New nanocomposite material to increase solar cell efficiency

A new method for constructing special solar cells could significantly increase their efficiency. Not only are the cells made up of thin layers, they also consist of specifically arranged nanoblocks. This has been shown in a new study by an international research team led by the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), which was published in Read more about New nanocomposite material to increase solar cell efficiency[…]

Solar modules to contribute for aesthetically pleasing energy-plus buildings

Photovoltaic and solar thermal systems are not always considered aesthetically enhancing to a building. The coloured modules, however, being developed at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE are refreshingly challenging this perspective. Inspired by the phenomen that causes the shimmerings shades of blue or green of the wings of the morpho butterfly, the Read more about Solar modules to contribute for aesthetically pleasing energy-plus buildings[…]

renewable energy

Solar thermal, geothermal, photovoltaic – what form of energy supply is most suitable for a particular municipality?

Representatives of smaller communities are overwhelmed by a huge amount of information, which tends to exacerbate existing uncertainty. A new online tool from Fraunhofer is now helping to clarify this confusion. The tool calculates the optimal energy mix for each individual case, including funding possibilities available. The transition to a new energy economy is imminent. Read more about Solar thermal, geothermal, photovoltaic – what form of energy supply is most suitable for a particular municipality?[…]

The first practical floating solar hydrogen-generating device could lead to low-cost, sustainable hydrogen production

In a single hour, more energy from the sun hits the Earth than all the energy used by humankind in an entire year. Imagine if the sun’s energy could be harnessed to power energy needs on Earth, and done in a way that is economical, scalable, and environmentally responsible. Researchers have long seen this as Read more about The first practical floating solar hydrogen-generating device could lead to low-cost, sustainable hydrogen production[…]

Nanotechnology for energy materials: Electrodes like leaf veins

Nano-sized metallic wires are attracting increasing attention as conductive elements for manufacturing transparent electrodes, which are employed in solar cells and touch screen panels. In addition to high electric conductivity, excellent optical transmittance is one of the important parameters for an electrode in photovoltaic applications. An international team headed by HZB scientist Prof. Michael Giersig Read more about Nanotechnology for energy materials: Electrodes like leaf veins[…]

PolyU Develops Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells with the World’s Highest Power Conversion Efficiency

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has successfully developed perovskite-silicon tandem solar cells with the world’s highest power conversion efficiency of 25.5% recently. Perovskite solar cells first appeared in 2009 with an efficiency of just 3.8%. With the outstanding photovoltaic properties, perovskite solar cell has become a subject of vigorous research for sustainable power generation, Read more about PolyU Develops Perovskite-Silicon Tandem Solar Cells with the World’s Highest Power Conversion Efficiency[…]