Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Photovoltaic”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Standardized nomenclature for photovoltaic connectors

Photovoltaic (PV) systems rely on discrete connectors for the efficient and safe flow of power from module to module and from strings to combiner boxes and inverters. Despite their functional importance, no common nomenclature for PV connectors currently exists, resulting in confusion and miscommunication. Misunderstood terms like "MC4 compatible", "cross-mating", "intermating", "female", and "male" can lead to installation and maintenance errors and compromise system reliability. We believe a standardized terminology will reduce confusion, help support installation best practices, aid in maintenance and repair, inform next-generation designs, and provide a technical basis for improved codes and standards. To that end, we are proposing a standardized glossary for 4 mm PV connectors (the most common type of connector used in PV applications) based on, and validated by, a Sandia National Laboratories' investigation that included the following sources: 1) a comprehensive review of official documents from 20 connector manufacturers, including schematics, datasheets, installation manuals, and catalogs, as well as relevant patents; 2) two rounds of surveys distributed to stakeholders, including connector manufacturers, engineers, asset owners, test labs, and researchers; and 3) visual examination of 25 different models of 4 mm single-pole DC PV connectors to document variations in design and functionality. This work provides a foundation for establishing a clear and consistent terminology for PV connectors that will in turn enable progress toward greater reliability and collaboration across the industry.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Feature review of photovoltaic modeling software utilizing blind performance assessment

While confidence in photovoltaic (PV) modeling software has always been essential, the rapid pace of new PV plant developments makes accuracy and credibility more critical than ever. Independent assessments, particularly through blind modeling comparisons, are therefore necessary to ensure unbiased benchmarking across PV modeling software. Previous studies have been limited by a narrow range of models compared, anonymized results, or system size. This study presents results from the first-ever onymous blind modeling comparison, evaluated using both lab- and utility-scale fixed-tilt, monofacial, south-facing systems at sub-hourly time intervals. Seven commercially used PV software tools were compared: 3E SynaptiQ, PlantPredict, PVsyst, RatedPower, SAM, SolarFarmer, and Solargis Evaluate. Predictions were submitted directly by software representatives, providing unique insights into each software’s implementation and resulting prediction behavior. Notable features, including plane-of-array (POA) transposition model, module temperature model, shading model, and performance model were analyzed and compared. Four summary tables compile these features of the software, serving as a resource to help users understand the methodological differences and select the most suitable software for their applications. The software tools show deviations from mean error in annual yield up to 2.5 % in the lab-scale system, increasing to 6.0 % for the utility-scale system. These differences arise from a combination of user decisions and the inherent behavior of the software, indicating the need for continuous and rigorous validation of modeling methods using these software tools against complex, real-world systems.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Characterization of multiterminal tandem photovoltaic devices and their subcell coupling

Three-terminal (3T) and four-terminal (4T) tandem photovoltaic (PV) devices using various materials have been increasingly reported in the literature, but measurement standards are lacking. Here, multiterminal devices measured as functions of two load variables are characterized unambiguously as functions of three device voltages or currents on hexagonal plots. We demonstrate these measurement techniques using two GaInP/GaAs tandem solar cells, with a middle contact between the two subcells, as example 3T devices with both series-connected and reverse-connected subcells. Coupling mechanisms between the subcells are quantified within the context of a simple equivalent optoelectronic circuit. Electrical and optical coupling mechanisms are most clearly revealed using coupled dark measurements. These measurements are sensitive enough to observe very small luminescent coupling from the bottom subcell to the top subcell in the prototype 3T device. Quick simplified measurement techniques are also discussed within the context of the complete characterization.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Understanding Photovoltage Deficits in Electrochemically Grown Tin Sulfide (SnS) Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices

