Giv Robotics and Civ Robotics are utilizing AI-powered navigation systems at solar parks in the US to streamline construction processes and combat labor shortages in the solar sector. CivNav, a GPS sensor box mounted on construction machines, provides operators with precise guidance for the placement of piles, pallets, and PV modules with up to 5 cm accuracy, eliminating the need for manual surveying. This technology has the potential to accelerate construction timelines, reduce staff requirements, and generate daily reports with real-time operational data to help managers identify bottlenecks. Civ Robotics' innovative solutions have already contributed to over 20 GW of solar projects worldwide and are being utilized by major companies in the industry.
Author: Pv Magazine
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All-perovskite tandem solar cell with dipolar passivation achieves 30.1% efficiency
Researchers in China have developed a dipolar passivation method that reduces defects and improves charge transport in solar cells based on narrow-bandgap tin lead perovskite, enabling the fabrication of all-perovskite tandem solar cells with efficiencies of around 30% and enhanced stability. The dipolar passivation strategy strengthens the ohmic contact, promotes efficient hole injection into the hole transport layer, and repels electrons from the perovskite interface, reducing non-radiative recombination and carrier transport losses. The cell achieved a power conversion efficiency of 24.9% and retained around 87% of its initial efficiency after 1,025 hours, showing promising long-term stability. The researchers aim to further improve the dipolar passivation method for enhanced stability in tandem devices, contributing to the ongoing efforts to develop more efficient and sustainable solar energy solutions.
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Historic icons, modern energy: Why heritage buildings need solar roofing
Historic buildings in the UK are facing pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, with sustainable retrofits like LED lighting and heat pumps being easily implemented. However, solar technology integration faces challenges due to visual impact, despite UK heritage guidance allowing for solar integration. Building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) solar roofs offer a solution by blending into the architecture, as seen in examples like York Minster, Westminster Abbey, and Canterbury Cathedral. Roofit.Solar CEO Andres Anijalg emphasizes the importance of marrying historic buildings with modern climate solutions, showcasing the potential for genuine, scaled climate leadership that protects both the history of buildings and the planet they stand on.
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The Hydrogen Stream: EWE begins work on 320 MW hydrogen plant in Germany
Construction of hydrogen plants in Germany and Japan, along with research advancements in electrolysis technology, are key developments in the push for green hydrogen solutions. Moroccan researchers emphasize the importance of integrating desalination technologies to maximize green hydrogen potential. Additionally, a research team has made progress in decreasing the degradation rate in oxygen production, moving towards a commercially viable electrolyzer. NASA's selection of suppliers for liquid hydrogen highlights the growing demand for clean fuel sources, with contracts totaling approximately $147.2 million. These advancements signal a promising future for climate solutions experts working towards a more sustainable energy landscape.
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Trina Storage launches AC-coupled battery for utility-scale applications
Trina Storage has introduced Elementa Electra, an AC-coupled modular battery energy storage system tailored for large-scale renewable storage needs. This system seamlessly combines battery technology with power conversion hardware to ensure efficient operation and simplified grid connection. Specifically designed for applications like renewable shifting, frequency regulation, grid-forming, and black-start capabilities, Elementa Electra aims to manage project costs for utility-scale deployments. This platform highlights Trina Storage's commitment to developing comprehensive cell-to-system capabilities for effective climate solutions in the renewable energy sector.
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JinkoSolar achieves world record efficiency of 27.79% for TOPCon solar cell
JinkoSolar has set a new world record efficiency of 27.79% for n-type TOPCon solar cells, utilizing innovative technologies such as ultrathin silicon oxide tunneling layer and doped polysilicon passivated contacts. They are aiming to achieve 28% efficiency by 2028. In addition, the company achieved a 33.84% power conversion efficiency for a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell based on n-type wafers. These advancements, verified by reputable institutions, showcase JinkoSolar's commitment to pushing the boundaries of solar energy efficiency and could have significant implications for climate solutions experts.
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Philippines commissions 6.5 MW solar project for social housing
The Ning Ning Solar Rooftop Project in the Philippines is the world's first grid-connected, solar rooftop project within a social housing community, providing clean energy to almost 2,000 homes and expected to reduce over 6,233 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasized the project's benefits, such as revenue generation for community services and additional power supply to the grid. The successful collaboration between the government, private sector, and local communities paved the way for this innovative project, with plans for more rooftop solar projects in the future to further combat climate change.
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Plenitude tests perovskite-silicon tandem solar modules in utility-scale installation pilot
Italian renewable energy company Plenitude is partnering with Swift Solar to test their 28% efficiency perovskite-silicon tandem technology in a utility-scale pilot project, aiming to validate its performance and durability. This technology is expected to offer up to 40% more power from the same footprint compared to conventional solar panels, making it valuable for meeting increasing electricity demand. Backed by exclusive IP from MIT, Stanford, and NREL, with over 40 patents and significant funding, the perovskite tandem technology shows promise for advancing renewable energy solutions.
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Photonic curing could accelerate transition to copper-metallized solar cells
Researchers in the United States have developed a photonic curing technique using laser sintering to improve the copper metallization of solar cells by reducing oxidation. This process produces dense, low-porosity copper layers with strong adhesion to indium tin oxide, achieving low bulk and contact resistivity. The technique allows for rapid, localized heating of copper pastes on temperature-sensitive substrates without causing thermal stress. The researchers aim to reduce copper consumption and improve the efficiency of solar cells through this innovative method, which is scalable and compatible with high-volume photovoltaic manufacturing. This new technique for solar cell manufacturing using photonic curing of copper inks could provide a pathway to scalable copper metallization for solar cells, as presented in a paper published in physica status solidi (PSS) by a research team including academics from the University of Delaware.
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Longi achieves 33.35% efficiency for flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell
Chinese PV module manufacturer Longi has achieved a power conversion efficiency of 33.35% for a 1 cm2 flexible perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell, certified by the US Department of Energy's NREL. The tandem device utilized a dual-buffer layer strategy to enhance interfacial adhesion and charge extraction, with the top cell incorporating layers such as a perovskite absorber and a self-assembled monolayer hole transport layer. Testing showed the cell design's durability, retaining over 97% of its initial efficiency after bending and thermal cycling tests. These findings were detailed in a study published in Nature, showcasing advancements in flexible solar cell technology.