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Fraunhofer’s new photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module has an efficiency of 80%.

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Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE), one of the world’s leading solar research institutes, has announced a significant breakthrough in solar technology. The institute has confirmed that its new photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) module has an efficiency of 80%.

PVT modules are a type of hybrid solar panel that can generate both electricity and heat simultaneously. This technology is gaining popularity because it can produce more energy per unit area than traditional solar panels. However, PVT modules have not been as efficient as their traditional counterparts. This breakthrough from Fraunhofer ISE could change that.

The new PVT module from Fraunhofer ISE combines a photovoltaic cell with a thermal absorber. The photovoltaic cell converts sunlight into electricity, while the thermal absorber collects the heat from the sun. The module also has a heat exchanger that transfers the collected heat to a hot water storage tank.

According to Dr. Harry Wirth, Division Director of Photovoltaic Modules, Systems and Reliability at Fraunhofer ISE, “Our new PVT module achieves an efficiency of 80%. This is a significant improvement over previous PVT modules, which typically have an efficiency of around 50%.”

Dr. Wirth also highlighted the benefits of the new technology, saying “The higher efficiency of our PVT module means that it can produce more energy per unit area. This makes it particularly well-suited for applications where space is limited, such as on rooftops or in urban areas.”

The Fraunhofer ISE team achieved this breakthrough by optimizing the design of the PVT module. They used advanced modeling and simulation techniques to study the behavior of the module under different conditions. This allowed them to identify the optimal design parameters that would maximize the module’s efficiency.

This breakthrough from Fraunhofer ISE could have significant implications for the solar industry. PVT modules are becoming increasingly popular, and this breakthrough could accelerate their adoption. It could also lead to the development of more efficient PVT modules in the future.

The Fraunhofer ISE team is now working to commercialize the new PVT module. They are partnering with companies in the solar industry to bring the technology to market. Dr. Wirth said, “We believe that our new PVT module has the potential to revolutionize the way we generate and use energy. We are excited to see where this technology will take us in the future.”

The development of this new PVT module was supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy as part of the research project “SolSpaces.” The project aimed to develop innovative energy systems for buildings.

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Meyer Burger and glass-glass bifacial solar modules.

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Swiss-based solar technology company Meyer Burger has recently made an exciting announcement regarding its future plans to focus solely on the production of glass-glass bifacial solar modules. The company’s decision comes as part of its strategic plan to become a leading provider of sustainable and innovative solutions for the global solar industry.

In a press release issued on February 24th, Meyer Burger announced its intention to cease the production of conventional glass-foil solar modules and instead focus entirely on the manufacture of glass-glass bifacial modules. The company’s CEO, Gunter Erfurt, explained the decision, saying:

“We are convinced that glass-glass bifacial modules will become the dominant technology in the solar industry in the coming years. They offer significant advantages over conventional glass-foil modules, including higher durability, longer lifespan, and improved performance under real-world conditions. By focusing our efforts on this technology, we can deliver greater value to our customers and contribute to the continued growth of the solar industry.”

Bifacial solar modules are designed to capture sunlight from both sides of the panel, increasing their overall efficiency and output. Glass-glass bifacial modules are particularly well-suited to this purpose, as they have a transparent backsheet that allows light to pass through to the rear of the panel. This design not only boosts energy production but also enhances the durability and longevity of the module, as it is less vulnerable to damage from external factors like moisture and UV radiation.

Meyer Burger’s decision to focus exclusively on glass-glass bifacial modules is a significant one, as it represents a shift away from the traditional glass-foil technology that has dominated the solar industry for decades. However, the company is confident that this move will pay off in the long run, both in terms of customer satisfaction and profitability.

“We are committed to leading the way in sustainable solar technology, and we believe that glass-glass bifacial modules are the future of the industry,” Erfurt said. “By investing in this technology now, we can position ourselves as a key player in the market and deliver real value to our customers.”

The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from industry experts, who see it as a positive step forward for both Meyer Burger and the solar industry as a whole. In an interview with pv magazine, solar analyst Finlay Colville praised the decision, saying:

“Meyer Burger’s move to glass-glass bifacial modules is a smart decision. They’re focusing on a technology that offers a lot of benefits in terms of durability and performance, and that’s likely to become increasingly popular in the years to come. By positioning themselves as a leader in this space, they’re setting themselves up for success.”

Meyer Burger’s decision to shift its focus to glass-glass bifacial modules is an exciting one, and it will be interesting to see how the company’s strategy plays out in the coming years. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, Meyer Burger is well-positioned to thrive in the rapidly growing solar industry.

