Latest news with #Perovskite
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Experts seek policy for solar manufacturing base
Listen to article Experts at a high-level consultative session stressed that Pakistan must urgently develop a comprehensive policy framework to strengthen its domestic solar manufacturing ecosystem amid rising energy demands and growing reliance on imports. The session was hosted by the US-Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) at NUST. The event marked the launch of a study titled "Crafting a Sustainable Business Model to Drive Indigenous Solar PV Panels Manufacturing in Pakistan," presented by Dr Nadia Shahzad, Associate Professor at NUST. The study provides a roadmap for establishing a 100MW solar PV panel manufacturing plant in Pakistan, with scalability up to 1.0GW. Developed through site visits and stakeholder consultations, the model is seen as a practical starting point for local production. Welcoming the participants, Dr Adeel Waqas, Dean and Principal at USPCAS-E, underscored the need for a self-reliant solar manufacturing sector to meet the country's energy needs and reduce import dependency. The session brought together policymakers, academics, and industry leaders, all echoing the urgency to build a strong domestic solar base. Maud Osman Mohammad of LONGi Solar praised the study's clarity and urged aligning policy with market realities. Similarly, Muhammad Basit Ghauri from Renewables First noted that battery imports exceeding Rs90 billion in just three months reflect the market's potential. He emphasised the need for data-driven planning and integration of storage solutions behind the grid. Dr Omais Abdur Rehman supported a role for the Engineering Development Board, while Dr Noor ul Huda Khan of BUITEMS advocated for alignment with next-gen solar technologies such as Perovskite modules. On the technological front, Sohaib Asif Sipra, CEO of SkyElectric, warned that nearly half of Pakistan's solar installations remain informal, risking quality and safety standards. He called for the formation of a dedicated think tank to drive standardisation and innovation in battery and inverter manufacturing. Representing local battery production, Mansoor Jamil Khan of Atlas Battery highlighted their joint venture with Japan's GS Yuasa and advocated for lithium-ion safety protocols alongside continued dominance of lead-acid batteries. Policy-level recommendations were reinforced by M Umer Khan of the Private Power and Infrastructure Board (PPIB), who proposed targeted subsidies and strategic import duties to promote indigenous manufacturing. Hasnat Khan of the Pakistan Solar Association detailed their training and certification drive in partnership with institutions like TEVTA, NUTECH, and PPIB to ensure quality assurance in solar installations. Concluding the event, Dr Majid Ali, Associate Professor at NUST, reaffirmed the university's commitment to advancing indigenous solar manufacturing and called for ongoing collaboration among academia, industry, and government. The session served as a powerful reminder of the need for cohesive action and strategic investment to transform Pakistan into a hub of solar innovation and manufacturing.
Sustainability Times
05-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'We've Never Seen Power Like This Before': These Flexible Solar Cells Just Smashed Every Known Efficiency Record
IN A NUTSHELL 🌞 Chinese researchers have developed flexible tandem solar cells, achieving record efficiency and durability. have developed flexible tandem solar cells, achieving record efficiency and durability. 🔍 The innovative technique involves a dissolution-adsorption strategy using two solvents to enhance layer adhesion. using two solvents to enhance layer adhesion. 📈 Combining perovskite and CIGS materials allows for improved light absorption across the solar spectrum. and materials allows for improved light absorption across the solar spectrum. 🌍 This breakthrough has the potential to significantly impact the renewable energy sector, offering lightweight and efficient solutions. Recent advancements in solar technology have sparked immense interest in the field of renewable energy. A team of Chinese researchers has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the development of flexible solar cells, overcoming significant hurdles in their design. By innovatively resolving the roughness of the CIGS layer, these scientists managed to create tandem solar cells that are both efficient and durable. Such breakthroughs could potentially revolutionize the solar sector, offering lightweight, efficient, and durable energy solutions. As we delve into the intricacies of this innovation, it's clear that these flexible solar cells hold the promise of a brighter, more sustainable future. The Role and Importance of Perovskite in Solar Cells Perovskite, a crystalline material, has revolutionized the solar cell industry due to its outstanding optical properties. It is known for its remarkable ability to absorb light efficiently and its cost-effective production process. This material is particularly adept at converting a broad spectrum of wavelengths into electricity, making it an ideal candidate for solar cell applications. Moreover, its structure can be tailored to enhance performance. Unlike traditional silicon-based solar cells, perovskite can be deposited in thin layers, paving the way for flexible and lightweight applications. However, its long-term stability has been a persistent challenge. Recent studies, like the one conducted by Professor Jichun Ye's team, demonstrate that combining perovskite with other materials such as CIGS can significantly improve its durability, paving the way for more robust solar solutions. World's Largest Solar Telescope Unleashes 5.6-Ton Tech Beast to Capture Unprecedented