Tin­(II) sulfide (SnS) is an earth-abundant semiconductor with a direct optical bandgap of ca. 1.1 eV, which makes it a promising absorber material for thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices. However, existing devices have significant photovoltage deficits, which may be related to the anisotropic structure of the layered Herzenbergite SnS crystal structure. Here, we explore electrochemical deposition as a near room temperature path to oriented SnS crystal films on Mo and FTO substrates and employ vibrating Kelvin probe surface photovoltage (SPV) spectroscopy and J–V measurements to identify conversion losses in them. According to grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction and SEM, the SnS films consist of crystalline microplates with preferred orientation in the [111] and [001] directions. The bare SnS films produce only small and irreversible surface photovoltage signals, due charge trapping and recombination at the SnS surfaces, but addition of a CdS buffer layer lowers the charge recombination rate by 2 orders of magnitude and increases both the photovoltage and its reversibility due to the formation of a p-SnS/n-CdS junction. According to SPV, the FTO/SnS back interface (but not the Mo/SnS interface) forms a detrimental p–n junction that hinders hole transfer. Additional shunting through the relatively open microcrystal SnS layers and a lower conductivity of the FTO substrate explain the low power conversion efficiencies of the final devices (0.18 and 0.10% for the Mo and FTO substrates). Altogether, this work establishes a low-temperature path for the fabrication of crystalline SnS film-based solar cells and identifies the bottlenecks that limit high photoconversion efficiency.

deposition↗
DOE OSTI2023

Recycling the Energy of Indoor Light: Highly Efficient Organic Photovoltaics via a Ternary Strategy

A ternary approach in organic photovoltaics (OPV) is simple and reliable to effectively tune the optical, electrical and morphological properties of the photoactive layer for high efficiency as well as long-term stability under 1 sun. However, there have been few papers reporting spectra and weak illumination compared to outdoor light. In this study, by using two compatible 16 structures, we demonstrate a simultaneous modulation of light absorption and molecular donor polymers (PM7 and PM7 D1) with slightly-different band gaps and similar chemical packing under ambient conditions, which resulted in efficient indoor OPVs exhibiting power conversion efficiency (PCE) over 20% under 1000 lux of warm white light-emitting diode (2900 K). From morphological analysis, we infer that PM7 serves to seed nucleation of PM7 D1 in the ternary blend, templating its crystallization and alignment along the PM7 backbone. Such templating effect leads to increased domain spacing and relative degree of crystallinity (rDoC) compared to those of each binary system. We further show that higher rDoC helps suppress both bimolecular and trap-assisted recombination of photogenerated charges in the ternary devices. As a result, the complementary absorption and synergistic molecular assembly of the two donor polymers enhance the short-circuit current density as to increase the average PCEs from 9.6 to 10.3% under 1 sun and from 18.7 to 20.0% under 1000 lux. We envision that our strategy of incorporating both a planar and a flexible donor polymer with similar chemical structures can be generally applicable to attain a high performance ternary OPV under both 1 sun and indoor light.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Consensus statement for stability assessment and reporting for perovskite photovoltaics based on ISOS procedures

Improving the long-term stability of perovskite solar cells is critical to the deployment of this technology. Despite the great emphasis laid on stability-related investigations, publications lack consistency in experimental procedures and parameters reported. It is therefore challenging to reproduce and compare results and thereby develop a deep understanding of degradation mechanisms. Here, we report a consensus between researchers in the field on procedures for testing perovskite solar cell stability, which are based on the International Summit on Organic Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS) protocols. We propose additional procedures to account for properties specific to PSCs such as ion redistribution under electric fields, reversible degradation and to distinguish ambient-induced degradation from other stress factors. These protocols are not intended as a replacement of the existing qualification standards, but rather they aim to unify the stability assessment and to understand failure modes. Finally, we identify key procedural information which we suggest reporting in publications to improve reproducibility and enable large data set analysis.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2025

Historical and Future Learning for the New Era of Multi-Terawatt Photovoltaics

Solar photovoltaics (PV) is entering a new era of multi-terawatt deployment, with 2 TW already in service and more than 75 TW predicted in many scenarios by 2050. This next era has been enabled by over five decades of cumulative advances in PV module cost reduction, performance and reliability. The current scale of deployment also introduces new needs, opportunities and challenges. In this Perspective we frame a path forwards based on learning, broadly defined as a combination of expansion of knowledge and advances through research and development, experience and collaboration. We discuss historical topics where learning has driven PV deployment until now, and emerging areas that are required to sustain high levels of future deployment. We expect progress to continue in terms of module price, performance and reliability, driven by advances in PV cell and module design, the emergence of tandem devices and increased focus on extending module lifetimes. Large-scale deployment also means large-scale sustainability and responsibility. We therefore posit that additional metrics, such as the impact on global CO2 emissions, resource consumption and design for reuse and recycling, will become increasingly important to the PV industry and provide opportunities for further learning.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2021

