Articles tagged with Photovoltaics
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Photovoltaic fields can mitigate climate change faster than afforestation by 50 times in semiarid land, while still offering benefits in humid lands. Forests provide additional ecosystem and social services beyond climate regulation.
Northwestern University researchers have created a new perovskite solar cell that achieves a National Renewable Energy Lab certified efficiency of 25.1%, surpassing earlier records. The breakthrough is made possible by a combination of two molecules, one addressing surface recombination and the other disrupting interface recombination.
Researchers developed a novel polycrystalline silicon tunnelling recombination layer that significantly enhances the efficiency of perovskite/tunnel oxide passivating contact tandem solar cells, achieving a remarkable 29.2% photoelectric conversion rate and high stability.
Researchers at NC State University developed an autonomous system called SmartDope to synthesize 'best-in-class' materials for specific applications in hours or days. It uses a self-driving lab to manipulate variables, characterize optical properties, and update its understanding of the synthesis chemistry through machine learning.
Researchers developed indoor solar panels to power smart home devices, identifying efficient PV materials and minimizing heat production. Gallium indium phosphide shows promise but is expensive, while perovskite minerals and organic films offer a cost-effective solution.
A UNIGE team has developed a super-model to simulate the spread of three green technologies in Swiss municipalities by 2050. The results show that Switzerland is unlikely to achieve zero net carbon emissions by 2050 without significant policy changes, highlighting the need for increased efforts and updated policies.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...
Researchers estimate that 5% of Europe's freestanding single-family homes could become economically self-sufficient in 2050. While some regions have high potential for self-sufficiency, becoming fully off-grid is not the most economic choice due to higher costs.
Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences propose homogenizing strategy to fabricate perovskite films for solar cells. The process increases conversion efficiency to 26.1%, tying the existing record. The method uses an additive to make up for difference in crystallization and phase transition rates, resulting in long-term stability.
Researchers at Osaka University use a robotic system to automate key experimental processes, accelerating the search for new materials. They evaluate 576 thin-film semiconductor samples using photoabsorption spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and time-resolved microwave conductivity analyses.
Researchers have developed a new synthesis method that controls the temperature and duration of the crystallization process to produce 2D halide perovskite layers with ideal thickness and purity. This breakthrough improves the stability and reduces the cost of solar cells, making them a viable option for emerging technologies.
A six-year study of a satellite found that low-cost solar panels can withstand harsh space conditions and generate power, opening the door to large-scale solar farms in orbit. The technology has been developed by researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Swansea.
The CityU innovation has dramatically enhanced the thermal robustness of perovskite solar cells, retaining over 90% of efficiency even under high temperatures. This breakthrough could significantly broaden the utilisation of these cells and contribute substantially to combating the global climate crisis.
Scientists have developed perovskite photovoltaic cells with significantly improved optoelectronic properties using nanoimprinting method. The structure reduces optical losses and enables cheaper production on a large scale.
A new strategy optimizes optical and electrical characteristics of thin c-Si solar cells, improving conversion efficiency by 28% compared to industrial thick counterparts. The proposed design uses a layer transfer method and metal nanofilms for enhanced light absorption and surface passivation.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich have developed a new class of organic dyes that can facilitate faster transport of solar energy within materials. These 'turbocharger' dyes show great promise for improving the efficiency of organic solar cells and other innovative energy applications.
The researchers created nanoribbons made of phosphorus and tiny amounts of arsenic, which were able to conduct electricity at high temperatures. The arsenic-phosphorus ribbons have also turned out to be magnetic, opening up possibilities for quantum computers.
Researchers at University of Surrey's Advanced Technology Institute have made a breakthrough in creating more efficient and stable perovskite solar cells by coating metal halide perovskite with aluminium oxide. This development could help countries reach their net zero targets faster and make renewable energy cheaper.
A NREL-led research team identified accelerated testing protocols to understand perovskite solar cells' behavior under real conditions. The study found that high temperature and illumination are the most critical combination of stressors for predicting outdoor performance, with cells retaining over 93% of their maximum efficiency after...
