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With the continuous reduction of fossil energy storage in the world, the environmental problems caused by fossil energy are becoming increasingly prominent. The intensification of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has also led to a crisis in the global energy supply. Under the international background of energy conservation and emission reduction, it is of great theoretical and practical significance to systematically and deeply study the diffusion path of new energy industry-leading technology and put forward relevant policies and suggestions scientifically and feasible for promoting the diffusion activities of new energy industry-leading technology. This paper uses literature analysis to determine the external and internal factors that influence the diffusion of new energy industry-leading technology, and analysis of the configuration of various factors through the fsQCA method, the diffusion path of leading technology in the new energy industry is obtained. The technology and environment curve is drawn to divide the technology diffusion process into different stages. In addition, we selected the solar energy industry, a relatively perfect branch of China's new energy industry with a long development history, for case analysis to verify the diffusion path of leading technology in the new energy industry proposed in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting is an effective and sustainable method for solar energy harvesting. However, the technology is still far away from practical application because of the high cost and low efficiency. Here, we report a low-cost, stable and high-performing industrial-Si-based photoanode (n -Indus-Si/Co -2mA-xs) that is fabricated by simple electrodeposition. Systematic characterizations such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy have been employed to characterize and understand the working mechanisms of this photoanode. The uniform and adherent dispersion of co-catalyst particles result in high built-in electric field, reduced charge transfer resistance, and abundant active sites. The core–shell structure of co-catalyst particles is formed after the activation process. The reconstructed morphology and modified chemical states of the surface co-catalyst particles improve the separation and transfer of charges, and the reaction kinetics for water oxidation greatly. Our work demonstrates that large-scale PEC water splitting can be achieved by engineering the industrial-Si-based photoelectrode, which shall guide the development of solar energy conversion in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deployment of photovoltaic (PV) systems has increased globally to meet renewable energy targets. Intermittent PV power generated due to cloud-induced variability introduces reliability and grid stability issues at higher penetration levels. Variability in power generation can induce voltage fluctuations within the distribution system and cause adverse effects on power quality. Therefore, it is essential to quantify resource variability to mitigate an intermittent power supply. In this study, we propose a new scheme to classify the sky conditions that are based on two common variability metrices: daily clear-sky index and normalized aggregate ramp rates. The daily clear-sky index estimates the cloudiness in the sky, and ramp rates account for the variability introduced in the system generation due to sudden cloud movements. This classification scheme can identify clear-sky, highly variable, low intermittent, high intermittent and overcast days. By performing a Chi-square test on the training and test sets, we obtain Chi-square statistic values greater than 3 with p-value > 0.05. This indicates that the distribution of the training and test clusters are similar, indicating the robustness of the proposed sky classification scheme. We have demonstrated the applicability of the scheme with diverse datasets to show that the proposed classification scheme can be homogenously applied to any dataset globally despite their temporal resolution. Using various case studies, we demonstrate the potential applications of the scheme for understanding resource allocation, site selection, estimating future intermittency due to climate change, and cloud enhancement effects. The proposed sky classification scheme enhances the precision and reliability of solar energy forecasts, optimizing system performance and maximizing energy production efficiency. This improved accuracy is crucial for variability control and planning, ensuring optimal output from PV plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a sustainable recycling process for the separation and recovery of tempered glass from end-of-life photovoltaic (PV) modules. As glass accounts for 75% of the weight of a panel, its recovery is an important step in the recycling process. Current methods, such as mechanical, chemical and thermal processes, often lead to contamination of the glass and pose significant environmental risks. In response to these challenges, a thermal–mechanical delamination approach is proposed in this study. The method utilizes controlled heat application (hot air gun) to weaken the adhesive bond between the glass and encapsulant, allowing for separation with a thin stainless steel wire. Various analytical methods, including X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), were used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show that the proposed method is