Mg x Zn 1−x O contact to CuGa 3 Se 5 absorber for photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical devices

Abstract CuGa 3 Se 5 is a promising candidate material with wide band gap for top cells in tandem photovoltaic and photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices. However, traditional CdS contact layers used with other chalcopyrite absorbers are not suitable for CuGa 3 Se 5 due to the higher position of its conduction band (CB) minimum. Mg x Zn 1− x O (MZO) is a transparent oxide with adjustable band gap and CB position as a function of magnesium composition, but its direct application is hindered by CuGa 3 Se 5 surface oxidation. Here, MZO is investigated as a contact (n-type ‘buffer’ or ‘window’) material to CuGa 3 Se 5 absorbers pretreated in Cd 2+ solution, and an onset potential close to 1 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode in 10 mM hexaammineruthenium (III) chloride electrolyte is demonstrated. The Cd 2+ surface treatment changes the chemical composition and electronic structure of the CuGa 3 Se 5 surface, as demonstrated by photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The performance of CuGa 3 Se 5 absorber with Cd 2+ treated surface in the solid-state test structure depends on the Zn/Mg ratio in the MZO layer. The measured open circuit voltage of 925 mV is promising for tandem PEC water splitting with CuGa 3 Se 5 /MZO top cells.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Detection and Localization of Damaged Photovoltaic Cells and Modules Using Spread Spectrum Time Domain Reflectometry

The operating efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) plants can be improved if damaged or degraded modules can be detected and identified. Currently, string-level power electronics can detect problems with modules or cabling but not locate them, which would facilitate addressing these issues. Here, we investigate the ability of spread spectrum time domain reflectometry (SSTDR) to both detect and locate/identify damaged cells and modules within a series-connected PV string. We tested the ability of SSTDR to detect and locate single-cell mini-modules and full-sized PV modules, which were intentionally damaged by impacts with a hammer (breaking the glass and damaging the silicon below) or by cutting through some or all busbars. Damage to the glass and silicon of cells was detected and located within a small string of minimodules. Busbar damage was detectable only if an open was created by cutting through all intercell busbars. Furthermore, physical impact damage to the glass and silicon of a full-sized PV module could be detected, but further development of signal processing is needed to achieve localization of such damaged modules within a string.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2020

Numerical Validation of an Algorithm for Combined Soiling and Degradation Analysis of Photovoltaic Systems

We describe and demonstrate an open-source algorithm for simultaneously quantifying degradation and soiling of photovoltaic (PV) systems from energy-production time series data. The new analysis is based on year-on-year degradation rate analysis combined with stochastic rate and recovery soiling analysis. The algorithm is designed to fit into the workflow provided by RdTools, a Python module maintained by NREL and collaboratively developed with the community, which provides a framework and functions for degradation and loss-factor analysis of PV field data. We demonstrate the method on numerically simulated PV data sets and show that it reduces the root-mean-square error of the P50 degradation rate estimate when soiling is present.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2024

An Updated Life Cycle Assessment of Utility-Scale Solar Photovoltaic Systems Installed in the United States

