Technology

Researchers from UNSW and DAS Solar developed a zero-busbar metal grid optimisation approach for tunnel oxide passivated back-contact (TBC) silicon solar cells, enabling more efficient current collection at the rear surface while reducing silver consumption by 3–4 mg/W. The first TBC cells produced in mass manufacturing using this technique have demonstrated efficiencies exceeding 27%.

Stray voltage is unwanted electrical potential differences in sheds that can cause small shocks to livestock, especially dairy cattle, through damp floors, metal equipment, and water systems, leading to stress and reduced productivity, and in some cases even to death. While PV systems are sometimes blamed, experts told pv magazine that the real causes are faulty or poorly designed grounding and electrical infrastructure, and that proper equipotential bonding is key to prevention. With attentive design, these risks to animal health can be avoided.

The ultra-thin TOPCon solar cell uses dual-sided polysilicon passivated contacts formed by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. The champion device, with a thickness of only 80 μm, achieved 19.7% efficiency with 719 mV open-circuit voltage and demonstrated strong passivation, optical performance, and mechanical flexibility.

Australia is at a pivotal moment in its energy and digital transformation. The energy transition is driving electricity demand growth through electrification and unprecedented levels of investment in renewable generation.

The 2026-27 Tasmania Budget and Forward Estimates has committed $1.8 billion for energy generation and network asset upgrades to future proof the state’s electricity supply and Marinus Link connection.

The scientists identified that UV exposure in PERC and TOPCon solar cells increases interface defects and makes them more recombination-active, driving ultraviolet-induced degradation. They found strong degradation on PERC front and rear surfaces and TOPCon front surfaces, while the TOPCon rear remains stable due to poly-Si UV absorption.

1KOMMA5° Australia is currently rolling out the Heartbeat AI technology while its European parent company has announced a 1 GW shiftable load milestone with its virtual power plant globally.

Australia is world-leading in solar adoption, with one in 3 homes equipped with a rooftop solar system. Ongoing volatility in fuel and energy prices is prompting Australian households to rethink how they power their homes and vehicles, with solar emerging as a way to buffer against rising costs.

Grok Ventures has provided project-level financing as the sole external investor on a US-based 5 GWh thermal energy storage system providing 50 MW of round-the-clock energy through an offtake agreement with biofuels giant, POET.

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed ultra-thin perovskite solar cells about 50 times thinner than conventional designs using a vacuum-based thermal evaporation process.