Technology and R&D

Scientists have compared conventional PV modules to self-made BIPV panels with thicker, patterned glass. They tested them both under standard conditions and outdoors under Korean summer conditions. Yield was found to be only 0.5% lower in the textured BIPV module.

A co-inventor of the passivated emitter and rear cell silicon solar cell technology, Professor Andrew Blakers, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia on the 2025 Australia Day Honours list.

The researchers built the cell with a hole transport layer (HTL) based on PEDOT:PSS and were reportedly able to reduce the losses caused by this compound with the utilisation of a thiocyanate additive. The champion lab-sized device achieved an open circuit voltage of 0.875 V, a short circuit current density of 31.84 mA cm−2, and a fill factor of 83.23%.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have broken the energy efficiency world record for a kesterite solar cell, a technology that is being explored as a potential long-term improvement for silicon-based PV technology.

Researchers at the University of New South Wales have used a 1 µm copper plating layer on the front silver grid of a TOPCon solar cell to create a protective barrier that reportedly reduces corrosion susceptibility. The cell showed significantly lower contaminant-induced degradation that unprotected reference devices.

Australian manufacturer of lithium titanate oxide batteries Zenaji says the LTO battery market is projected to reach $5.8 billion by 2032, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.6%, and its Eternity battery system is ready to catch that wave.

Researchers in Italy have analysed the techno-economic viability of enhancing three pumped hydro plants in Italy with floating solar on the lower basin. They say that, with their wide results, consequences could be extrapolated to similar regions.

Wood Mackenzie says that JinkoSolar has taken first place on its list of solar panel manufacturers. The report confirms the dominance of the TOPCon technology but also notes that heterojunction and back contact panel manufacturers are increasing their production share.

A $2 billion allocation from the Australian government to its ‘green bank’ Clean Energy Finance Corporation will boost investment commitments in renewable energy generation and storage, electric vehicles, infrastructure and natural capital.

JinkoSolar’s latest n-type tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) modules delivered higher energy yield per watt than a competitor’s n-type back contact (BC) modules in a three-month field test in Japan, under varying irradiance levels.