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.
Category: Buildings & Electricity
Cut Emissions:
– Enhance Efficiency
– Shift Energy Sources
-
1.48GWh storage partnership to drive Europe’s energy transition forward
EVE Energy and Vimab BESS AB have signed a three-year MoU to deploy 1.48 gigawatt-hours of energy storage projects in Northern Europe to enhance energy security and support the energy transition. The collaboration aims to address the need for grid flexibility in renewable-rich Nordic markets as wind and solar power capacity grows. Large-scale storage is seen as crucial for stabilizing prices and ensuring reliable power supply. EVE Energy will supply battery systems and technical support for projects in Sweden and neighboring countries, with the first orders set for delivery in December. The partnership focuses on advancing carbon neutrality and energy efficiency in Europe through localized cooperation.
https://www.modernpowersystems.com/news/1-48-gwh-partnership-to-drive-energy-transition-forward/
-
Environmental News Network – 3-D Printing Researchers Develop Fast-Curing, Environmentally Friendly Concrete Substitute
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a quick-setting, environmentally friendly alternative to concrete for 3-D printing homes and infrastructure, aiming to address the global housing crisis and reduce carbon dioxide emissions from cement. This innovation could help speed up construction projects by eliminating the long curing time and structural supports required for traditional concrete, potentially making a significant impact on the 8% of global emissions attributed to cement production. Climate solutions experts should take note of this promising development in sustainable construction materials.
-
Joined up sustainable transition (JUST): Fossil fuel generators
Gold Standard is consulting on a new methodology for replacing fossil fuel generators with renewable energy systems, such as solar PV, wind power, and energy storage technologies, to reduce emissions. This transition aligns with Just Transition requirements and helps displace electricity generated from fossil fuels like diesel and natural gas. The methodology can be applied to off-grid communities, commercial facilities, and residential buildings relying on fossil fuel generators for power, providing a sustainable solution for reducing emissions and promoting clean energy alternatives.
https://www.goldstandard.org/consultations/just-fossil-fuel-generators-consultation
-
ENCORE: Small Dollar, Big Impact
Premal Shah discusses effective altruism and the importance of investing in reforestation efforts, system change, and renewable energy to combat climate change. He emphasizes the need to focus on solutions with the highest impact per dollar, such as building solar in markets with dirtier grids. Shah argues that changing the rules of capitalism and making strategic investments are essential in addressing the climate crisis effectively.
https://www.climateone.org/audio/encore-small-dollar-big-impact
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
All 212,296 panels installed at state’s first 100 pct publicly owned hybrid solar and battery project
Victoria's first state-owned solar and battery hybrid project, the SEC Renewable Energy Park in Horsham, has completed installation of all PV modules and accepted delivery of a transformer. The $370 million project includes a 119 MW solar farm and 100 MW, 200 MWh big battery, creating local jobs and renewable energy infrastructure. Once operational, it will generate enough power for around 51,000 homes and be one of Australia's first publicly owned utility-scale renewable energy projects.