Tandem solar cells combining silicon and perovskite technologies achieve higher efficiencies while strengthening stability. The connection protects the frail perovskite solar cell from voltage-induced breakdown.
Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters have developed flexible solar cells with efficiencies comparable to conventional solar cells. They achieved significant power conversion efficiency gains by optimizing the material composition and guest component location in ternary organic solar cells.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have discovered a new strategy to stabilize the α-phase of α-FAPbI3, a promising solar cell material. By introducing pseudo-halide ions like thiocyanate into its structure, the team has successfully stabilized the α-phase, reducing its transition temperature and increasing its energy band gap.
The EPFL study found that having neighbors with solar panels plays a significant role in deciding whether someone installs them, alongside factors like socioeconomic category. The results also show a correlation between solar-panel installation and urbanization, highlighting the importance of flexible policies to promote renewable energy.
A recent publication in Science reports on improvements in silicon-perovskite tandem cells, achieving a record-breaking 32.5% efficiency. The development of these high-efficiency solar cells was led by Lithuanian researchers from Kaunas University of Technology.
A new MIT study reveals that soft technology features, such as permitting practices and supply chain management, contribute less than 15% to total cost declines in solar energy systems. Improving these processes could accelerate cost savings in the clean energy transition.
Researchers have developed a highly efficient organometal halide perovskite photoanode that suppresses internal and external losses associated with photoelectrochemical water splitting, enhancing reaction kinetics. The new design achieves an unprecedented applied bias photon-to-current conversion efficiency of 12.79%.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.
The Fengyun-4A satellite in collaboration with a machine learning model generated a detailed PV resource map for China, providing new insights into the country's solar energy potential. This advancement sets a new standard for solar resource mapping, empowering decision-makers to make informed choices for a sustainable future.
Researchers demonstrate that perovskite solar cells damaged by proton radiation in low-earth orbit can recover up to 100% of their original efficiency via thermal vacuum annealing. The study used ultrathin sapphire substrates and found that fluorine diffusion from the dopant causes defects, which can be reversed by heat treatment.
Researchers developed a technique to enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells by using fluorinated aniliniums, avoiding progressive ligand intercalation. This approach achieved a certified quasi-steady-state power-conversion efficiency of 24.09% for inverted-structure PSCs.
Researchers investigated the diffusion lengths of charge carriers in metal oxides and found that they are poorly understood. The study analyzed ten metal oxide compounds and found that their mobilities were very low compared to conventional semiconductors. However, heat treatment improved mobility in some materials.
Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have achieved a record-breaking efficiency of 32.5% for their tandem solar cells, combining perovskite and silicon technology. The breakthrough was made possible by improved perovskite compounds and surface modification techniques.
Researchers at NUS have created a new type of solar cell with improved stability and efficiency, paving the way for cheaper and more durable energy solutions. The cells achieve a world record efficiency of 24.35%, making them suitable for large-scale commercialization.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a new approach to understanding photovoltaic device performance under varying temperatures. Their findings suggest that thermoradiative and thermophotonic cells can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity even at high temperatures.
Researchers from UT Austin created a new composite material that efficiently converts low energy light to higher energy, with applications in bioimaging, solar panels, and night vision goggles. The breakthrough could reduce the size of solar panels by 30% and enable systems for autonomous vehicles and fog detection.
A new composite material made of ultra-tiny silicon nanoparticles and an organic element can convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light, enabling the formation of free radicals to attack cancer tissue. The material has potential applications in boosting solar panel efficiency and improving bioimaging technologies.
Researchers propose a device design that can take the efficiencies of 2D TMDC devices from 5% to 12%, doubling the weight-saving potential. This breakthrough could address the energy supply challenges in space exploration and settlements, where traditional solar cells are too heavy to be transported by rocket.
Perovskite photovoltaics are promising for generating solar energy due to their ability to be printed like newspapers and require less material than traditional technologies. However, these materials exhibit instabilities that can cause them to degrade quickly, hindering their commercial viability.
Researchers fabricated 2D perovskite solar cells based on molecular ferroelectrics, achieving the highest open circuit voltage and best efficiency among 2D Ruddlesden-Popper perovskite solar cells. The introduction of ferroelectricity improved charge transport and device performance.
