UNSW

UNSW researchers have investigated the impact of two types of soldering fluxes on TOPCon solar modules under damp heat conditions and have found that “no-clean” soldering fluxes can cause severe corrosion of front silver-aluminum contacts. The researchers have also found that denser metallisation structures and lower aluminium content improve corrosion resistance.

Researchers from UNSW have found that invisible light accelerates UV-induced degradation in TOPCon solar cells, producing the same degradation effects as visible light but at a much faster rate. This can lead to significant open-circuit voltage losses and reduce cell efficiency.

South Australia-headquartered solar panel manufacturer Tindo Solar will work with the University of New South Wales to accelerate the development of TOPCon solar cell technologies, targeting improvements in reliability and performance.

UNSW researchers are set to scale up a next-generation electrolyser system that helps produce sustainable aviation fuel using renewable energy, thanks to a $1.2 million government grant and $3 million in industry support.

To evaluate the outdoor performance and stability of perovskite solar cells using contactless and noninvasive methods, an Australian and Chinese research team found a way to use photoluminescence imaging as well as demonstrating a proof of concept for implied open-circuit voltage imaging. Their research relied on cost-effective equipment that operates under direct sunlight.

Over $2.6 million have been allocated to renewable energy research products involving perovskite cell commercialisation, battery cell aging, next-gen anode technology, electric vehicle charger security, and solving distributed energy resource network constraint complexity.

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.

Australian researchers have identified five contaminants that could increase damp heat-induced degradation in TOPCon and heterojunction cells and modules. Their analysis has shown these contaminants could originate from improper handling during cell or module processing.

Researchers from the University of New South Wales have teamed with international colleagues to develop a metallisation technique for TOPCon solar cells that can reportedly reduce silver usage in the devices’ rear side by 85%.