Photo voltaic analysis group targets safer future for photo voltaic panels and groundwater
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 30, 2025
Researchers at Binghamton College’s Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Utilized Science have obtained a $254,737 grant from the U.S. Environmental Safety Company to look at the long-term stability and environmental results of photo voltaic cells.
The research, led by Assistant Professor Yuxin Wang from the Faculty of Techniques Science and Industrial Engineering, addresses the air pollution threat of lead used between photo voltaic cells – a priority for groundwater security and public well being.
“New York state goals to have one-of-a-kind solar energy manufacturing sooner or later, and we do not need to sacrifice the atmosphere with lead as an alternative choice to the dangerous results of carbon emissions,” Wang mentioned.
This system will check perovskite photo voltaic cells as a extra sustainable alternative for typical silicon cells. Professor Tara Dhakal from the Division of Electrical and Pc Engineering has spent the previous decade growing perovskite know-how, which reduces lead content material by 85 p.c whereas sustaining obligatory electrical conductivity. “Photo voltaic cells are extra broadly deployed exterior, so we want to consider how we care for the top of use,” Dhakal mentioned. “We need to be sure that we recycle the dear metals. Additionally, whereas the panels are operating for 20 or 25 years, we need to be sure now we have the best manner of encapsulating it in order that nothing releases out.”
To gauge longevity, Professor Shuxia “Susan” Lu will run accelerated life checks, emulating two to 3 a long time of use inside weeks or months. “The life expectancy of a photo voltaic panel is 20 to 30 years, however we’ll speed up it to a few weeks/months and see whether or not any pollution are leaching out,” Wang mentioned.
Trade companions embrace H.B. Fuller, which provides adhesive encapsulation for environmental safety, and Avangrid, the father or mother firm of NYSEG. The group will share findings for sensible enhancements in how panels are sealed and recycled.
The venture additionally requires AI-powered drone inspection of photo voltaic farms. Affiliate Professor Yong Wang leads growth of autonomous drones outfitted with superior thermal-imaging cameras, aiming for 95 p.c detection of faults and speedy inspection of sprawling photo voltaic installations. “The massive photo voltaic farms might be a whole lot of acres. and if it’s important to do the inspection manually, it is vitally, very time-consuming,” he mentioned. “When you use a drone to fly up excessive within the air primarily based on a route that may be routinely scheduled, you may cowl all the farm inside half-hour or much less.”
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