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A look into the dark

A new technique allows for precise tracking of tiny particles known as dark excitons in time and space. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the quality and efficiency of solar cells and other devices.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2025

A multiband NIR upconversion core-shell design for enhanced light harvesting of silicon solar cells

Yb³⁺ doping enables efficient NIR upconversion by suppressing multiphoton emissions and directing photons into the optimal response band of silicon solar cells. A core-shell structure design integrates multiple fluorescence conversion layers, expanding the SSC response range and enhancing photovoltaic efficiency.

What to do with aging solar panels?

A three-year project aims to proactively ensure circularity of solar panels by providing solutions to barriers throughout the supply chain. The team will develop reverse logistics models and next-generation data-driven supply chains for recycling solar panels and reusing critical materials like silicon and silver.

The Universitat Rovira i Virgili leads a protocol to improve the durability of flexible photovoltaic devices

A standardized testing protocol has been developed to evaluate the efficiency, flexibility, and mechanical performance of flexible photovoltaic devices. The protocol focuses on measuring efficiency over 1,000 bending cycles, providing a benchmark for evaluating these devices in real-life conditions.

SourceUniversitat Rovira i Virgili·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 3, 2024

More energy and more oil: photovoltaic plants and hedgerow olive groves are more productive on the same land

Researchers from the University of Cordoba developed a model to test agrivoltaic integration, finding that joint activities can lead to greater combined productivity. The study shows that photovoltaic plants and hedgerow olive groves can coexist and even benefit each other, with solar collectors generating more energy while shading cro...

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 19, 2024

New performance record for eco-friendly nanocrystal solar cells

ICFO researchers have reported on a post-deposition in situ passivation strategy that improves surface passivation, yielding nanocrystal ink films with enhanced optoelectronic properties. This approach has led to the development of ultrathin solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency than their multi-step deposition counterparts.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 24, 2024

Streamlining solar cell structure and fabrication for more affordable energy

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new fabrication technique for perovskite solar cells, achieving power conversion efficiencies over 25% and 95% efficiency after 2,000 hours. This simplification makes industrial production more cost-effective and paves the way for more reliable and efficient solar cells.

New insights into hot carrier solar cells: Increasing generation and extraction

Researchers have made breakthroughs in hot carrier solar cells by studying electron tunneling and collection, increasing generation and extraction. The study revealed that a new system comprising AlGaAs and GaAs materials can harness valley photovoltaics and realize solar cells beyond the current single bandgap limits.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 24, 2024

GIST researchers develop new defect passivation strategy for perovskite solar cells

A team of GIST researchers developed a new defect passivation strategy for polycrystalline perovskites, leading to improved power conversion efficiency and long-term operational stability. The strategy uses a chemically identical polytype of perovskite to suppress defects in the crystal structure.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Molecular level changes translate to big efficiency gains for organic solar cells

Researchers from Osaka University have synthesized a new molecule that increases the power conversion efficiency of organic solar cells. The molecule's design reduces exciton binding energy, making it easier to convert sunlight into current. This breakthrough paves the way for high-performance and large-scale photovoltaic applications.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

HKUST engineering researchers enhance perovskite solar cells durability with first-of-its-kind chiral-structured “springy” interface

Researchers at HKUST have developed a novel chiral-structured interface in perovskite solar cells, significantly enhancing reliability and power conversion efficiency. The new design retained 92% of its initial efficiency after 200 cycles, demonstrating improved durability under various conditions.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Chung-Ang University study reveals a way to enhance the efficiency of perovskite solar cells

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have discovered an additive that enhances the efficiency of perovskite solar cells, resulting in a record-breaking 12.22% efficiency. The additive, 4-phenylthiosemicarbazide, improves stability and reduces defects, paving the way for more accessible and long-lasting solar panels.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 30, 2024

KTU scientists’ innovation for indoor solar cells can maximize the use of light energy

Researchers at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) develop materials to improve indoor photovoltaic cells, generating electricity even in low-intensity light. The innovation utilizes Internet of Things technologies to efficiently regulate device operation and optimize energy consumption.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

Towards net-zero energy houses: optimizing the size of photovoltaic systems

A new framework enables efficient calculation of optimal solar panel and battery sizes for residential neighborhoods, making it feasible to achieve net-zero energy houses. The approach leverages linear programming transformations to overcome computational challenges, demonstrating that ZEH status does not significantly elevate costs.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Access·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

Recycled micro-sized silicon anodes from photovoltaic waste improve lithium-ion battery performance

Researchers have developed low-cost micro-sized silicon anodes from recycled photovoltaic waste using a novel electrolyte design. The new anodes exhibit remarkable electrochemical stability, maintaining an average coulombic efficiency of 99.94% after 200 cycles. This breakthrough addresses the major challenges facing micro-sized silico...

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 16, 2024