Edited By: Martin A. Green, Ryne P. Raffaelle, Jean-Francois Guillemoles
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Progress in Photovoltaics: Research and Applications is a leading journal in the field of solar energy, focused on research that reports substantial progress in efficiency, energy yield and reliability of solar cells. It aims to reach all interested professionals, researchers, and energy policy-makers.
We publish original research and timely information about alternative energy resources and on the development, optimization, and deployment of photovoltaic technologies. Our key criterion is that the papers we publish reflect substantial advancement in the field of photovoltaics.
True to the journal’s title, the key criterion is that submitted papers should report substantial “progress” in photovoltaics. The full Aims and Scope of Progress in Photovoltaics can be found on the Overview page.
Read 5 reasons why you should submit your research to Progress in Photovoltaics – a prestigious forum for reporting advances in this rapidly developing technology
Partnership with EU PVSEC
In 2024, Progress in Photovoltaics is proud to partner with the 41st European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition (EU PVSEC 2024). Through the collaboration, the best research papers from the event will be published in Progress in Photovoltaics, as well as in Solar RRL and Advanced Energy and Sustainability Research, the high-impact, international journals for the latest research in photovoltaic technology, from original research to practical application. Click here to access our continuously updated collection of invited articles written by EU PVSEC/WCPEC-8 presenters.
On the Cover
Articles
Understanding Heat Dissipation Factors for Fixed‐Tilt and Single‐Axis Tracked Open‐Rack Photovoltaic Modules: Experimental Insights
- 14 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
This experimental study explores the heat dissipation performance of fixed-tilt (FT) and single-axis tracked (SAT) photovoltaic (PV) modules in South Africa. The results show that SAT modules demonstrate enhanced heat dissipation, particularly under low or no wind conditions, compared to FT modules. The influence of plane-of-array irradiance, wind speed, and direction on module temperature was notable, with SAT modules exhibiting more stable heat dissipation overall. FT module temperature predictions seem insensitive to specific heat dissipation factors, but results indicate the importance of realistic, configuration-specific heat dissipation factors when optimising PV system performance.
Single‐Axis Tracking and Bifacial Gain on Sloping Terrain
- 9 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
A mathematical model for dealing with large bifacial single-axis tracking PV plants over terrain of arbitrary orientation and slope. A set of equations for upgrading tracker controllers is also provided. As a representative case, a real 90 MWp PV plant installed on an uneven terrain is analysed.
Post‐Mortem Analysis of Building‐Integrated Flexible Thin Film Modules
- 8 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
Corrugated rooftiles with integrated flexible thin film photovoltaic (PV) modules were investigated after three years of outdoor exposure to identify the main causes of performance loss. Significant degradation was found in many modules due to short circuit current loss and series resistance increase when comparing performance before and after outdoor installation. Through microscopic characterization of the cell material, four defect types could be identified, two of which were found mainly responsible for the observed degradation in performance.
Investigation on Effects of the Laser‐Enhanced Contact Optimization Process With Ag Paste in a Boron Emitter for n‐TOPCon Solar Cell
- 8 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
LECO technology plays an important role for reducing the J0,metal and ρc. First, LECO paste destroys the partial passivation layer but does not corrode downward at low sintering temperature; then after LECO treatment, the glass layer was melting and continued to further corrode the ARC layer without damaging the emitter layer, forming localized corrosion pits. The contact model shows that its possible current transport mechanism is current tunneling effect through the nano-Ag colloids in the glass layer.
Effect of Ga Variation on the Bulk and Grain-Boundary Properties of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Absorbers in Thin-Film Solar Cells and Their Impacts on Open-Circuit Voltage Losses
- 5 October 2024
Graphical Abstract
The trend of increased Voc losses for solar cells with GGI > 0.5 in the CIGSe layers can be traced back to decreased bulk lifetime and to the enhanced grain boundary recombination, which is affected by both decreased average grain sizes and increased recombination velocities.
The following is a list of the most cited articles based on citations published in the last three years, according to CrossRef.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 57)
- 3-15
- 27 November 2020
Graphical Abstract
Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since June 2020 are reviewed. In this issue, charts showing efficiency improvements since 1993 are included as well as cell and module area definitions and an updated list of recognized test centres.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 58)
- 657-667
- 24 June 2021
Abstract
Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2021 are reviewed.
Solar cell efficiency tables (Version 60)
- 687-701
- 6 June 2022
Abstract
Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since January 2022 are reviewed. An appendix describing temporary electrical contacting of large-area solar cells approaches and terminology is also included.
Photovoltaic Degradation Rates—an Analytical Review
- 12-29
- 13 October 2011
Graphical Abstract
As photovoltaic penetration of the power grid increases, accurate predictions of return on investment require accurate prediction of decreased power output over time. Degradation rates must be known in order to predict power delivery. This article reviews degradation rates of flat-plate terrestrial modules and systems reported in published literature from field testing throughout the last 40 years. Nearly 2000 degradation rates, measured on individual modules or entire systems, have been assembled from the literature, showing a median value of 0·5%/year. The review consists of three parts: a brief historical outline, an analytical summary of degradation rates, and a detailed bibliography partitioned by technology.