effective. In less than a minute, the glass layer was separated and recovered with a success rate of over 99%, with no degradation of the material or release of gasses. The significance of this process lies in its ability to recover high-purity glass while minimizing the impact on the environment. This opens up the possibility of reusing the recovered tempered glass in new PV panels or other applications, reducing the need for virgin materials and lowering the overall environmental footprint of the solar energy industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In May 2022, the European Commission adopted a new European Union (EU) Solar Energy Strategy [1] aiming to ensure that solar energy achieves its full potential in helping to meet the European Green Deal's climate and energy targets. A goal of the strategy is to reach nearly 600 GW of installed solar photovoltaics (PV) capacity by 2030. While Europe is a pioneer in the definition of new policy requirements to ensure the circularity and sustainability of PV products, its manufacturing capabilities are limited. The EU mostly imports PV modules from China, which for the last decade has remained the global leader in PV manufacturing across the supply chain. This article aims to provide insight into the solar PV industry and the surrounding policy context, focusing on the manufacturing phase and its climate impact. It provides a comparative overview of the key players in the European and Chinese PV markets with an overview of the whole supply chain (i.e. production of polysilicon, cells, wafers and modules). Having in mind the net‐zero commitments across the globe, and a central role of the solar PV in the energy transition, the demand for PV products is expected to grow exponentially in the next decades. With this in mind, the authors look into environmental impacts from the PV manufacturing. A simplified analysis concludes on the suitability of the PV manufacturing process today and indicates the opportunities for the net‐zero transition in the future. While the focus is on the carbon impacts of the solar PV industry, the authors also identify other relevant aspects (such as circularity), laying the ground for a future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study conducted bibliometric and systematic analyses of the literature to map the application of life cycle assessment studies on photovoltaic panels, focusing on end-of-life alternatives. Seventy-six articles addressing management strategies, treatment, recycling, and utilization of the panels were examined. The results revealed a significant increase in the number of publications over time, particularly in high-impact journals. Sixteen end-of-life alternatives for the panels were identified, including recycling practices, material recovery, and landfills. All alternatives were analyzed regarding environmental, social, and economic impacts. Understanding the impacts of different end-of-life methods for solar panels is key in supporting government management and the implementation of effective policies and regulations. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the environmental and social effects, as well as ensure the protection of workers involved in related activities and prevent soil, water, and air contamination caused by different types of alternatives, such as dissolution and incineration. To enhance the recycling and recovery of elements from solar panels, scientific advancements and improvements in industrial infrastructure are necessary along with the implementation of a regional logistics approach that minimizes emissions resulting from transportation. The bibliometric analysis indicates that 65% of the studies were published within the last 3 years, and one quarter of the trending keywords of this period is "recycling". This is particularly relevant to show a major area for research in the solar industry. By means of the systematic analysis, this study compiles and synthetizes the most recent and relevant alternatives for managing end-of-life photovoltaic panels. The comprehensive overview of the impacts associated with these alternatives contributes to the literature and practice of sustainability in the energy sector, providing support for informed decisions directed towards implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photon management strategies are crucial to improve the efficiency of perovskite thin film (PTF) solar cell. In this work, a nano-cone (NC) based 2D photonic nanostructure is designed and simulated aiming at achieve superior light trapping performance by introducing strong light scattering and interferences within perovskite active layer. Compared to the planar PTF solar cell, the NC nanostructured device with 45 degrees half apex angle obtains highest short-circuit current density, which improved over 20% from 15.00 mA/cm2 to 18.09 mA/cm2. This work offers an alternative design towards effective light trapping performance using 2D photonic nanostructure for PTF solar cell and could potentially be adopted as the nano-structuring strategy for the future perovskite solar cell industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indium-Yttrium codoped ZnO (ZnO:In-Y) thin films were prepared by sol–gel spin-coating technique on glass substrates at room temperature and annealed at 500°C for 1 h. The indium was incorporated with a constant concentration of 2 at% and yttrium was introduced with different concentrations of 1, 2 and 3 at%. X-ray diffraction patterns indicate that ZnO:In-Y thin films are