Given the high deployment targets for solar photovoltaics (PV) needed to meet U.S. decarbonization goals, and the limited carbon budget remaining to limit global temperature rise, accurate accounting of the energy-use and greenhouse-gas emissions over the life-cycle of PV systems is needed. In the United States, most PV systems are large utility-scale systems which use single-axis trackers and central inverters, which are not commonly examined in existing life-cycle assessment (LCA) literature. In this study, we present a cradle-to-grave LCA of a typical silicon U.S. utility PV (UPV) installation which is consistent with the utility system features documented in the annual NREL PV system cost benchmark reports. We analyze and present results for four main metrics: cumulative energy demand (CED), greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, energy payback time (EPBT), and carbon payback time (CPBT). We consider six primary manufacturing options: three based on an imported PV module supply chain (comparing low-carbon imports, high-carbon imports, and average imports), and three based on a potential domestic PV module supply chain (comparing low-carbon U.S. regions, high-carbon U.S. regions, and average U.S. regions). These manufacturing options were then paired with installation locations to create six main cases: low-carbon options were installed in Phoenix (Arizona), high-carbon options were installed in Seattle (Washington), and average options were installed in Fredonia (Kansas). These locations were selected to represent a range of irradiance and grid mixes in the United States, in order to illustrate the likely range of EPBTs and CPBTs possible across the United States. For all six cases, a sensitivity analysis for end-of-life (EOL) handling was explored to capture current and future management options: landfilling, partial recycling, and high-quality recycling. For the purposes of this report, the benchmark system was defined to use an average imported supply chain with partial recycling, installed in Fredonia (Kansas). CED results show ratios at or below 0.1 MJ oil-eq /MJgenerated which demonstrates efficient use of primary energy resources (below a 1:1 ratio), and represents a slight improvement over previous results in literature. GHG emissions per kWh range from 10-36 g CO 2 e, which are consistent with or lower than previous results published by NREL and IEA-PVPS. We use a graphical approach for calculating EPBT and CPBT in this report, which improves upon methods typically used in literature by accounting for non-linearity and avoiding data quality issues associated with long-term projections. EPBT was determined to vary from 0.5 to 1.2 years, with a benchmark EPBT of 0.6 years; CPBT was shown to vary from 0.8 to 20 years, with benchmark CPBT of 2.1 years, which is lower than other estimates from recent literature (typically >2 years).

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Solution-Processed Oxide Thin Films for Perovskite Photovoltaics (Final Report)

The overarching goal of the voucher project is to evaluate the suitability of NexTC materials as functional layers in perovskite photovoltaic technology. There are several different perovskite device configurations that are being pursued for commercialization. Most are superstrate configuration (light enters the device through the glass substrate) and can be subdivided into two categories: PIN and NIP. At minimum, PIN devices have a transparent conductor (typically Indium Tin Dioxide [ITO] or Fluorine-Doped Tin Oxide [FTO]) and hole transport layer (HTL) deposited on glass before the perovskite is deposited. Alternatively, NIP devices have a transparent conductor and electron transport layer (ETL) deposited before the perovskite is deposited. NexTC produces several inks that can be deposited to replace or modify the transparent conductor and/or the ETL or HTL, depending on the device. NLR will produce PIN and NIP perovskite devices on substrates that have been coated by NexTC and compare to NLR-standard devices that perform among the best for research labs across the world. The work will ultimately expose NexTC products to the up-and-coming perovskite PV industry.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2026

Dronebase Photovoltaic (PV) Fleet Imagery Quantitative Evaluation (CRADA CRD-22-22941 Final Report)

Combine the Dronebase aerial imagery with corresponding sites in the NLR Photovoltaic (PV) Fleets database. By combining these two data sources in an aggregated, anonymized fashion, we can perform the following analyses: quantifying power loss due to outages caused by stuck trackers, string outages, and shading/snow, validate site metadata, including tilt and azimuth, and correlate.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Compromising Charge Generation and Recombination with Asymmetric Molecule for High-Performance Binary Organic Photovoltaics with Over 18% Certified Efficiency

Balancing the charge generation and recombination constitutes a major challenge to break the current limit of organic photovoltaics (OPVs). Here, to address this issue, an asymmetric non-fullerene acceptor, namely the AC9, is developed and high-performance OPV with a champion efficiency of 18.43% (18.1% certified) is demonstrated. This represents the record value among binary OPVs. Comprehensive analysis on exciton dissociation, charge collection, carrier transport, and recombination has been carried out, unveiling that the improved device performance of asymmetric AC9-based OPVs is originated from a better compromise between charge generation and non-radiative charge recombination, compared with the corresponding symmetric ones. This work provides a high-performing molecule and paves the way for high-performance OPVs through asymmetric molecular design.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Surface Ligand Management Aided by a Secondary Amine Enables Increased Synthesis Yield of CsPbI 3 Perovskite Quantum Dots and High Photovoltaic Performance

