Solar :: Topics :: ElectronicsOnline

Cheaper solar cells on the horizon
Solar or photovoltaic cells represent one of the best possible technologies for providing an absolutely clean and virtually inexhaustible source of energy to power our civilization.
European PV market faces sharp decline
Rapidly falling prices in the first half of this year have been unable to stimulate the faltering European photovoltaic market, according to the latest Solarbuzz European PV Markets report.
Solar cells reach new efficiency level
The Belgian research centre imec, together with Plextronics and Solvay, has produced an organic polymer-based single junction solar cell with 6.9% performance in an inverted device stack.
Improving solar cells with the microelectronics toolbox
To make solar energy generation cost-effective, the PV industry has to reduce its manufacturing costs well below 1 euro/Wp. This holds for all PV technologies.
Solar array powering ahead
The University of Queensland’s $7.75 million solar power system at St Lucia has reached a milestone, with installation completed on one of the project’s most visible components.
Manufacturing technique holds promise for solar energy
A new semiconductor manufacturing method, pioneered at the University of Illinois in the US, is claimed to make the future of solar energy brighter.
Cheaper solar cells around the corner?
Imec is a non-profit European research organisation specialising in the study of nanoelectronics, using the expertise of its global partners in ICT, healthcare and energy. Founded in 1984, its headquarters are in Leuven in Belgium, with offices in the Netherlands, Taiwan, the US, China and Japan. Its staff of more than 1750 includes over 550 industrial residents and guest researchers. Here are some highlights from recent research projects.
Generating power in molecular circuits
Material scientists at the Nano/Bio Interface Centre of the University of Pennsylvania have demonstrated the transduction of optical radiation to electrical current in a molecular circuit.
Solar power all through the night
‘Baseload’ solar power, once a distant dream, is now claimed to be a reality. While solar electricity was once limited to when the sun was shining, solar thermal energy can now operate 24 hours a day, even at night, with an ingenious and cheap storage method using molten salt.
Bright outlook for flexible solar cells
Monash University researchers are at the forefront of efforts to develop a new generation of solar cells that are lighter, cheaper and able to be embedded in future roofing materials.

Single cell creature is solar cell future
Ancient microscopic organisms are the tools of the future for the advancement of material science in areas such as solar cell technology.
Solar research powers up
Supplier for the solar power industry, Germany’s Roth & Rau AG will set up a silicon solar cell production line at the University of NSW. It will be the first solar research and development facility of its kind in Australia.
Window collects light and illuminates room
Imagine windows that not only provide a clear view and illuminate rooms, but also efficiently help power the building. MIT engineers report a new approach to harnessing the sun's energy that could allow just that.

Clenergy Solar PowerHouse inverters
Clenergy has expanded the Solar PowerHouse inverter range to offer 4, 5 and 6 kV options.
Ulica SSPM250ECO mono crystalline solar panel
The SSPM250ECO mono crystalline solar panel by Ulica incorporates the latest in advanced diffusion technology and ensures the uniformity of cell conversion efficiency, good electrical conductivity, good adhesive force, good electrode weldability, high-precision screen printing patterning and high evenness, incased in a durable 46 mm frame.
Test & Measurement MIG1203SOLAR instrument
The standard IEC61730 requires a lightning impulse test with the standard 1.2/50 µs impulse and the test must be within tolerances when the solar panel is connected.
Solar Energy Australia GS PV grid feed inverter range
PV grid feed inverters now join Solar Energy Australia’s range. The GS Series is built in a compact, lightweight package, no bigger than a mini desktop PC and designed for quick and easy installation. An IP65 rating enables outdoor mounting.
Solar panels
The Powertech solar panel range from Soanar EcoTech features monocrystalline cells; a wide range of sizes; high transmissivity low iron 3 mm toughened glass; EVA laminate construction; light anodised aluminium frame; and is manufactured in ISO 9001 and ISO 14001.
Solar compliance
National Semiconductor has received product safety, emissions and environmental compliance certifications for its SolarMagic power optimisers.

High-efficiency solar cells
Silver-free heterojunction silicon solar cells have been created by applying copper electroplating, which was developed by Kaneka, based on imec’s existing copper electroplating technology.
Nanotech microscope boosts solar research
A microscope in QUT is being used to develop plastic solar cells to charge laptops and mobile phones.
Organic solar cells collaboration
Imec and its 16 European project partners have launched the European FP7 project X10D.
Solar panel output trials
National Semiconductor and SunEdison, a solar energy services provider, have begun field trials to optimise the energy output of solar arrays.
Photovoltaics under scrutiny
Cytec Industries and IMEC are working together to develop a commercially viable technology for organic photovoltaic devices with enhanced stability and extended lifetime.
Shaded solar cells recover power
Test results reveal that a technology from National Semiconductor can recoup up to 57% of the power lost due to temporary or partial shading of photovoltaic solar panels.

Solar

Article (10)

Feature (3)

Product (6)

News (6)

Site Services

WFonline Community

TechTarget ANZ Network