NREL Certifies First All-Quantum-Dot Photovoltaic Cell ; Demonstrates Stability, Performance (Fact Sheet).


Book Description

Researchers at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) have certified the first all-quantum-dot photovoltaic cell, which was based on lead sulfide and demonstrated reasonable quantum dot solar cell performance for an initial efficiency measurement along with good stability. The certified open-circuit voltage of the quantum dot cell is greater than that possible from bulk lead sulfide because of quantum confinement.




Colloidal Quantum Dot Optoelectronics and Photovoltaics


Book Description

Captures the most up-to-date research in the field, written in an accessible style by the world's leading experts.




Next-Generation Solar Cells


Book Description

This book addresses the principles and materials for the development of next-generation solar cells for a sustainable global society Discusses the structures, working principles, and limitations of solar cells as well as the improvement methods of their power-conversion efficiency Introduces generations of cells as photovoltaic devices, including third-generation solar cells such as organic solar cells, quantum dots solar cells, and organic–inorganic hybrid solar cells Focuses on the emerging perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and deals with their cell configuration, transport materials, and fabrication processes in detail.




Semiconductor Nanocrystals


Book Description

A physics book that covers the optical properties of quantum-confined semiconductor nanostructures from both the theoretical and experimental points of view together with technological applications. Topics to be reviewed include quantum confinement effects in semiconductors, optical adsorption and emission properties of group IV, III-V, II-VI semiconductors, deep-etched and self assembled quantum dots, nanoclusters, and laser applications in optoelectronics.




Solar Cells and Modules


Book Description

This book gives a comprehensive introduction to the field of photovoltaic (PV) solar cells and modules. In thirteen chapters, it addresses a wide range of topics including the spectrum of light received by PV devices, the basic functioning of a solar cell, and the physical factors limiting the efficiency of solar cells. It places particular emphasis on crystalline silicon solar cells and modules, which constitute today more than 90 % of all modules sold worldwide. Describing in great detail both the manufacturing process and resulting module performance, the book also touches on the newest developments in this sector, such as Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact (TOPCON) and heterojunction modules, while dedicating a major chapter to general questions of module design and fabrication. Overall, it presents the essential theoretical and practical concepts of PV solar cells and modules in an easy-to-understand manner and discusses current challenges facing the global research and development community.




Renewable Energy Sources and Climate Change Mitigation


Book Description

This Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report (IPCC-SRREN) assesses the potential role of renewable energy in the mitigation of climate change. It covers the six most important renewable energy sources - bioenergy, solar, geothermal, hydropower, ocean and wind energy - as well as their integration into present and future energy systems. It considers the environmental and social consequences associated with the deployment of these technologies, and presents strategies to overcome technical as well as non-technical obstacles to their application and diffusion. SRREN brings a broad spectrum of technology-specific experts together with scientists studying energy systems as a whole. Prepared following strict IPCC procedures, it presents an impartial assessment of the current state of knowledge: it is policy relevant but not policy prescriptive. SRREN is an invaluable assessment of the potential role of renewable energy for the mitigation of climate change for policymakers, the private sector, and academic researchers.




Perovskite Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics


Book Description

Perovskite Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics Discover a one-of-a-kind treatment of perovskite photovoltaics In less than a decade, the photovoltaics of organic-inorganic halide perovskite materials has surpassed the efficiency of semiconductor compounds like CdTe and CIGS in solar cells. In Perovskite Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications, distinguished engineer Dr. Tsutomu Miyasaka delivers a comprehensive exploration of foundational and advanced topics regarding halide perovskites. It summarizes the latest information and discussion in the field, from fundamental theory and materials to critical device applications. With contributions by top scientists working in the perovskite community, the accomplished editor has compiled a resource of central importance for researchers working on perovskite related materials and devices. This edited volume includes coverage of new materials and their commercial and market potential in areas like perovskite solar cells, perovskite light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and perovskite-based photodetectors. It also includes: A thorough introduction to halide perovskite materials, their synthesis, and dimension control Comprehensive explorations of the photovoltaics of halide perovskites and their historical background Practical discussions of solid-state photophysics and carrier transfer mechanisms in halide perovskite semiconductors In-depth examinations of multi-cation anion-based high efficiency perovskite solar cells Perfect for materials scientists, crystallization physicists, surface chemists, and solid-state physicists, Perovskite Photovoltaics and Optoelectronics: From Fundamentals to Advanced Applications is also an indispensable resource for solid state chemists and device/electronics engineers.




Silicon Heterojunction Solar Cells


Book Description

The world of today must face up to two contradictory energy problems: on the one hand, there is the sharply growing consumer demand in countries such as China and India. On the other hand, natural resources are dwindling. Moreover, many of those countries which still possess substantial gas and oil supplies are politically unstable. As a result, renewable natural energy sources have received great attention. Among these, solar-cell technology is one of the most promising candidates. However, there still remains the problem of the manufacturing costs of such cells. Many attempts have been made to reduce the production costs of “conventional” solar cells (manufactured from monocrystalline silicon using diffusion methods) by instead using cheaper grades of silicon, and simpler pn-junction fabrication. That is the ‘hero’ of this book; the heterojunction solar cell.




Hydrogen and Fuel Cells


Book Description

Hydrogen and fuel cells are vital technologies to ensure a secure and CO2-free energy future. Their development will take decades of extensive public and private effort to achieve technology breakthroughs and commercial maturity. Government research programs are indispensable for catalyzing the development process. This report maps the IEA countries' current efforts to research, develop and deploy the interlocking elements that constitute a "hydrogen economy", including CO2 capture and storage when hydrogen is produced out of fossil fuels. It provides an overview of what is being done, and by whom, covering an extensive complexity of national government R & D programs. The survey highlights the potential for exploiting the benefits of the international cooperation. This book draws primarily upon information contributed by IEA governments. In virtually all the IEA countries, important R & D and policy efforts on hydrogen and fuel cells are in place and expanding. Some are fully-integrated, government-funded programs, some are a key element in an overall strategy spread among multiple public and private efforts. The large amount of information provided in this publication reflects the vast array of technologies and logistics required to build the "hydrogen economy."--Publisher description.




Reliability and Ecological Aspects of Photovoltaic Modules


Book Description

Photovoltaic (PV) solar energy is expected to be the world's largest source of electricity in the future. To enhance the long-term reliability of PV modules, a thorough understanding of failure mechanisms is of vital importance. In addition, it is important to address the potential downsides to this technology. These include the hazardous chemicals needed for manufacturing solar cells, especially for thin-film technologies, and the large number of PV modules disposed of at the end of their lifecycles. This book discusses the reliability and environmental aspects of PV modules.