polycrystalline with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The preferred orientation is along the (002) plane perpendicular to the surface of the glass substrate. No additional diffraction peaks corresponding to secondary phases confirmed that the In and Y ions were uniformly distributed inside the samples. Transmittance analysis showed high transparency in the visible region with some extension to the near-ultraviolet region. Each thin film is composed of two different phases implying two different optical bandgaps; the amorphous phase manifests evidently higher optical bandgap, higher Urbach energy and lower refractive index in comparison with the crystalline phase. The amorphous phase is created under the effect of the amorphous glass substrate having an ultrawide bandgap. Transparency improvement in the near ultraviolet region depends on the amorphous phase rate. The resistivity measurements revealed that the lowest electrical resistivity value was 4.49 × 10–3 Ω. cm obtained for ZnO:In (2 at%)-Y (1 at%) thin film. These ZnO:In-Y thin films can have a big interest in the solar cell industry; can be used to fabricate thin film transistors and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive overview of the solar industry's transition towards resilient energy solutions, emphasizing the critical role of data-driven practices in driving this transition through responsible resource management. As continuous technological refinement is essential to optimize solar energy's potential, the smart use of available data plays a significant part in enhancing the accessibility of solar panels. Building upon prior research investigating the influence of Big Data on solar logistics, this paper proposes a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodology based on expert experience, providing practical support in the implementation of data-driven proactive measures within the solar industry. Specifically, this study focuses on measures aimed at effectively implementing two main logistic strategies, which are Route Optimization (RO) and Warehouse Management (WM). A rigorous analysis of criteria and measures considered to be relevant in the literature is first conducted. Criteria will be screened and weighted to eventually act as drivers toward measure assessment and prioritization. A final sensitivity analysis culminates in the formalization of findings and in the formulation of a pragmatic roadmap tailored for solar industry practitioners, designed to increase operational efficiency while integrating key sustainability principles across supply chain endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon (Si) photovoltaic cells and their production play a pivotal role in advancing energy utilization within the rapidly expanding solar industry, which serves as a critical driver in realizing global sustainability objectives and mitigating environmental repercussions associated with energy production. Here, we introduce a novel two-step pattern transfer technique to successfully imprint a two-dimensional plasmonic micro-square periodic array onto an Si substrate, utilizing Kapton® Tape and plasma technology. Remarkably, this represents the first-ever application of flexible and stretchable Kapton® polyimide for pattern transfer onto Si. The vacuum plasma treatment plays a pivotal role in significantly enhancing surface adhesion performance, thereby facilitating the efficient pattern transfer process. As a result, the resulting microstructure exhibits exceptional performance as a plamonic broadband absorber in the visible region, making it a highly promising candidate for enhancing efficiency in Si-based solar cells. To support our experimental findings, the finite-difference time domain method was employed for simulating the fabricated plasmonic structure and determining the electric field distribution. The simulation results unequivocally affirm the robust and intense light trapping capabilities of the microstructure. Moreover, our fabrication technique demonstrates the potential for achieving high-resolution microstructure through an innovative, straightforward, and cost-efficient approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the 1st part of the article, we learned about the progress of solar explosives from a medium quality explosive manufacturer to a major defense armaments manufacturer in India. We discussed: consolidation of the business with high value customer accrual, diversification of the business - from mass mine explosives to blasting accessories to ammunition, alignment with multiple foreign partners, sourcing cheap investments from various countries, understanding Indian defense imports were rising leading to currency issues and finally the early mover advantage in to the defense sector. The learning of the SAM and MOGI companies is that they have to seize with new opportunities and persist with them as vigorously as possible. In this conclusive part we discuss what Solar did differently: their achievements, the timing, the alignment, keeping the operations keyed to share market moves, the organizational moves and total productive maintenance to produce quality products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A desire to shift from fossil fuels to non-carbon-emitting energy sources has become an imperative supported by national, state, and local policies. In the U.S., a diverse array of policies at multiple levels of government have helped the solar industry achieve exponential growth. These advancements, however, are mediated