A new research report from Lux Research, an independent research and advisory company, has identified Natcore Technology as an innovator with “next-generation technologies that will drive down cost-per-watt and restore profit margins to low double digits” for solar module manufacturers. In a news release announcing the report, Natcore was singled out as “the leader in
NREL Expands Natcore License To Develop “Black Silicon” Cells
August 2, 2012 :
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) has expanded that license under which Natcore Technology will develop and commercialize a line of black silicon solar panels based on its patents. “Black silicon” refers to the apparent color of the surface of a silicon wafer after it has been etched with nano-scale pores. The black color results
Technologies May Cut Metallization Costs 50%
July 19, 2012 :
The following article is from Lux Research. Metallization of solar cells – laying down metal electrodes to collect the electricity generated by the sunlight – is costly, largely because of the high and rising cost of the silver that’s typically used. But emerging technologies such as copper metallization, nickel phosphide and non-contact printing techniques are
Progress Developing New Heterojuntion Solar Cells
June 12, 2012 :
Kaneka and imec report a large area (6-inch semi-square) heterojunction silicon solar cell with a certified power conversion efficiency of 22.68%. The cell has an electroplated copper contact grid on top of the transparent conductive oxide layer. To realize the top grid electrode in heterojunction silicon solar cells, silver screen printing is the preferred technology
Polyethylene for High Solar Performance
May 25, 2012 :
PolyOne has introduced what it says is a ground-breaking new technology for photovoltaic (PV) wire and cable called Syncure™ Solar. Available globally, this UV-resistant, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) system provides high-performance, UL 4703 and VW 1-compliance in one material, eliminating the need to use two separate insulation and jacketing formulations. It also provides customers a new
Ionomer Encapsulant Reduces Cost, Increases Strength CIGS Modules
May 16, 2012 :
Axuntek Solar Energy Co., Ltd. offers a IEC-certified Copper Indium Gallium (di)Selenide (CIGS) thin film solar cell modules using DuPont™ PV5400 series ionomer encapsulant. These frameless solar modules, which are the first adoption of DuPont™ PV5400 into CIGS technology, take advantage of the ionomer’s excellent clarity and low moisture ingress, which combine to create a
Photovoltaic Metallization Enables Efficient Solar Cells
May 16, 2012 :
DuPont says its Solamet PV17x photovoltaic metallization paste has become the leading frontside silver paste series on the market today due to its ability to raise efficiency in standard solar cell constructions. Its unique properties enable Lightly Doped Emitter (LDE) cell designs. LDE is a strong differentiator for solar cell producers as it can boost
A Low-Cost Alternative To Silicon Solar
April 30, 2012 :
The single-wall nanotube arrays, grown in a process invented at Rice University, are much more electroactive and potentially cheaper than platinum, a common catalyst in DSC’s, says Jun Lou a materials scientist at Rice. In combination with newly developed sulfide electrolytes synthesized at Tsinghua University, Lou believes these could lead to more efficient and robust
How To Seal Molten Salts In Concentrated Solar Plants
April 10, 2012 :
By Sherwin Damdar, Senior Product Engineer and Wayne Evans, Product Development Engineer, Garlock Sealing Technologies Solar power will undoubtedly be a key component in most countries’ energy portfolios as the world turns to more renewable resources. But the cost of solar energy – it is still considerably more expensive than fossil fuels — will remain
Breakthroughs: Putting The Spotlight On Selenium Measurement
April 9, 2012 :
The Copper-Indium-Gallium-Selenium (CIGS) process is arguably the best recipe currently available for thin-film solar cells. Promising efficiencies on par with crystalline silicon and a cost to manufacture that is significantly less (notwithstanding the current commodity price of silicon wafers from China), CIGS research and production is continuing at an accelerated pace. The production effort is
