Research

New research from Hong Kong confirms that rooftop PV systems could raise daytime temperatures in urban environments. The scientists explained that although their findings highlight important urban resilience considerations, they should not detract from the broader benefits of PV systems for energy sustainability and carbon reduction.

An international team of researchers used a novel interfacial treatment to improve the performance of perovskite solar cells across a range of narrow and wide bandgap single junction, tandem, and mini-module samples. An all-perovskite tandem solar cell demonstrated its use with a certified efficiency of 29.5%.

Researchers at Deakin University have launched a first-of-its-kind project exploring how Australian households and small businesses with solar and or battery systems can sell their excess clean energy to others without the technology.

Independent testing laboratory Kiwa-PVEL has published the 11th edition of its PV Module Reliability Scorecard, having extensively tested PV modules from 50 different manufacturers. The scorecard reveals improvements in energy yield per watt-peak and resistance to potential-induced degradation, but an increase in breakage under mechanical stress and hail simulations, and an overall higher failure rate are cause for concern to many.

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.

Researchers in Netherlands and Belgium have created a numerical model to simulate the moisture ingress in PV modules. Their research work showed that climate in which a PV module is installed has a much higher impact on the moisture ingress than the choice of materials for the encapsulant of the backsheet.

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.

Researchers in New South Wales have teamed with the Dubbo Regional Council to trial a hybrid energy management system that aims to revolutionise how buildings consume, store, and distribute energy to improve efficiency while lowering costs and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

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%.

Australian researchers have developed electrolysis systems that use urea sourced from urine and wastewater to generate hydrogen at “significantly lower” energy costs than traditional water-splitting methods.