by local implementation processes, which might be expected to have a large impact in the context of U.S. federalism. This paper investigates the effects of two countervailing forces – policy incentives and implementation disincentives – on residential solar adoption in New Jersey. The New Jersey case study includes two complementary analyses designed to illuminate policy incentives and implementation disincentives, respectively. The first is an interrupted time-series analysis that evaluates the effects of federal and statewide renewable energy policies on residential photovoltaic (PV) growth. The second is a set of semi-structured in-depth interviews with solar industry experts, providing implementation insights from the solar industry and indirectly portraying residential customers' experiences. Results confirm that market-based instruments at the state-level play a crucial role in increasing the relative financial advantage of these systems and, thus, the attraction of residential solar PV to adopters. In addition, the behaviours of future adopters and the valuation of this technology as an investment in the housing market will impact the spread of residential PV systems in the future. Unfortunately, case study findings also confirm that an absence of standardized solar application procedures and outdated interconnection standards is a significant drag on the adoption rate. This highlights a need for policymakers to place greater emphasis on local implementation pathways in solar policy design. Options to achieve this include more robust ex-ante coordination among state and local levels of government and with industry to standardize implementation processes. While U.S. federalism may at times be constraining, our results suggest that even minimal levels of ex-ante coordination can lead to implementation gains that will have a large impact on solar diffusion outcomes. Federal and state-level financial incentives significantly impact the residential photovoltaic solar adoption rate. The absence of streamlined interconnection application procedures and outdated interconnection standards for the grid limit the residential PV adoption in New Jersey. Our findings underline the importance of paying equal attention to both policy design and to technical standards to underpin implementation processes, especially in the decentralized context of U.S. federalism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of mineral resources cannot be ignored in the country's economic and social development and is of vital significance in securing China's continued economic and social prosperity. Against the backdrop of the country's active promotion of the clean energy industry, the booming development of the photovoltaic industry has triggered a growing demand for its key raw materials, especially important metallic minerals. Based on the system dynamics theory, the article uses Vensim to construct a photovoltaic cell-key metal mineral simulation model to analyze the development of China's photovoltaic industry in depth and focuses on its far-reaching impact on the supply and demand relationship of key minerals. The results of the study show that (1) China's photovoltaic cells show strong growth; (2) recycling and technology substitution can significantly reduce the risk of copper and aluminum supply and demand imbalance; and (3) technology substitution is more effective than recycling in reducing the supply and demand imbalance of copper and aluminum. Based on the above-mentioned findings, the article puts forward corresponding policy recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial level of significance has been placed on renewable energy systems, especially photovoltaic (PV) systems, given the urgent global apprehensions regarding climate change and the need to cut carbon emissions. One of the main concerns in the field of PV is the ability to track power effectively over a range of factors. In the context of solar power extraction, this research paper performs a thorough comparative examination of ten controllers, including both conventional maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers and artificial intelligence (AI) controllers. Various factors, such as voltage, current, power, weather dependence, cost, complexity, response time, periodic tuning, stability, partial shading, and accuracy, are all intended to be evaluated by the study. It is aimed to provide insight into how well each controller performs in various circumstances by carefully examining these broad parameters. The main goal is to identify and recommend the best controller based on their performance. It is notified that, conventional techniques like INC, P&O, INC-PSO, P&O-PSO, achieved accuracies of 94.3, 97.6, 98.4, 99.6 respectively while AI based techniques Fuzzy-PSO, ANN, ANFIS, ANN-PSO, PSO, and FLC achieved accuracies of 98.6, 98, 98.6, 98.8, 98.2, 98 respectively. The results of this study add significantly to our knowledge of the applicability and effectiveness of both AI and traditional MPPT controllers, which will help the solar industry make well-informed choices when implementing solar energy systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the rise and success of Solar Industries India Ltd, a company that started as a low-cost mining explosive manufacturer but has since diversified into various sectors, including solar energy, defense, and infrastructure. The company's journey began in 1984 and has seen significant growth and expansion over the years. Solar Industries India Ltd has established itself as a major player in the industry, with a strong order book and a growing international presence. The article also mentions the company's stock performance and its alignment with the Indian government's Make in India initiative. The article concludes by mentioning the Strategic Partnership Model, which aims to engage the Indian private sector in the manufacture of defense equipment. [Extracted from the article]

