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Silver paste accounts for a substantial portion of the nonsilicon cost of tunnel oxide polysilicon contact solar cells. Silver consumption is as well a major concern for material sustainability of global PV manufacturing. It is necessary to propose innovative grid line designs to reduce the amount of silver paste. Partially interrupting the metal fingers (also known as “Finger Break”) between the bus bars in areas where the fingers carry a relatively small current is a good method for reducing silver consumption in industrial production. Under the assumption of uniform generated current density (ISO-current), this article discusses the impact of the width of finger interruption on the cell efficiency under two different scenarios. Through simulations, experiments, and outdoor testing, it was found that one of the considered novel grid designs can save silver paste to a great extent, but suffers a rapid decline in power conversion efficiency, and also poses potential stability risks, while the other grid design not only saves silver, it does not severely affect the efficiency, and can be used outdoors while maintaining stability. Based on the different light intensities, the finger interruption width can be as high as 5 mm, resulting in a saving of 9.32 mg (∼1.61 mg/W) of silver paste on the front surface of 158.75 cm×158.75 cm solar cell, for a reduction of 12.97% of the original front silver consumption.

Objective: To examine the cost benefits of a heat health warning system (HHWS) in South Australia. Methods: Information from key agencies was used to estimate the costs associated with the South Australian HHWS, including for three targeted public health interventions. Health cost savings were estimated based on previously reported HHWS‐attributable reductions in hospital and emergency department (ED) admissions and ambulance callouts. Results: The estimated cost for a one‐week activation of the HHWS was AU$593,000. Activation costs compare favourably with the potential costs averted through HHWS‐attributable reductions in hospital admissions and ambulance callouts with an estimated benefit‐cost ratio of 2.0–3.3. Conclusions: On the basis of estimated cost benefit, the South Australian HHWS is a no‐regret public health response to heatwaves. Implications for public health: As global temperatures rise there are likely to be significant health impacts from more frequent and intense heatwaves. This study indicates that HHWSs incorporating targeted supports for vulnerable groups are likely to be cost‐effective public health interventions.

To examine the cost benefits of a heat health warning system (HHWS) in South Australia.

BackgroundExposure to extreme temperatures is associated with increased emergency department (ED) presentations. The resulting burden on health service costs and the potential impact of climate change is largely unknown. This study examines the temperature-EDs/cost relationships in Adelaide, South Australia and how this may be impacted by increasing temperatures.MethodsA time series analysis using a distributed lag nonlinear model was used to explore the exposure–response relationships. The net-attributable, cold-attributable and heat-attributable ED presentations for temperature-related diseases and costs were calculated for the baseline (2014–2017) and future periods (2034–2037 and 2054–2057) under three climate representative concentration pathways (RCPs).ResultsThe baseline heat-attributable ED presentations were estimated to be 3600 (95% empirical CI (eCI) 700 to 6500) with associated cost of $A4.7 million (95% eCI 1.8 to 7.5). Heat-attributable ED presentations and costs were projected to increase during 2030s and 2050s with no change in the cold-attributable burden. Under RCP8.5 and population growth, the increase in heat-attributable burden would be 1.9% (95% eCI 0.8% to 3.0%) for ED presentations and 2.5% (95% eCI 1.3% to 3.7%) for ED costs during 2030s. Under the same conditions, the heat effect is expected to increase by 3.7% (95% eCI 1.7% to 5.6%) for ED presentations and 5.0% (95% eCI 2.6% to 7.1%) for ED costs during 2050s.ConclusionsProjected climate change is likely to increase heat-attributable emergency presentations and the associated costs in Adelaide. Planning health service resources to meet these changes will be necessary as part of broader risk mitigation strategies and public health adaptation actions.

Climate change with increasing temperature is making a significant impact on human health, including more heat-related diseases, and increasing the burden on the healthcare system. Although many studies have explored the association between increasing temperatures and negative health outcomes, research on the associated costs of heat-related diseases remains relatively sparse. Furthermore, estimations of future costs associated with heat-attributable hospital healthcare have not been well explored. This study used a distributed lag nonlinear model to estimate heat-attributable hospital healthcare costs in Perth, Western Australia. Using 2006‒2012 as the baseline, future costings for 2026‒2032 and 2046‒2052 were estimated under RCP2.6, RCP4.5, and RCP8.5. Higher temperatures were found to be associated with increased hospital healthcare costs. The total hospital costs attributable to heat over the baseline period 2006‒2012 was estimated to be 79.5 million AUD, with costs for mental health hospitalizations being the largest contributor of the heat-related conditions examined. Costs are estimated to increase substantially to 125.8‒129.1 million AUD in 2026‒2032, and 174.1‒190.3 million AUD by midcentury under climate change scenarios. Our findings of a notable burden of heat-attributable healthcare costs now and in the future emphasize the importance of climate change adaptation measures to reduce the adverse health effects of increasing temperatures and heat exposure on the people of Perth.