Lead-halide perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) or more broadly, nanocrystals possess advantageous features for solution-processed photovoltaic devices. The nanocrystal surface ligands play a crucial role in the transport of photogenerated carriers and ultimately affect the overall performance of PQD solar cells. Here, significantly improved CsPbI 3 PQD synthetic yield and solar-cell performance through surface ligand management are demonstrated. The treatment of a secondary amine, di- n -propylamine (DPA), provides a mild and efficient approach to control the surface ligand density of PQDs, which has an apparently different working mechanism compared to previously reported surface treatments. Using an optimal DPA concentration, the treatment can simultaneously remove both long-chain insulating surface ligands of oleic acid and oleylamine, even for unpurified PQDs with high ligand density. As a result, the electrical coupling between PQDs is enhanced, leading to improved charge transport, reduced carrier recombination, and a high power conversion efficiency approaching 15% for CsPbI 3 -PQD-based solar cells. In addition, the production yield of CsPbI 3 PQDs can be increased by a factor of 8. These results highlight the importance of developing new ligand-management strategies, specifically for emerging PQDs to achieve scalable and high-performance perovskite-based optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Guanidinium-Assisted Surface Matrix Engineering for Highly Efficient Perovskite Quantum Dot Photovoltaics

Metal halide perovskite quantum dots (Pe-QDs) are of great interest in new-generation photovoltaics (PVs). However, it remains challenging in the construction of conductive and intact Pe-QD films to maximize their functionality. Herein, a ligand-assisted surface matrix strategy to engineer the surface and packing states of Pe-QD solids is demonstrated by a mild thermal annealing treatment after ligand exchange processing (referred to as “LE-TA”) triggered by guanidinium thiocyanate. The “LE-TA” method induces the formation of surface matrix on CsPbI 3 QDs, which is dominated by the cationic guanidinium (GA+) rather than the SCN-, maintaining the intact cubic structure and facilitating interparticle electrical interaction of QD solids. Consequently, the GA-matrix-confined CsPbI 3 QDs exhibit remarkably enhanced charge mobility and carrier diffusion length compared to control ones, leading to a champion power conversion efficiency of 15.21% when assembled in PVs, which is one of the highest among all Pe-QD solar cells. Additionally, the “LE-TA” method shows similar effects when applied to other Pe-QD PV systems like CsPbBr 3 and FAPbI 3 (FA = formamidinium), indicating its versatility in regulating the surfaces of various Pe-QDs. This work may afford new guidelines to construct electrically conductive and structurally intact Pe-QD solids for efficient optoelectronic devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Decoupling Complex Multi–Length–Scale Morphology in Non–Fullerene Photovoltaics with Nitrogen K–Edge Resonant Soft X–ray Scattering

Complex morphology in organic photovoltaics (OPVs) and other functional soft materials commonly dictates performance. Such complexity in OPVs originates from the mesoscale kinetically trapped non-equilibrium state, which governs device charge generation and transport. Resonant soft X-ray scattering (RSoXS) has been revolutionary in the exploration of OPV morphology in the past decade due to its chemical and orientation sensitivity. However, for non-fullerene OPVs, RSoXS analysis near the carbon K-edge is challenging, due to the chemical similarity of the materials used in active layers. Here, an innovative approach is provided by nitrogen K-edge RSoXS (NK-RSoXS), utilizing the spatial and orientational contrasts from the cyano groups in the acceptor materials, which allows for determination of phase separation. NK-RSoXS clearly visualizes the combined feature sizes in PM6:Y6 blends from crystallization and liquid-liquid demixing, while PM6:Y6:Y6-BO ternary blends with reduced phase-separation size and enhanced material crystallization can lead to current amplification in devices. Nitrogen is common in organic semiconductors and other soft materials, and the strong and directional N 1s → π* resonances make NK-RSoXS a powerful tool to uncover the mesoscale complexity and open opportunities to understand heterogeneous systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Comment on “Introduction of a Novel Figure of Merit for the Assessment of Transparent Conductive Electrodes in Photovoltaics: Exact and Approximate Form”

Anand et al. introduce an implicit equation for transparent conductive electrode (TCE) merit in photovoltaics (PV) by lumping series resistance in with the diode. However, an explicit equation has been previously derived by lumping series resistance external to the diode. For TCEs of practical interest for PV, the choice of where to lump series resistance does not affect merit, so external lumping is preferred. On the other hand, monolith deadspace, metal grid shadowing, and grid resistance shift TCE merit away from the figure of merit behavior published by Anand et al.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