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.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 31, 2023
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.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalHeliyon·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2023
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.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateAug 17, 2023
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%.
SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2023
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.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023
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.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJul 24, 2023
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
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.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023
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.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2023
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.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023
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.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2023
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.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalProgress in Photovoltaics Research and Applications·DateJun 22, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2023
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.
SourceCell Press·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateMay 29, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
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.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateMay 21, 2023
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.
SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Infrastructure and Sustainability·DateMay 11, 2023
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.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
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.
SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·TypeNews article·DateMay 1, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Reviews Chemistry·DateApr 27, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
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.
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
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.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
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 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.
SourceColorado State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023
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.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 18, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
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.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 18, 2023
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.
SourceMacquarie University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 14, 2023
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.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalAIMS Energy·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 20, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
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.
SourceWaseda University·JournalAgriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2023
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.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023
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.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 16, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
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%.
SourceSwansea University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023
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.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateMar 15, 2023
Domestic solar panel manufacturing in the US can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% and energy consumption by 13% compared to international trading partners. By 2050, US-made solar panels will be more efficient, reducing carbon footprint by 33% and using 17% less energy.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2023
Research at Cornell University found that co-locating solar panels with commercial agriculture can improve power conversion efficiency and solar-panel longevity. Agrivoltaic systems offer increased passive cooling through taller panel heights, more reflective ground cover, and higher evapotranspiration rates.
SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Energy·DateMar 6, 2023
Researchers at UCLA have developed a new type of solar roof that can harness energy from sunlight without blocking light for plants. The innovative design uses semi-transparent organic solar cells with a layer of L-glutathione, which extends the cells' lifetime and improves efficiency.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
A novel deep learning-based forecasting model predicts uncertain parameters related to renewable energy sources, their energy demand, and market prices. The model demonstrates improved prediction accuracy and efficiency compared to existing methods.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023
Channeling ions into grain boundaries in perovskite materials improves the stability and operational performance of perovskite solar cells, paving the way for more efficient and practical solar cell technologies. This breakthrough finding may also inform the development of more efficient energy storage technologies.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2023
Direct incorporation of a metasurface in a laser cavity enables spatiotemporally modulated laser pulses. Giant nonlinear saturable absorption allows pulsed laser generation via Q-switching process.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 23, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to create dust-resistant surfaces using nanocoining and nanoimprinting techniques. The resulting surfaces can clean themselves due to their tightly packed pyramid-shaped structures, which prevent dust particles from sticking to the material.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 22, 2023
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology have developed a photodiode with sensitivity exceeding 200%, using green light and a double-layered cell design. This breakthrough enables the device to detect weak light signals, making it ideal for medical purposes, wearable monitoring, and machine vision applications.
SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 17, 2023
Carolina researchers have engineered silicon nanowires that can convert sunlight into electricity, splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen gas. This innovative design enables the production of a greener alternative to fossil fuels, making it more competitive with traditional energy sources.
SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature·DateFeb 17, 2023
Researchers at UToledo discovered a way to enhance adhesion and mechanical toughness in perovskite solar cells using DPPP, improving durability and power conversion efficiency. The breakthrough allows for the commercialization of new photovoltaic technology to replace silicon and lower cost of solar electricity.
SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel method to boost the light conversion efficiency of perovskites by 250 percent using substrates of metal and dielectrics. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells and detectors.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Researchers reveal thermal instability of halide perovskite solar cells due to surface treatment with large positively charged ions. However, their work also provides a direction for engineers to improve the stability of this technology, potentially leading to more efficient and stable solar technologies.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023
Researchers discuss the construction, properties, and applications of 2D/quasi-2D perovskite-based heterostructures. These heterostructures offer novel functionalities for photovoltaic solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 3, 2023
Researchers at Ritsumeikan University have successfully synthesized ring-shaped nanostructures via the self-assembly of chlorophyll derivatives, mimicking the arrangement of chlorophyll pigments observed in nature. This discovery enables efficient sunlight absorption and could lead to novel smart materials with tunable properties.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
Researchers have visualized the structural dynamics of 2D perovskite materials under light-induced excitation, revealing a transient lattice reorganization towards a higher symmetric phase. The study demonstrates the potential to tune the interaction between perovskite lattices and light.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers have developed a chemical variation that significantly improves the stability of perovskite thin films in solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 24.6%. The new coating, b-pV2F, wraps around individual microcrystals like a soft shell, reducing thermal stress and increasing efficiency.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023
A $2.3 million grant from the US Department of Energy funds a 'solar testbed' at I-79 Technology Park in Fairmont, supporting research on battery storage, grid integration, and cybersecurity. The project aims to assess solar panel health and monitor grid interactions with solar power.
Researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China revealed the point defect mechanism in antimony selenosulfide, leading to improved photovoltaic performance. The study used O-DLTS to detect defects driven by temperature and showed the formation and evolution of point defects through annealing.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 22, 2023
A new method for measuring bifacial solar panel performance has been developed by the University of Ottawa SUNLAB team. The study proposes a characterization method that considers external effects of ground cover like snow, grass, and soil, providing a way to accurately test panel performance indoors.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers discuss non-fused ring electron acceptors (NFREAs) to improve organic solar cell performances, balance efficiency and cost, and provide guidance for material design. NFREAs simplify synthesis processes while achieving high reaction yields and planarity.
SourceInstitute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 16, 2023
Researchers identify the (100) facet as prone to degradation, while the (111) facet is more stable and resistant to moisture and heat. By using facet engineering, they develop strategies to grow the stable (111) facet, leading to exceptionally stable perovskite films.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJan 12, 2023