PV cell string optimizer boosts solar panel output up to 30%
https://www.electronics-lab.com/pv-cell-string-optimizer-boosts-solar-panel-output-30/
Maxim presents its Cell-String Optimizer as the first IC to perform MPPT (maximum power point tracking) at low level in a panel; it allows photovoltaic (PV) panels to harvest significantly more energy and simplifies design complexity for solar installation projects. by Graham Prophet @ edn-europe.com Maxim’s cell-string optimizers are highly integrated DC-DC converters that replace […]
Photovoltaic simulator system adds automated MPPT Efficiency Test
https://www.electronics-lab.com/photovoltaic-simulator-system-adds-automated-mppt-efficiency-test/
An added test facility enables test of a 1,500V photovoltaic (solar energy) inverter’s static and dynamic maximum peak power tracking (MPPT) according to European Standard EN50530, with a single command, creating downloadable photovoltaic I-V curves, plus static and dynamic EN50530 test reports. by Graham Prophet @ www.edn-europe.com Photovoltaic simulator system adds automated MPPT Efficiency Test […]
Inkjet printing of text or photos as solar cells
https://www.electronics-lab.com/inkjet-printing-text-photos-solar-cells/
by Denis Meyer @ elektormagazine.com: Research is in progress at the University of Aalto in Finland on the development of a process for inkjet printing of text, photos or any illustrations as solar cells. The idea is not new but these researchers are covering new ground which will allow the use of ordinary materials. According […]
Build a $1 per Watt parallelizable MPPT controller
https://www.electronics-lab.com/1w-true-mppt/
Jonathan Bruneau designed a $1/W maximum power point tracker used to extract maximum power from solar panels and published his project on hackaday.io: Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is a technique whereupon special electronics attempts to extract the optimal amount of energy from a solar panel. This optimal point fluctuates in function of a variety […]
Quantum Dots Boost Solar Cells
https://www.electronics-lab.com/quantum-dots-boost-solar-cells/
R. Colin Johnson @ eetimes.com discuss about quantum dots applications and how scientists use them to boost photovoltaic output. LAKE WALES, Fla—Quantum dots are already being used commercially to boost the output and expand the color range of ultra-high-definition televisions, eliminating the need for the rare earth elements for which China as virtually cornered the market. […]
21.1% efficiency with Perovskite solar cells
https://www.electronics-lab.com/21-1-efficiency-with-perovskite-solar-cells/
Scientists have successfully developed a Perovskite solar call containing Cesium which has attained an efficiency of 21.1%, as well as a world record for reproducibility. by Denis Meyer @ elektormagazine.com: In adding Cesium, the scientists at EPFL, let by Michael Saliba, have developed the first Perovskite compound with triple cations (Cs/MA/FA). These new films are more […]
SolarBoost – Make Your Own USB Solar Mobile Charger
https://www.electronics-lab.com/solarboost-make-your-own-usb-solar-mobile-charger/
SolarBoost is an open source smart interface that allows you to build your own powerful and portable solar charger for your phone and other mobile devices. It has two USB ports and can provide 5V @ 2A at each of them and is controlled by a 8-bit 32MHz Microchip PIC microcontroller. It is also equipped […]
Smartphone Solar charger card
https://www.electronics-lab.com/smartphone-solar-charger-card/
Here is a nice idea of a business card solar smartphone charger with USB plug. The charger is 3mm thick and can provide 50mA @ 5V Smartphone Solar charger card – [Link]
Organic solar cells set new efficiency record
https://www.electronics-lab.com/organic-solar-cells-set-new-efficiency-record/
The German company Heliatek has developed new OPV multi-junction solar cells with an efficiency of 13.2%. This is a world record for organic solar cells. Thanks to the excellent low light and high temperature behavior of the organic semiconductor, the electricity generation of the newly developed cells corresponds to the output of conventional solar cells with […]
Open Inverter, an open source micro-solar inverter
https://www.electronics-lab.com/open-inverter-an-open-source-micro-solar-inverter/
Ken Boak has been working on an open source micro-solar inverter project: We wanted to make a design that uses readily obtainable N-type FETS and an Arduino (more strictly a ATmega328P-PU on a breadboard) to generate the PWM signals and provide simple circuit protection, and load sensing. With the PWM signals generated in firmware it […]