Research

A German research team is conducting practical tests to see how solar modules with integrated radio technology can be linked to form an overall network. The “communicative” panels should represent a simple and cost-effective solution for monitoring and controlling small-scale photovoltaic systems.

A review of indoor PV cell technologies by an international research team delves into recent progress, characterisation, and design strategies used to develop highly efficient cells. The study presents 250 commercial and laboratory devices, as well as applications and performance reporting.

The IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme’s (IEA-PVPS) latest factsheet covers bifacial PV modules and advanced tracking systems. It says a combination of bifacial modules with single-axis tracking could increase energy output by up to 35%.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales will look to develop a redesigned PV panel that allows for easier recycling having secured $5 million in federal government funding to help transform Australia’s solar panel recycling industry.

The development of a custom control program that allows for the autonomous management of the sub-systems that make up a hybrid solar and green hydrogen microgrid helping to power the Western Australian town of Denham is among the key lessons outlined in a new report released by the state government.

The research group led by University of New South Wales Scientia Professor Martin Green has published Version 64 of the solar cell efficiency tables. There are 19 new results reported in the new version.

A Queensland University of Technology project has been awarded almost $600,000 in federal funding to develop production processes to transform Australian resources into perovskite precursor to be used in the manufacture of next generation solar cells.

The first of three planned 150 kW battery energy storage systems that are to form a combined 450 kW / 1 MWh capacity coordinated battery network across inner Melbourne has been switched on.

Lithium-sulphur battery play Li-S Energy has been awarded $1.35 million in federal funding to continue exploring the potential of its lightweight and energy dense batteries to deliver a drone that can operate from dawn to dusk on a single charge.

Power giant AGL Energy has teamed with Melbourne-based solar panel recycling company Elecsome to explore the development of a PV materials recovery facility at the site of the coal-fired Bayswater power plant in the New South Wales Hunter Region.