Cadmium-free materials for the buffer layer of thin-film solar cells and their lowcost manufacturing methods have been of great interest in the solar industry. In this study, diindium trisulfide (In2S3) is investigated as an alternative buffer layer material: In2S3 thin film was deposited at atmospheric pressure utilizing open-air chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Indium-diethyldithiocarbamate (In-DDTC) is used as the only solid precursor. The deposition conditions, crystal structure, optical properties, and electrical properties of In2S3 thin films are studied. The solid source temperature is found to affect the morphology, whereas the substrate temperature affected the growth rate and the sulfur-to-indium ratio of the films. X-Ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements suggested that the prepared films consist ofβ-In2S3 and show a strong (103)-plane orientation under suitable deposition conditions. The films exhibited indirect and direct transitions around 2.0 eV and 2.7-2.8 eV, respectively. The thin films showed n-type conduction, with the lowest resistivity of 28.6 Ω cm. Overall, In2S3 thin films prepared via open-air CVD are promising alternative buffer layer materials, which are expected to contribute to the realization of low-cost and environmentally friendly thin-film solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research Summary: Research on industry evolution highlights the role of knowledge‐building activities of startups and established firms in shaping knowledge evolution in a nascent industry. Yet, research thus far has overlooked the possibility that differences between startups and established firms might also shape the diffusion of the knowledge that they build. This study abductively explores this conjecture in the context of solar energy by examining the extent to which the photovoltaic cell inventions that firms create spur subsequent inventions by other firms. In contrast with existing literature highlighting differences across firms in the types of inventions they create, this study reveals asymmetries between startups and established firms in the diffusion of the knowledge underlying their inventions, even when they create inventions with similar attributes. Managerial Summary: This study examines differences between startups and established firms in shaping knowledge diffusion in a nascent industry. Using data from photovoltaic cell patents, it shows that startups' inventions spur more subsequent inventions by other firms, even when compared to established firms' inventions with similar attributes. Findings indicate that such asymmetry is not driven by knowledge transfer mechanisms but rather by factors associated with knowledge spillovers. Specifically, findings reveal that university citations of a startup's patents draw other firms' attention to those patents, and that startups are less able to preempt rivals through cumulative inventions and less able to rely on litigiousness to deter rivals from building on their patents. These findings underscore the asymmetric influence startups have in shaping the knowledge underlying a nascent industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have shown a significant increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE) under laboratory circumstances from 2006 to the present, rising from 3.8% to an astonishing 25%. This scientific breakthrough corresponds to the changing energy situation and rising industrial potential. The flexible perovskite solar cell (FPSC), which capitalizes on the benefits of perovskite thin-film deposition and operates at low temperatures, is key to this transition. The FPSC is strategically important for large-scale deployment and mass manufacturing, especially when combined with the benefits of perovskite thin-film deposition under moderate thermodynamic conditions. Its versatility is demonstrated by the ease with which it may be folded, rolled, or coiled over flexible substrates, allowing for efficient transportation. Notably, FPSCs outperform traditional solar panels in terms of adaptability. FPSCs have several advantages over rigid substrates, including mobility, lightweight properties that help transportation, scalability via roll-to-roll (R2R) deposition, and incorporation into textiles and architecture. This in-depth examination dives into their fundamental design and various fabrication techniques, which include conducting substrates, absorber layers, coordinated charge movement, and conductive electrodes. This review evaluates critical FPSC fabrication techniques such as thermal evaporation, R2R approaches, slot die and spray deposition, blade coating, and spin coating. The present challenges in constructing FPSCs with high performance and long-term stability are also highlighted. Finally, the solar industry's potential uses for both indoor and outdoor FPSCs have been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy is one of the sources of renewable energy which is clean, affordable, and limitless. Despite Bangladesh having a significant potential for solar energy for its