Tag: solar cells

Imagine a truck tarp that can harvest the energy of sunlight!

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With the help of new textile-based solar cells developed by Fraunhofer researchers, semitrailers could soon be producing the electricity needed to power cooling systems or other onboard equipment. In short, textile-based solar cells could soon be adding a whole new dimension to photovoltaics, complementing the use of conventional silicon-based solar cells. Solar panels on building Read more about Imagine a truck tarp that can harvest the energy of sunlight![…]

A new nanomaterial increase extra efficiency of solar cells

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A new nanomaterial made from phosphorus, known as phosphorene, is shaping up as a key ingredient for more sustainable and efficient next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs). PSCs which are one of the fastest developing new solar technologies and can achieve efficiencies comparable to more commonly used commercially available silicon solar cells. For the first time, Read more about A new nanomaterial increase extra efficiency of solar cells[…]

Perovskite solar cells: perfection not required!

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Experiments at BESSY II reveal why even inhomogeneous perovskite films are highly functional Metal-organic perovskite layers for solar cells are frequently fabricated using the spin coating technique. If you follow the simplest synthesis pathway and use industry-relevant compact substrates, the perovskite layers laid down by spin coating generally exhibit numerous holes, yet attain astonishingly high Read more about Perovskite solar cells: perfection not required![…]

Engineered quantum dots could bring down the cost of solar electricity

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Using two types of “designer” quantum dots, researchers are creating double-pane solar windows that generate electricity with greater efficiency and create shading and insulation for good measure. It’s all made possible by a new window architecture which utilizes two different layers of low-cost quantum dots tuned to absorb different parts of the solar spectrum. “Because Read more about Engineered quantum dots could bring down the cost of solar electricity[…]

Record high photoconductivity for new metal-organic framework material

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An international team of scientists, from the University of Surrey, University of São Paulo (Brazil), the University of Warwick and the University of Grenoble-Alpes (France), has created a new metal-organic framework (MOF) that has shown record high photo-conductivity levels for a material of its type. The team published its findings in the Nature Communications journal Read more about Record high photoconductivity for new metal-organic framework material[…]

A new nano-scale thin film material with the highest-ever conductivity in its class

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A team of researchers, led by the University of Minnesota, have discovered a new nano-scale thin film material with the highest-ever conductivity in its class. The new material could lead to smaller, faster, and more powerful electronics, as well as more efficient solar cells. The discovery is being published today in Nature Communications, an open Read more about A new nano-scale thin film material with the highest-ever conductivity in its class[…]

Newly developed “HIT™ Photovoltaic Module for Automobile

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Panasonic Corporation announced that it has recently developed the “HIT™ Photovoltaic Module for Automobile”, which was adopted for the new Prius PHV released in February 2017 by Toyota Motor Corporation (hereafter Toyota Motor). In addition, Panasonic’s automotive prismatic lithium-ion batteries were adopted for the drive batteries, as with the Prius PHV that was released in Read more about Newly developed “HIT™ Photovoltaic Module for Automobile[…]

SmartCoating brings modern low-energy windows

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Modern low-energy windows insulate so well that they can dew up on the outside in cold weather. Now, DTU Energy in collaboration with the Danish companies Velux and Polyteknik will make it possible to equip the windows with a cheap and durable anti-dew coating using advanced plasma techniques. Triple glazed low-energy windows have become sufficently Read more about SmartCoating brings modern low-energy windows[…]

Nanotechnology for energy materials: Electrodes like leaf veins

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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[…]

High-performance from micro-scale solar cells

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University of Wisconsin—Madison engineers have created high-performance, micro-scale solar cells that outshine comparable devices in key performance measures. The miniature solar panels could power myriad personal devices — wearable medical sensors, smartwatches, even autofocusing contact lenses. Large, rooftop photovoltaic arrays generate electricity from charges moving vertically. The new, small cells, described today (Aug. 3, 2016) Read more about High-performance from micro-scale solar cells[…]