Australian company targets solar panel industry with high-grade silica
Allup Silica aims to target the booming solar PV panel industry after independent tests confirmed the presence of premium silica sands – a key component of high-end glass manufacturing – at its Sparkler project in Western Australia.
Solar could have reduced UK gas reliance, says Carbon Brief
Carbon Brief has estimated that the United Kingdom would have needed to import 20 TWh less natural gas this year if successive Conservative governments had not wound down the rewards for generating solar electricity.
New refrigerant circuit for safer, more efficient heat pumps
Scientists at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute ISE and a consortium of heat pump manufacturers have achieved a new efficiency record in their development of a low-refrigerant propane refrigeration circuit. The device has a heating capacity of 12.8 kW with only 124 grams of propane, amounting to a refrigerant charge of approximately 10g/kW, compared to 60g/kW for commercially available devices.
EU solar ‘big buyers’ initiative set to launch in November
The European Commission intends to help municipalities and public entities to buy rooftop PV systems. Its DG Growth initiative aims to make the public procurement of rooftop solar systems easier.
Reflective coating to reduce solar tile temperatures
Australian scientists have tested different reflective coatings in solar tiles and have found that they could improve the performance of building-integrated PV devices by up to 6.6%. They are currently working with building product manufacturers to bring their tech closer to commercial production.
DC rooftop PV providing domestic hot water to residential building at 60 C
Domestic hot water, with a heating system powered exclusively by DC solar power, has now covered the needs of an apartment building in Linz, Austria, for a period of a year. The 14 residential units are each connected to their own 1.36 KW solar arrays.
The mobility rEVolution: Novel anode material paves way for 15-minute EV charging
US researchers have developed a novel fast-charging battery anode material, and GM has revealed a new focus on battery R&D. The European Parliament, meanwhile, has issued a number of proposals for alternative fuels infrastructure.
Bulgarian grid operator reviewing connection requests for 24 GW of renewables
The Bulgarian grid operator says the nation urgently needs to expand its grid to accommodate planned renewables capacity. It is now holding meetings with potential investors.
Ireland introduces planning exemptions for rooftop solar
Ireland’s new solar measures, first announced in June, are expected to facilitate deployment in the residential and commercial PV segments.
Hurricane Ian barely affects solar community in Florida
Babcock Ranch, a community near Fort Meyers, Florida, was built with climate resiliency in mind.
