Latest news with #tandem
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? 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Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make game-changing breakthrough that could unlock low-cost energy: 'We have made a significant leap forward'
A solar cell development promises to improve the efficiency and durability of the energy-generating technology. The team of researchers, from South Korea's Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, detailed their findings in an April study published in Advanced Energy Materials and a May report. Professors BongSoo Kim, Jin Young Kim, and Dong Suk Kim worked with a multi-functional hole-selective layer in perovskite-organic tandem solar cells. The thin, flexible material reached 2.216 open circuit volts and 24.73% power conversion efficiency — indicating devices with these cells could function at maximum efficiency. Tandem solar cells are used in wearable devices and building-integrated photovoltaics, according to the UNIST news release. The different cells increase the spectrum of absorbable sunlight. The HTL joined two self-assembled molecules, and they formed strong chemical bonds with the metal ions in the perovskite. The mHTL "is carefully engineered to align its energy levels with the perovskite active layer, selectively extracting holes while blocking electrons, thereby reducing charge recombination losses." The report stressed the importance of efficient charge extraction via this setup, as sunlight cannot be transformed into an electric current unless the electrons and holes reach their electrodes. "Misaligned energy levels cause charge loss and reduced efficiency," it noted. "Moreover, the device maintained over 80% of its initial efficiency after prolonged exposure to high temperatures of 65 degrees Celsius and continuous illumination, demonstrating excellent long-term stability," the release stated. Improving solar cell performance is vital to pushing the clean energy sector forward. Solar is the cheapest form of electricity in countries around the world, and it produces no heat-trapping pollution. It is set to surpass wind and hydro as the top source of renewable power in the next handful of years, according to the International Energy Agency. To take advantage of the free energy generated by the sun, you can install solar panels or sign up for a community solar program. This will bring your energy bills close to zero dollars, and it will also help cool down the planet, which is rapidly warming because of humans' burning of dirty energy sources such as coal and gas — the fossil fuels that largely power grids around the globe. This study's science represents another step toward a cleaner, cooler future. What should the government do about the fast fashion industry? Set strict regulations Incentivize sustainable options Use both regulations and incentives Nothing Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "By developing a self-assembled hole transport layer that improves charge extraction, interface stability, and structural durability, we have made a significant leap forward in enhancing the performance of tandem solar cells," BongSoo said. "This development brings us closer to realizing thin, flexible, and high-efficiency next-generation solar panels for practical applications." If you're interested in massively reducing your energy bills, consider buying solar panels. Checking out EnergySage is a great first step, as the organization has plenty of free tools to let you compare quotes from local installers and snag up to $10,000 in incentives. But if the upfront costs are too prohibitive, you can explore Palmetto's LightReach solar panel leasing program, which installs and maintains panels for no money down. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
