[SMM PV Flash] Leapting Launches Autonomous Robot for Solar Module Transport

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong, Jilin University and Sun Yat-sen University have developed a high-entropy molecular contact layer composed of three molecules to improve the hole-selective interface in inverted perovskite solar cells. The device achieved a certified steady-state conversion efficiency of 27.31%, independently verified by the Tianjin Institute of Metrological Supervision and Testing. The molecular design increases structural complexity to reduce instability in conventional single-molecule contact layers under high-temperature conditions, while improving interface passivation and hole transport. The team also conducted stability testing at 85°C and under continuous illumination. Published in Nature Photonics, the work provides a new interface-engineering approach to improving both efficiency and operational stability in inverted perovskite solar cells.

Researchers from Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) and Universitas Hasanuddin in Indonesia have studied transient overvoltage in PV systems exposed to direct lightning strikes. Their simulations found that adding a second grounding point reduced transient overvoltage by around 47.5% to 54.8% under module-frame grounding and by 43.2% to 50.7% under mounting-structure grounding compared with single-point grounding. The study also found that grounding points located closer to the lightning strike provided stronger protection, while higher soil resistivity increased transient voltage levels. Published in Results in Engineering, the findings suggest that optimising the number and location of grounding points could improve lightning protection for PV systems, particularly in high-lightning-risk regions.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide up to AU$32.3 million to support Luminous Robotics and Built Robotics Australia in establishing solar construction robotics manufacturing facilities in Melbourne and Brisbane. The technologies are designed to automate module installation and foundation piling, two labour-intensive activities in utility-scale solar construction. ARENA said greater use of automated equipment could help reduce construction costs, shorten project timelines and ease labour shortages, while supporting the transition of solar robotics from field demonstrations toward wider commercial deployment.