Photo voltaic analysis staff 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 Faculty 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 examine, led by Assistant Professor Yuxin Wang from the Faculty of Programs Science and Industrial Engineering, addresses the air pollution danger 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 wish to sacrifice the atmosphere with lead as an alternative choice to the dangerous results of carbon emissions,” Wang mentioned.
This system will take a look at perovskite photo voltaic cells as a extra sustainable substitute for standard silicon cells. Professor Tara Dhakal from the Division of Electrical and Pc Engineering has spent the previous decade growing perovskite expertise, which reduces lead content material by 85 % whereas sustaining mandatory electrical conductivity. “Photo voltaic cells are extra extensively deployed exterior, so we’d like to consider how we maintain the tip of use,” Dhakal mentioned. “We wish to be sure that we recycle the valuable metals. Additionally, whereas the panels are working for 20 or 25 years, we wish to make sure that we’ve got the appropriate means of encapsulating it in order that nothing releases out.”
To gauge longevity, Professor Shuxia “Susan” Lu will run accelerated life exams, emulating two to 3 many years 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 guardian firm of NYSEG. The staff will share findings for sensible enhancements in how panels are sealed and recycled.
The undertaking additionally requires AI-powered drone inspection of photo voltaic farms. Affiliate Professor Yong Wang leads growth of autonomous drones geared up with superior thermal-imaging cameras, aiming for 95 % detection of faults and speedy inspection of sprawling photo voltaic installations. “The big photo voltaic farms might be tons of of acres. and if you need to do the inspection manually, it is extremely, very time-consuming,” he mentioned. “In the event you use a drone to fly up excessive within the air based mostly on a route that may be routinely scheduled, you’ll be able to cowl the whole farm inside half-hour or much less.”
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