References:

Meyer Burger. (2021, February 24). Meyer Burger to exclusively produce high-performance glass-glass solar modules. Retrieved from https://www.meyerburger.com/en/meyer-burger-to-exclusively-produce-high-performance-glass-glass-solar-modules/

Colville, F. (2021, February 25). Meyer Burger to focus solely on glass-glass bifacial modules. pv magazine. Retrieved from https://www.pv-magazine.com/2021/02/25/meyer-burger-to-focus-solely-on-glass-glass-bifacial-modules/

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Elon Musk: an ‘end to the combustion economy’

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Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has recently made headlines with his comments about bringing an end to the combustion economy. This bold statement has sparked a lot of discussion and debate about the future of energy and transportation. In this article, we will take a closer look at Musk’s comments and what they could mean for the future of the world.

First, let’s define what the combustion economy is. The combustion economy refers to the system of energy production and consumption that is based on burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas. This system has been the dominant source of energy for more than a century, but it has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact. Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.

Musk’s comments about ending the combustion economy are not entirely new. He has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy and electric vehicles for many years. However, his recent comments have been particularly bold and ambitious. In a tweet on February 6, Musk wrote, “The world is using fossil fuels to power everything, and we need to accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy economy. That’s why Tesla is accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy.”

Musk’s comments come at a time when there is growing awareness of the need to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has warned that we need to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Many countries have set targets for reducing their emissions, and there is a growing consensus that we need to move towards a low-carbon economy.

So, what would it take to end the combustion economy? Musk has suggested that we need to accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, as well as electric vehicles. Tesla has been at the forefront of this transition, producing electric cars that are both high-performing and affordable. Musk has also been working on other projects such as SpaceX and the Boring Company, which are aimed at reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in other areas such as space travel and transportation infrastructure.

Of course, ending the combustion economy is not going to be easy. The fossil fuel industry is deeply entrenched and has a lot of political and economic power. There are also technical challenges to overcome, such as the need to develop better battery technology to store renewable energy. However, Musk is not one to shy away from a challenge, and he has a track record of successfully disrupting industries such as the automotive and aerospace sectors.

In conclusion, Elon Musk’s recent comments about bringing an end to the combustion economy are bold and ambitious, but they are also necessary. The world is facing a climate crisis, and we need to take urgent action to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Musk’s vision of a sustainable energy economy based on renewable energy and electric vehicles is an inspiring one, and it is up to all of us to work together to make it a reality.

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Regolith – making solar cells from lunar dirt.

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The idea of utilizing resources from the Moon has been a topic of discussion for decades. One of the primary resources on the Moon is the lunar regolith, a layer of loose material on the surface of the Moon that is composed of various elements and minerals. Among these minerals are silicon and oxygen, which are crucial for the production of solar cells. Therefore, the possibility of making solar cells from lunar dirt is an exciting prospect that could lead to sustainable energy sources and space exploration advancements.

The process of making solar cells from lunar dirt begins with extracting the regolith from the Moon’s surface. The regolith is then refined to extract the necessary materials for solar cell production, such as silicon and oxygen. Silicon is the most crucial element, as it is the primary material used in the production of solar cells. Oxygen is also essential as it is used to create a silicon dioxide layer on the surface of the solar cell, which serves as a protective layer.

Once the necessary materials are extracted, the next step is to purify and process them to create a high-quality silicon wafer. This process involves melting the silicon and then cooling it to create a large cylindrical ingot. The ingot is then sliced into thin wafers, which are then polished to create a smooth surface. The wafers are then coated with a layer of silicon dioxide and a conductive layer of metal, such as aluminum or copper.

The final step in the process is to assemble the solar cells into solar panels. Solar panels consist of many individual solar cells that are wired together to create a larger system. Once assembled, the solar panels can be used to generate electricity in space or transported back to Earth for use in terrestrial applications.

The benefits of using lunar regolith to create solar cells are numerous. First and foremost, it could lead to sustainable energy sources for space exploration missions. Solar power is a clean and renewable source of energy that could potentially replace traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. Second, the process of making solar cells from lunar regolith could lead to advancements in space exploration and resource utilization. By utilizing resources from the Moon, we could potentially reduce the cost of space exploration and increase the feasibility of long-term space missions.

However, there are also challenges associated with making solar cells from lunar dirt. The process of extracting and processing regolith is complex and requires specialized equipment and expertise. Furthermore, the transport of regolith from the Moon to Earth is also a challenging endeavor that requires significant resources and infrastructure.

In conclusion, the possibility of making solar cells from lunar dirt is an exciting prospect that could lead to significant advancements in sustainable energy sources and space exploration. While there are challenges associated with this process, the potential benefits are significant, and it is an area of research that should continue to be explored.

About Regolith

Regolith is a term used to describe the layer of loose, unconsolidated material that covers the surface of many celestial bodies, including the Moon, Mars, and asteroids. This layer is created over time as meteoroids impact the surface, breaking up and fragmenting the underlying bedrock. While regolith is an abundant material in the Solar System, it is often overlooked and considered a nuisance, but recent research has shown that regolith could be a valuable resource for future space exploration and settlement.

The regolith on the Moon, for example, is composed of a variety of materials, including rock fragments, dust, and small glass beads. It is also rich in elements such as iron, silicon, aluminum, and titanium, which are commonly used in many industrial processes on Earth. In addition, the Moon’s regolith contains water, which could be used to support future human missions and settlements on the lunar surface.