A new study reveals that rooftop solar arrays can meet the entire electricity demand of up to 35% of US manufacturers, currently accounting for only 2.2% of the grid mix. The research investigates the feasibility of on-site solar panel installations across different regions and manufacturing sectors in the US.
New research suggests that households could break even on their solar panel investments by 2027, thanks to a steady decline in cost outlay and return on investment. The study also predicts that solar electricity will become a more competitive energy source, making it 40-50% cheaper by 2035.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a multifunctional additive that improves the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells by modulating film growth. The additive reduces defects, leading to higher power conversion efficiency and lower energy loss.
A UNIGE team analyzed the socio-economic impacts of 248 electricity transition scenarios on 296 European regions, finding that southern and south-eastern regions may be more vulnerable to negative effects. The benefits of a low-carbon electricity sector tend to concentrate in richer northern Europe.
Perovskite solar cells face stability issues that hinder their widespread adoption. Researchers from Surrey University aim to improve the design of these cells by stabilizing photoactive phases.
Organic solar cells fabricated with tin oxide exhibit high performance, surpassing current records. The design involves a conductive layer of tin oxide grown via atomic layer deposition, improving device stability and efficiency.
Researchers from City University of Hong Kong and NREL developed a one-step solution-coating approach to simplify PSC manufacturing, resulting in high efficiency and stability. The new method reduces process complexity and cost, bringing PSCs closer to commercialization.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
Researchers have identified a new degradation mechanism in organic solar cells involving twisting of polymer chains, which reduces efficiency. This discovery paves the way for more stable solar cells that can generate electricity from sunlight at scale.
Researchers have developed a novel photoelectrochemical ultraviolet photodetector that can detect two types of ultraviolet light using a multilayered nanostructure. The detector's performance can be regulated through light intensity and external bias, enabling easy adaptation to environmental changes.
Global experts urge a commitment to PV growth to power the planet, citing increasing acceptance and need for large-scale deployment. By 2050, 75 terawatts or more of globally deployed PV will be needed to meet decarbonization goals.
Researchers at Colorado State University propose using ultrathin films of molybdenum disulfide to improve solar cell efficiency. The material displays unprecedented charge carrier properties that could lead to drastic improvements in solar technologies.
Researchers at Macquarie University have developed a microwave technology that improves solar cell production by reducing energy consumption and increasing efficiency. The new method allows for selective heating of silicon, making it easier to recycle and reuse components.
Newcastle University researchers have developed environmentally-friendly photovoltaic cells that harness ambient light to power IoT devices. The cells achieve an unprecedented power conversion efficiency of 38% and are non-toxic, setting a new standard for sustainable energy sources.
Researchers have developed a method to reduce the energy payback time of photoelectrochemical water splitting, making it more sustainable and competitive. The approach involves producing not only green hydrogen but also methyl succinic acid, which can be used as an intermediate product.
A comprehensive product stewardship scheme has been proposed to address the environmental impact of solar panel disposal in Australia. The plan includes recycling steps, serial numbers for tracking, and legislation to ensure environmentally friendly disposal.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a four-wheeled robot capable of sowing, pruning, and harvesting in dense vegetation, improving efficiency by 49% compared to manual control. The robot's advanced maneuvering system reduces damage to plants and increases farming productivity in various environments.
A team of researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin has developed a new method for producing perovskite solar cells using a slot die coater, resulting in high-power conversion efficiencies. The best cells were scaled up to mini-module size and tested for outdoor stability, showing promising results.
Scientists from the University of Groningen have developed a theoretical framework to explain how charges move through organic solar cells. The study provides insights into the ultrafast charge transfer process, which is crucial for improving the material's efficiency.
Researchers designed a novel porous insulator contact to reduce non-radiative charge recombination and improved power conversion efficiency. The study achieved an efficiency of up to 25.5% without sacrificing photocurrent transport.
Researchers at Swansea University have created a low-cost and scalable method to manufacture fully printable perovskite photovoltaics using carbon ink. The devices achieved similar performance to conventional gold electrodes, with power conversion efficiencies of up to 14%.