Images of Massive Sunspot Activity Understanding the Functionality of a Tandem Solar Cell A tandem solar cell integrates two different semiconductor materials to capture solar energy more effectively. Each material is finely tuned to absorb a specific segment of the solar spectrum. In the case of perovskite and CIGS cells, perovskite is primarily responsible for capturing visible light, while CIGS excels in the infrared range. This complementarity greatly enhances the overall conversion efficiency. The construction of a single cell from these two materials presents technical challenges, particularly regarding the adhesion between layers. Innovative techniques such as the antisolvant-seeding approach are crucial in overcoming these issues. Tandem cells are the future of solar panels, with efficiencies that could potentially surpass current technologies. Their development is pivotal for advancing the energy transition. Solar Pole Shock: This European Probe Just Captured the First Images Ever of the Sun's South Pole With Stunning Clarity Breaking Down the Breakthrough: The Innovative Technique The Chinese research team has introduced an ingenious technique known as the dissolution-adsorption strategy. This method employs two types of solvents to optimize the adhesion of layers, a critical aspect given the rough surface of CIGS. By enhancing the crystallinity and adhesion of perovskite layers, the team achieved a flexible tandem solar cell measuring 0.42 square inches with a record efficiency of 24.6%. Even after 3,000 foldings and 320 hours of operation, the cell maintained over 90% of its initial performance, showcasing exceptional robustness. This innovation not only demonstrates the viability of flexible solar cells but also suggests a promising future for their commercial applications. Such advancements could redefine the solar energy landscape by providing sustainable and practical energy solutions. Revolutionary Solar Tech Unveiled: Ultra-Efficient Panels with Breakthrough Nanolayers Set to Transform Energy at Lightning Speed The Potential Impact on the Solar Energy Industry The successful development of flexible tandem solar cells represents a significant leap forward in the renewable energy sector. These cells could dramatically alter the solar energy landscape by offering lightweight, efficient, and durable solutions. Their flexibility makes them ideal for a variety of applications, from wearable technology to large-scale solar farms. The durability and efficiency achieved by these cells could lead to broader adoption of solar technology, further promoting the transition to renewable energy. As these innovations continue to evolve, they hold the potential to significantly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to global sustainability goals and addressing climate change challenges. As we witness these exciting advancements in solar technology, the implications for the future are profound. The flexibility and efficiency of these tandem solar cells could lead to widespread adoption, transforming both consumer and industrial energy consumption. What other groundbreaking innovations might we see emerge from the solar energy sector in the coming years? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
News18
26-05-2025
- Business
- News18
Electricity At Just Re 1/Unit? IIT-Bombay's Solar Breakthrough Could Slash Your Power Bills
Last Updated: IIT Bombay has developed a new solar cell tech that boosts power output by 30% and may cut electricity costs to Re 1/unit. It is set for rollout by 2027 Rising electricity bills have become a universal concern, affecting households across all income levels. During summer, appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators drive up power consumption, while in winter, heating needs take their toll. Now, a revolutionary technology developed in India may offer a sustainable and cost-effective solution. A Breakthrough In Solar Energy Researchers at IIT Bombay have developed an advanced solar cell capable of generating 25–30% more electricity than conventional technologies. While standard solar panels typically convert around 20% of solar energy into electricity, this new technology can achieve up to 30% efficiency. Crucially, this also reduces electricity costs, potentially bringing them down from Rs 2.5 – Rs 4 per unit to just Re 1 per unit. The Tandem Solar Cell Innovation As reported by The Indian Express, this advancement is led by Professor Dinesh Kabra and his team at the National Centre for Photovoltaic Research and Education (NCPRE) at IIT Bombay. The team has developed a 'Tandem Solar Cell' that utilises Halide Perovskite in the top layer, known for its high light absorption, even in low light. The bottom layer is composed of silicon, a material already widely used in the solar industry. This powerful combination results in significantly greater electricity output. The Maharashtra government and IIT Bombay-backed startup ART-PV India Private Limited plan to bring the new solar cells to market by December 2027. All machinery and manufacturing will also be based in India. Professor Kabra, the scientist behind the innovation, also leads the startup overseeing the rollout. The technology will not be limited to large solar farms. It can be installed on household rooftops, building façades, vehicles, and more, making solar adoption more accessible and efficient. Furthermore, both IIT Bombay and the Maharashtra government aim to use this breakthrough to produce Green Hydrogen, a clean fuel vital to India's long-term energy goals. As India pushes towards renewable and self-reliant energy, innovations like IIT Bombay's tandem solar cell are poised to redefine how the nation generates and consumes power, making electricity more affordable, accessible, and sustainable. First Published: May 26, 2025, 13:39 IST