excellent geographic location, relatively low research work on location selection for the establishment of solar plants and little attempt has been taken to expand the solar energy industry. The optimal location for a solar plant to be built is the main objective of this research. Considering several aspects, five potential locations are selected utilizing the geographic data to find the optimal location and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) which is one of the multi‐models assessment techniques implemented to get the ideal site for solar power plants. While applying this method, some expert survey has been done via Google Form where some of the principal impact factors are set up like questionnaire and obtained the weight for the criteria for the AHP method. The results of the current analysis indicate that Rajshahi is obtained as best location for solar plant establishment followed by Ishwardi, Chattogram, Chuadanga, and Mymensingh. This work will enable to propose an effective, practical, and structured decision‐making framework that could aid policymakers in Bangladesh to select the best locations for solar farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there is evidence of substantial improvement in efficiency and cost reduction from the integration of Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, and Drones (RAID) in solar installations; it is observed that there is limited oversight by international standards such as the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in terms of the hazards and untapped potentials. This is partly because it is an emerging application and generally burdened with social acceptability issues. Thus, the safety regulations applied are adaptations of device-specific regulations as deemed fit by individual companies. Also, due to the fast-paced technological development of these platforms, there is huge potential for applications that are not currently supported by the device-specific regulations. This creates a multi-faceted demand for the establishment of standardized, industry-wide polices and guidelines on the use of RAID platforms for Solar PV integrations. This work aims to address critical safety concerns by conducting a comprehensive high-level system examination applicable to the monitoring and maintenance of Solar PV systems. Standard safety assurance models and approaches are examined to provide a safe autonomy perspective for Solar PVs. It is considered that, as RAID applications continue to evolve and become more prevalent in the Solar PV industry, standardized protocols or policies would be established to ensure safe and reliable operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sun is a non-renewable resource that helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions and reduces the impact of industries on nature pollution. Therefore, using solar energy in various industries is always highly important. This study investigates the effect of using needle ribs (NR) in different geometric modes of height and diameter in parabolic through solar collector (PTSC). Also, the H2O/Fe3O4–CNT hybrid nanofluid (HNF) is used as a heat transfer (HT) fluid in the PTSC, assuming a two-phase approach (TPA) in Reynolds number (Re) 24,000–96,000. NR in the height of 3, 6, and 9 mm, as well as diameters of 1.5, 2.5, and 3.5 mm, are modeled, and their effect on different parameters in the output of PTSC is investigated. Based on the obtained results, the use of NR on the wall of the PTSC causes the HNF flow to change shape and increases the thermal efficiency (TE) in the PTSC. The higher the height and diameter of the NR, the greater the density of the flow lines and, as a result, the higher the speed and flow rate. The highest increase in thermal performance (TP) is related to the geometry of NR with a height of 9 mm and a diameter of 3.5 mm. In fact, in this case, the TP increases by 49.85% compared to when the inner surface of the PTSC is smooth. Increasing the height and diameter of the NR affects and increases the efficiency and energy efficiency ( η en ) of the PTSC. The most favorable η en occurs at a Re = 96,000 and when using NR with a height of 9 mm and a diameter of 3.5 mm. Also, the most favorable rate of exergy efficiency ( η ex ) is Re = 48,000 number and 9 mm height and 3.5 mm diameter of NR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar cells are commonly recognized as one of the most promising devices that can be utilized to produce energy from renewable sources. As a result of their low production costs, little material consumption, and projected increasing trajectory in terms of efficiency, thin-film solar cells have emerged as the technology of choice in the solar industry at present. