Solar Energy

Establishment testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production proposed

Published

4 years ago

February 9, 2021

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Establishment testing standards for particulate photocatalysts in solar fuel production proposed

Utilization of renewable solar energy is crucial for addressing the global energy and environmental concerns and achieving sustainable development in our society. In this regard, photocatalytic water splitting has attracted significant interest as a cost-effective means to convert sustainable solar energy into valuable chemicals.

However, efficiency is sensitive to reaction conditions and experimental setup, it is difficult to compare the results obtained by different research groups or provide a reliable guide for large-scale implementation. Due to the lack of testing standards, it is difficult to compare the results obtained by different research groups or provide a reliable guide for large-scale implementation.

Recently, a research team led by Prof. LI Can and Prof. LI Rengui from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), in collaboration with Prof. Kazunari Domen from The University of Tokyo, Prof. Lianzhou Wang from The University of Queensland, Prof. Kazuhiro Sayama from the National Institution of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, and Prof. Gang Liu from the Institute of Metal Research, CAS, initiated the establishment of international efficiency accreditation and testing protocols for particulate photocatalysts toward solar fuel production.

Their perspective, published in Joule, was expected to serve as a useful guide for developing a well-recognized testing standard and for further promoting research advances in the field of photocatalytic solar energy conversion.

The researchers discussed the protocols for the reliable determination of the efficiency of the overall photocatalytic water splitting reaction based on particulate photocatalysts.

They also proposed to establish accreditation research laboratories for efficiency certification toward the launch of a figure of merit – a “Best research photocatalyst efficiencies” chart.

This initiative would provide an important platform for establishing standard testing protocols for photocatalytic water splitting and for improving the solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency in practical applications.

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Solar Energy

AI designed nanostructure coating cuts solar reflection and boosts cell efficiency

Published

2 days ago

May 2, 2025

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AI designed nanostructure coating cuts solar reflection and boosts cell efficiency

by Clarence Oxford

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 02, 2025

Conventional silicon solar cells lose nearly half their potential light energy to surface reflection, but a new antireflective coating could dramatically reduce that loss. Researchers have developed a precision-engineered metasurface composed of a single ultrathin layer of polycrystalline silicon nanostructures, enhancing light absorption across a broad spectrum and incidence angles.

The new design, detailed in Advanced Photonics Nexus, combines forward and inverse computational strategies with artificial intelligence to produce a coating that minimizes reflection from 500 to 1200 nanometers. At direct light incidence, it reflects as little as 2 percent of sunlight, and just 4.4 percent at steep angles. These performance levels are unprecedented for single-layer antireflective solutions.

Unlike traditional coatings, which are limited to narrow frequency and angular ranges, this metasurface remains highly effective even when sunlight strikes at non-optimal angles. Its success stems from the fusion of innovative design algorithms and material simplicity, offering a new path to scalable solar panel upgrades.

The researchers emphasize the coating’s potential for mass production and integration into current photovoltaic manufacturing lines. By reducing reflection so efficiently with minimal added complexity, it may accelerate clean energy deployment worldwide.

Moreover, the approach represents a broader advance in metasurface engineering. It could spur multifunctional photonic coatings beneficial for applications in sensors, imaging systems, and other optical technologies.

Research Report:Forward and inverse design of single-layer metasurface-based broadband antireflective coating for silicon solar cells

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Solar Energy

Record efficiency milestone reached in ecofriendly organic solar technology

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2025

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Record efficiency milestone reached in ecofriendly organic solar technology

by Riko Seibo

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Apr 30, 2025

As global momentum builds toward sustainable energy solutions, researchers have made a major breakthrough in solar technology by developing all-organic solar cells with record-setting efficiency. Unlike conventional silicon or perovskite solar cells, which pose environmental hazards due to their metallic and toxic components, these carbon-based alternatives promise cleaner disposal and reduced costs.

Led by Associate Professor Masahiro Nakano from Kanazawa University’s Institute of Science and Engineering, in partnership with REIKO Co., Ltd. and Queen’s University at Kingston, the team successfully engineered organic solar cells that achieve 8.7% power conversion efficiency (PCE) – more than double the previous benchmark of 4%.

This leap in performance overcomes two longstanding technological barriers. First, earlier organic solar cells lacked suitable transparent electrodes that could be produced without harming the device’s organic layers. Conventional fabrication methods relied on corrosive chemicals or temperatures exceeding 150oC. The team instead utilized the conductive polymer PEDOT:PSS to produce transparent electrodes at just 80oC, without strong acids or bases, achieving sheet resistance below 70 O/sq.

Second, traditional solution-based processes risk damaging underlying layers when stacking new films. The researchers addressed this by creating a lamination technique using carbon nanotube electrodes. These electrodes are fabricated independently and then affixed to the solar cell, preserving the integrity of internal layers during assembly.

The implications of this innovation are significant. All-organic solar cells are lightweight, flexible, and free from hazardous materials, making them ideal for use in agriculture, wearable technology, and installations where traditional panels are impractical. The research team aims to further boost efficiency by enhancing the conductivity of organic electrode materials.

Research Report:Unlocking High-Performance in All-Organic Solar Cells by the Development of Organic Electrodes with no Acid and High-Temperature Treatment and the Effective Preparation Thereof on Organic Multi-layer Films

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Solar Energy

Photovoltaic rooftops could supply over one third of Vitoria Gasteiz energy needs

Published

4 days ago

April 30, 2025

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Photovoltaic rooftops could supply over one third of Vitoria Gasteiz energy needs

by Hugo Ritmico

Madrid, Spain (SPX) Apr 30, 2025

In a new study by the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), researchers found that rooftop solar installations in Vitoria-Gasteiz could supply up to 38% of the city’s annual electricity consumption. The analysis highlights rooftop photovoltaic systems as a key renewable energy strategy for urban decarbonization, especially where land availability is limited.

The research assessed the energy potential of rooftops across the capital of Alava-Araba, concluding that half of the total rooftop area is viable for solar installations. “In contrast to large-scale photovoltaic projects in rural zones, we aimed to understand the capacity of already urbanized environments, avoiding further land use impacts,” said lead researcher Alex Tro.

A major advance in this study is the deployment of a new high-precision methodology developed by Ekopol at UPV/EHU. This approach leverages open-source Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software to assess rooftop potential using detailed local data rather than generalized assumptions. The tool incorporates variables such as building orientation, shading, tilt, solar radiation, ambient temperatures, and the projected efficiency and lifespan of photovoltaic panels.

Unlike standard assessments focused solely on economic return, the study introduces an energy viability filter based on Energy Return on Investment (EROI). This ensures that only rooftops capable of generating more energy than is consumed during panel installation and operation are considered viable. “This innovative criterion allows us to exclude technically possible but energetically inefficient installations,” Tro explained.

Findings also show that solar generation potential is significantly higher on the city’s outskirts, where rooftops are less obstructed by surrounding buildings. Central areas, dense with tall structures, pose greater challenges due to shadowing and spatial limitations.

The methodology, which uses publicly accessible data, is designed to be easily replicated for urban energy planning in other cities. It calculates solar output potential down to each square meter of rooftop area, offering a practical planning tool for municipalities and energy agencies.

Tro emphasized that while rooftop photovoltaics offer meaningful contributions, they are not a standalone solution. “Even under ideal implementation scenarios, solar rooftops alone cannot satisfy current urban energy demands. Real progress will also require systemic changes, such as shifting consumption habits and embracing an eco-social transition,” he said.

Research Report:A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint