Research shows degradation mechanisms in rear side of TOPCon solar cells
Researchers from UNSW and Longi have found that the silicon nitride layers used in TOPCon cell rear-side are particularly prone to chemical degradation from sodium contaminants. This can lead to significant open-circuit voltage losses and reduce cell efficiency.
Fraunhofer ISE research finds solar module output ‘often overstated’
A longitudinal research project from the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE reveals that since 2017, the institute has measured less power on average in a solar module than promised by the manufacturer.
Water generates electrical charge 10 times stronger than expected
Electricity generated by water moving across a surface can be 10 times more powerful than previously thought, according to Australian researchers who say their finding could boost energy storage and charging rates and improve safety in fuel-holding systems.
Research homes in on heat gain to help BIPV prospects
To make it easier to adopt building integrated PV as a glazing material, a group within the IEA Photovoltaic Power Systems Program (IEA-PVPS) has tackled the solar heat gain coefficient calculation for BIPV. It is part of IEA PVPS Task 15 international standardisation efforts.
UNSW study shows heterojunction solar cell sensitivity to soldering flux
University of New South Wales researchers are part of an international team that has assessed the impact of soldering flux on heterojunction solar cells and has found that the composition of this component is key to prevent major cracks and significant peeling.
UNSW develops PV panel recycling method that recovers cell metals for upcycling
UNSW researchers were able to recover silicon from end-of-life solar PV panels pure enough for re-use in silicon carbide-based devices. Their novel multi-step method, that includes thermal and chemical processes, also recovers silver.
Trinasolar inks storage solutions AI research deal with Singapore university
Trinasolar has signed a technology research collaboration agreement with Nanyang Technological University in Singapore to develop artificial intelligence-driven tools to enhance diverse energy storage applications.
New method to predict solar module lifespans under sand erosion
A team of researchers in Algeria has designed a new testbed and a novel acceleration law that accounts for both wind speed and sand density. The new methodology was tested on four PV modules and showed lifespans of up to 47 years in terms of sand impact.
Passive solar module cooling tech linked to improved project efficiency
As solar deployment accelerates in markets where high ambient temperatures are the norm, researchers across the globe continue to experiment with new approaches to cooling PV modules. A cost-efficient solution could have a significant impact on project efficiency and panel lifespans.
Study shows reducing number of solar modules per string reduces hotspots risk
Scientists in Indonesia have investigated early operational defects in a 24.9 MW solar PV system in Sumatra and have identified hotspot formation as the dominant defect. They also detected 282 cases of glass cracking, 350 cases of junction box failures and shading effects linked to module defects.