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of silicon thin-film solar cells, beginning with their inception and progressing up to the most cutting-edge module made in a laboratory setting. There is a review of the fantastic development of each technology, as well as its cell configuration, restrictions, equivalent circuit model, cell performance, and global market share. The dependability and availability of cell materials, in addition to the comparison of numerous characteristics, are both areas of research that are conducted concurrently for each of the distinct technologies. New advances in solar cells are also highlighted; these hold the potential to be significant variables and solutions in the process of the future's development. This abbreviated and brief version of the comprehensive analysis is provided to readers in the hope that it will aid them in evaluating potential research avenues about the proper applications and production of solar cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photovoltaic (PV) installations have experienced significant growth in the past 20 years. During this period, the solar industry has witnessed technological advances, cost reductions, and increased awareness of renewable energy's benefits. As more than 90% of the commercial solar cells in the market are made from silicon, in this work we will focus on silicon-based solar cells. As PV research is a very dynamic field, we believe that there is a need to present an overview of the status of silicon solar cell manufacturing (from feedstock production to ingot processing to solar cell fabrication), including recycling and the use of artificial intelligence. Therefore, this work introduces the silicon solar cell value chain with cost and sustainability aspects. It provides an overview of the main manufacturing techniques for silicon ingots, specifically Czochralski and directional solidification, with a focus on highlighting their key characteristics. We discuss the major challenges in silicon ingot production for solar applications, particularly optimizing production yield, reducing costs, and improving efficiency to meet the continued high demand for solar cells. We review solar cell technology developments in recent years and the new trends. We briefly discuss the recycling aspects, and finally, we present how digitalization and artificial intelligence can aid in solving some of the current PV industry challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is certain that perovskite materials must be a game‐changer in the solar industry as long as their stability reaches a level comparable with the lifetime of a commercialized Si photovoltaic. However, the operational stability of perovskite solar cells and modules still remains unresolved, especially when devices operate in practical energy‐harvesting modes represented by maximum power point tracking under 1 sun illumination at ambient conditions. This review article covers from fundamental aspects of perovskite instability including chemical decomposition pathways under light soaking and electrical bias, to recent advances and techniques that effectively prevent such degradation of perovskite solar cells and modules. In particular, fundamental causes for permanent degradation due to ion migration and trapped charges are overviewed and explain their interplay between ions and charges. Based on the degradation mechanism, recent advances on the strategies are discussed to slow down the degradation during operation for a practical use of perovskite‐based solar devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An accurate forecast of Global Horizontal solar Irradiance (GHI) and Direct Normal Irradiance (DNI) in cloudy conditions remains a major challenge in the solar energy industry. This study focuses on the impact of cloud microphysics on GHI and its partition into DNI and Diffuse Horizontal Irradiance (DHI) using the Weather Research and Forecasting model specifically designed for solar radiation applications (WRF-Solar) and seven microphysical schemes. Three stratocumulus (Sc) and five shallow cumulus (Cu) cases are simulated and evaluated against measurements at the US Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) user facility, Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. Results show that different microphysical schemes lead to spreads in simulated solar irradiance components up to 75% and 350% from their ensemble means in the Cu and Sc cases, respectively. The Cu cases have smaller microphysical sensitivity due to a limited cloud fraction and smaller domain-averaged cloud water mixing ratio compared to Sc cases. Cloud properties also influence the partition of GHI into DNI and DHI, and the model simulates better GHI than DNI and DHI due to a non-physical error compensation between DNI and DHI. The microphysical schemes that produce more accurate liquid water paths and effective radii of cloud droplets have a better overall performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solar energy has been the most emphasized issue in recent years, as it is sustainable and causes zero emissions. In the solar cell industry, new manufacturing protocols have led to the development of materials with enhanced properties. Over the past decades, perovskite solar cells (PSC) have obtained a power conversion efficiency (PCE) to be 25% due to the development of synthesis techniques, electrode materials, etc. There is an important relationship between the thickness of the transport layers (hole and electron) in the case of improving the yield of perovskite solar cells. We have investigated the influence of the acid-assisted and acetylacetone-assisted (AA) methods on TiO2 films and thus the effect on the PCE of perovskite solar cells. Perovskite (CH3NH3PbI3) layer and different compact TiO2 (c-TiO2) layers have been coated by the spin coating method, and the overall experimental section is made in the nitrogen medium at room temperature. Through an acid-assisted method, the cracked c-TiO2 film was formed. The planar solar cell structure of ITO/AA-TiO2/CH3NH3PbI3/P3HT/Ag resulted in 0.03% of PCE. However, the perovskite solar cells with a mesoporous solar cell structure of ITO/ AA-TiO2/m-TiO2 /CH3NH3PbI3/P3HT/Ag resulted in 0.1% of PCE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]