One of the most promising uses of regolith is in the construction of structures and habitats on other planets and moons. Regolith can be used as a building material by mixing it with a binding agent, such as epoxy or cement, to create a strong and durable material known as “lunarcrete.” This material could be used to build landing pads, roads, and even habitats that could shield astronauts from radiation and other hazards on the lunar surface.

Regolith could also be used to produce oxygen and other gases, which are essential for human survival in space. By heating regolith, the oxygen trapped within the material could be released and used for breathing, as well as in rocket propulsion systems. This process, known as “in-situ resource utilization,” could significantly reduce the cost and complexity of future space missions, as it would eliminate the need to transport large quantities of oxygen from Earth.

Another potential use for regolith is in the production of solar cells. As we discussed in a previous article, regolith on the Moon is rich in elements such as silicon and oxygen, which are crucial for the production of solar cells. By extracting and processing these materials from the regolith, it may be possible to produce solar cells on the Moon, which could provide a sustainable source of energy for future lunar missions and settlements.

While the use of regolith as a resource for space exploration and settlement is still in its early stages, the potential benefits are significant. By utilizing the resources available on other planets and moons, we could reduce the cost and complexity of space missions and pave the way for sustainable human settlements in space. As we continue to explore the Solar System, regolith will undoubtedly play a crucial role in enabling humanity to reach new frontiers and expand our understanding of the universe.

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Solar feed-in tariffs in Australia: a guide

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Solar feed-in tariffs are incentives offered to encourage households and businesses to generate renewable energy through solar panels. These tariffs are paid to solar panel owners for the excess electricity they generate and export back to the grid. Each state in Australia has its own solar feed-in tariff scheme, which varies in terms of eligibility criteria, rates, and payment mechanisms. In this article, we will explore the different solar feed-in tariffs across states and territories in Australia.

New South Wales (NSW)

In NSW, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by electricity retailers and is not set by the state government. The rate varies between retailers and can range from 5 cents to 20 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). However, as of January 2022, the NSW government introduced a new Solar for Business Program that provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses for installing solar panels. Under this program, eligible businesses can receive a solar feed-in tariff of up to 14 cents per kWh for excess energy exported to the grid. (source: https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/saving-energy-and-bills/solar-battery-and-renewable-energy/solar-feed-in-tariff)

Victoria

In Victoria, the solar feed-in tariff rate is determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 10.2 cents per kWh for residential solar systems. The rate is reviewed annually and may change depending on market conditions. In addition to the feed-in tariff, the Victorian government also offers a Solar Homes Program that provides rebates and interest-free loans for households to install solar panels. (source: https://www.solar.vic.gov.au/solar-feed-tariff)

Queensland

In Queensland, the solar feed-in tariff rate is also determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 7.842 cents per kWh for systems up to 30kW in size. However, the rate can vary depending on the electricity retailer and the size of the solar system. The Queensland government also offers a Solar Bonus Scheme that provides a feed-in tariff of 44 cents per kWh for households that installed solar panels before July 2012. (source: https://www.qld.gov.au/housing/buying-owning-home/solar-bonus-scheme)

South Australia

In South Australia, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by the state government and is set at a minimum of 10.1 cents per kWh for residential systems. However, some electricity retailers may offer higher rates. The South Australian government also offers a Home Battery Scheme that provides subsidies for households to install battery storage systems to complement their solar panels. (source: https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/energy-and-environment/solar-battery-scheme/solar-feed-in-tariffs)

Western Australia

In Western Australia, the solar feed-in tariff is also determined by electricity retailers and can vary between 7 cents to 10 cents per kWh. However, the state government has announced that it will introduce a voluntary buyback scheme for excess solar energy generated by households. The scheme is expected to commence in mid-2023 and will pay a fixed rate of 10 cents per kWh. (source: https://www.wa.gov.au/government/publications/solar-feed-tariffs)

Tasmania

In Tasmania, the solar feed-in tariff is determined by electricity retailers and can range from 5 cents to 12 cents per kWh. However, as of January 2022, the Tasmanian government has introduced a Solar for Business Program that provides financial assistance to small and medium-sized businesses for installing solar panels. Under this program, eligible businesses can receive a solar feed-in tariff of up to 12 cents per kWh for excess energy exported to the grid.

Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, the solar feed-in tariff is also determined by electricity retailers and can vary between 8 cents to 22 cents per kWh. However, the Northern Territory government does not have any specific solar incentive schemes for households or businesses.

In conclusion, the solar feed-in tariff schemes across states and territories in Australia vary in terms of rates, eligibility criteria, and payment mechanisms. While some states have government-mandated minimum rates, others rely on electricity retailers to determine the rate. It is important for households and businesses to research and compare different solar feed-in tariff schemes before deciding to install solar panels to maximize the benefits of generating renewable energy.

 

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