Emiliano Bellini
Scientists discover new failure mode in LECO-treated TOPCon solar cells
An international research team has observed a significant increase in series resistance in LECO-treated TOPCon solar cells after temperature and bias treatment. The scientists said they now need to conduct further investigations into its impact on cell efficiency, reliability, and bankability.
All solar cell efficiencies at a glance – updated
The research group led by Professor Martin Green has published Version 66 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 21 new results reported in the new version.
Perovksite-TOPCon tandem solar cell based on self-assembled monolayer achieves 31.1% efficiency
Researchers in China have fabricated a perovskite-TOPCon solar cell with a top perovskite device utilising a self-assembled monolayer aimed to improved cell stability. The tandem cell achieved a high fill factor and a certified efficiency of 30.9%.
Researchers warn of ‘hidden contaminants’ that could increase TOPCon, HJT solar module humidity-induced degradation
Australian researchers have identified five contaminants that could increase damp heat-induced degradation in TOPCon and heterojunction cells and modules. Their analysis has shown these contaminants could originate from improper handling during cell or module processing.
Silver-lean screen-printing can reduce silver use in TOPCon solar cells by 40%
Researchers from the University of New South Wales have teamed with international colleagues to develop a metallisation technique for TOPCon solar cells that can reportedly reduce silver usage in the devices’ rear side by 85%.
Longi launches residential HJT back-contact solar module with 25% efficiency
Longi has developed the Hi-MO S10, a residential heterojunction (HJT) back-contact solar module with 25% efficiency, combining 27.6%-efficient cells with up to 510 W output and 252.3 W/m² power density.
Canadian Solar’s storage unit launches 5 MWh battery
The battery unit of the Chinese PV manufacturer said its new large-scale battery has a lifecycle of more than 12,000 cycles. The system has a nominal capacity of 5 MWh and a roundtrip efficiency of up to 95%.
Jolywood’s laser-assisted firing process increases TOPCon solar cell efficiency by 0.6%, says UNSW research
New research from the University of New South Wales have found that the Special Injected Metallisation (JSIM) technique developed by Chinese manufacturer Jolywood can considerably increase TOPCon solar cell efficiency. The scientists described precisely how laser-assisted firing enhances cell performance, reportedly filling critical gaps in industrial TOPCon cell optimisation.
Is solar really root cause of Spain’s massive power outage?
Some media outlets have speculated that Spain’s April 28 blackout may have been caused by a disconnected solar plant, but DNV grid analyst Andrea Mansoldo tells pv magazine that it was likely due to a combination of grid weakness and low-frequency oscillations.
Top-cell transparency remains critical challenge for tandem solar cells
New research has shown how improving top-cell transparency and performance remains key to the commercialization of tandem perovskite-silicon solar cells, as well as for all other types of tandem devices. The analysis demonstrated, in particular, that the top cell must achieve higher single-cell efficiency to compensate for reduced transparency.
