Renewables

ICFO researchers Dr. Maria Bernechea, Dr. Nicky Miller, Guillem Xercavins, David So, and Dr. Alexandros Stavrinadis, led by ICREA Prof. at ICFO Gerasimos Konstantatos have fabricated a solution-processed, semi-transparent solar cell based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals, a material that consists of non-toxic, earth-abundant elements, produced in ambient conditions at low temperatures.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have discovered a new way to optimise electron transfer in semi-conductors used in solar fuel solutions. The finding, published in Nature Chemistry, could have a big impact on devices that convert sunlight into electricity and fuel. Researchers have already shown that the efficiency of electron transfer at semi-conductor interfaces depends on the...

The game-changing new Series 5 thin film photovoltaic (PV) module will be showcased by First Solar at Intersolar 2016. This will mark the first time that the module, which features a form factor that is similar to a conventional crystalline silicon (c-Si) panel, will be on display in Europe.

An MIT study has revealed that China has an opportunity to massively increase its use of wind power - if it properly integrates wind into its existing power system. The study forecasts that wind power could provide 26% of China’s projected electricity demand by 2030, up from 3% in 2015. Such a change would be a substantial gain in the global transition to renewable energy, since China produces the most total greenhouse gas emissions of any ...

Offering cell balancing and accurate voltage and temperature monitoring to safeguard Li-ion battery packs in EVs, HEVs & PHEVs, a 12-cell Li-ion battery pack monitor has been announced by Intersil. The ISL78610 can be used as a standalone battery-pack monitor or as a redundant back-up device when combined with the high accuracy ISL78600 multi-cell battery manager, enabling automobile manufacturers to achieve the higher ISO 26262 ASIL D rating...

Scientists in South Korea have made ultra-thin photovoltaics flexible enough to wrap around the average pencil. The bendy solar cells could power wearable electronics like fitness trackers and smart glasses. The researchers report the results in the journal Applied Physics Letters. Thin materials flex more easily than thick ones - think a piece of paper versus a cardboard shipping box.

HARTING has for the first time released information about the uptake of its current sensors by the renewable energy industry. HARTING current sensors are presently ensuring the continuous and reliable operation of wind turbines for major wind farm installations around the world. One of the world’s major wind turbine manufacturers is using 1,000A rated HARTING HCS 1000 Hall-effect sensors to monitor the input & output power feeds of the ...

The nano-electronics research centre and partner in Energyville, Imec, will present at this week’s Intersolar Europe/EU PVSEC a bifacial n-PERT (BiPERT) solar cell featuring a bifaciality value close to 100%. With a rear cell efficiency close to the efficiency measured from the front of the cell, the new solar cell underscores the ability to strongly enhance the energy yield of photovoltaic (PV) modules made with this type of cell.  

The picturesque Saxony Anhalt, Germany's 8th largest state, is home to some 23,000 photovoltaic systems. Around 2,700 wind turbines operate at 97 wind power plants between the Altmark and Harz regions. The renewable energy sector is booming here - and storage solutions for the green electricity being generated are urgently required.

H2O Degree, manufacturer of two-way wireless mesh submetering systems for tenant billing, leak detection, utility conservation and building automation system integration in multi-family facilities, announces the availability of its latest submetering system designed for multi-family apartment complexes.