Monash claims supercapacitor breakthrough to rival batteries
Researchers at Victoria’s Monash University have developed a new carbon-based material they claim allows supercapacitors to store as much energy as traditional lead-acid batteries, while delivering power much faster than conventional batteries can manage.
Survey shows battery boom extends to C&I sector
Early results from a survey of Australia’s commercial and industrial solar industry reveal surging demand for battery energy storage systems and increasing service expectations.
Research reveals rates and types of rooftop PV connector failures
Analysis of more than 6,000 rooftop PV connectors shows that tight wire bending radius, extra dirty connectors, and loose nuts are the most common failure causes.
Researchers find flames spread 46% faster on degraded module backsheets
Singapore researchers accelerated PV backsheet weathering to investigate flame spread behavior finding after six weeks, flame spread was 46% faster than on unweathered PV backsheets, saying current safety standards fail to account for long-term degradation.
Rooftop solar installation rates trending down
Australia’s rooftop solar market continues to ease with the latest data from market intelligence outfit SunWiz revealing that national installation volumes dropped off by 12% in August compared to the previous month.
Renshine Solar hits 27.5% efficiency for flexible all-perovskite solar cell
Renshine Solar says it has achieved a record 27.5% efficiency for a flexible all-perovskite cell and 23.0% on a 20.26 cm² panel.
Novel MPPT technique for EV charging combined with PV, fuel cells
Scientists from India have designed a novel electric vehicle system with a reported efficiency of 98.7%, using PV panels, a proton-exchange membrane fuel cell, battery storage and supercapacitor, with hopes to expand the concept to renewable-energy-based DC microgrids with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability.
Dutch teams dominate world solar challenge claiming top two positions
The Netherlands Brunel Solar Team have crossed the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge finish line in Adelaide, i first place, after travelling 3,021 kilometres from Darwin to the South Australian capital, at an average speed of 86.6 kph, and just shy of 35 hours on the road.
European teams take charge in World Solar Challenge
With more than half of the 3,000 kilometres completed, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge is a race in three with Dutch team Brunel leading the way from compatriots Solar Team Twente and Belgian defending champions Innoptus Solar Team.
Defending champs edge ahead in World Solar Challenge
Defending Belgian champion Innoptus is on track early to secure a third consecutive win in the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, edging ahead of their rivals after day two of the 3,000-kilometre race across the Australian Outback.
