cell performance.
Researchers from RIKEN and University of Tokyo created ultra-thin photovoltaic devices coated with stretchable and waterproof films. The new device has shown strong energy efficiency, resistance to water, and durability under compression, opening the way for wearable solar cells.
Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.
Stanford University scientists have created a compound solar cell with perovskite microcells encapsulated in hexagonal scaffolds, inspired by the insect compound eye. The design increases fracture resistance without compromising efficiency, and the cells withstand extreme temperatures and humidity.
Researchers at NREL and EPFL achieved record efficiencies of 32.8% and 35.9% for dual-junction and triple-junction solar cells, respectively. The high-efficiency cells could reduce the cost of solar energy by up to 45 cents per watt.
Researchers at Georgia State University discovered that a process called inverted-region electron transfer contributes to the high efficiency of solar energy conversion in photosynthesis. This mechanism can be used to design new and better types of artificial solar cells.
Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a crystalline material that changes shape in response to light, showcasing its potential applications in novel optoelectronic devices
Scientists have created cyborg bacteria that can produce acetic acid from carbon dioxide using sunlight as energy, outperforming natural photosynthesis with an efficiency of over 80%. This technology has the potential to replace traditional petrochemical industries and provide a zero-waste solution.
Researchers at OIST have improved the stability of perovskite solar cells by inserting a thin polymer layer, extending their lifespan four-fold. They have also developed a new method to manufacture perovskite LEDs using chemical vapor deposition, which could lead to lower-cost and more efficient lighting solutions.
Researchers developed a new curing agent made from castor oil components that strengthened a soybean-based epoxy thermoset, increasing its durability and heat resistance. The material also allows light to pass through, potentially ideal for applications like solar cells.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a substrate-specific method to detect electron transfer in photovoltaic devices. The new approach uses deep-ultraviolet continuum pulses to probe the excitonic transitions of transition-metal oxide substrates, providing a route to studying solid-state-sensitized solar cells.
Researchers in the Netherlands have created efficient green solar panels using soft imprint lithography, which scatter green light and maintain a 10% power reduction. The technology has potential to widen solar panel use as an architectural design element.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a probe to detect direct-current (DC) energy, ensuring safe contact with electrical lines. The 'Hot Stick' probe can penetrate cable insulation and indicate whether a cable is fully discharged of energy.
Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method that combines design and nanomanufacturing to create optimal nanostructured surfaces for solar cells. The technique uses mathematical functions and machine learning to fabricate quasi-random structures, resulting in increased light absorption and improved efficiency.
Researchers from KIT have developed sunglasses with colored, semitransparent solar cells that supply a microprocessor and two displays with electric power. The solar cell lenses are thin and lightweight, generating enough power to operate devices like hearing aids or step counters in indoor environments.