Emiliano Bellini
Aermec debuts modular heat pump for residential, commercial buildings
The Italian manufacturer said its new WWMG heat pump system has a coefficient of performance of up to 4.98 and an energy efficiency rating of 16.30 BTU/Wh.
Forschungszentrum Jülich achieves world record 23.08% efficiency for copper-metallized heterojunction solar cell
The cell reportedly exhibits only a 0.4% efficiency loss compared to a reference device that underwent full silver metallization.
New simulation tool to measure angular losses in PV systems
Researchers in Spain reviewed six models used to calculate incidence angle modifier (IAM) losses in photovoltaic systems. They identified the Martín-Ruiz model as the most comprehensive, as it uniquely accounts for additional angular losses caused by soiling.
Japanese utility uses Sharp PV-linked home batteries for grid balancing
Japanese utility Tohoku Electric Power is using Sharp’s residential batteries and AI-powered energy management systems to balance grid demand and optimize household solar energy use. Customers in the program can earn points redeemable for local products.
Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.
GoodWe debuts PV-driven heat pump water heaters
The Chinese manufacturer said their new residential heat pump water heaters deliver a coefficient of performance of up to 4.2, with a heating capacity ranging from 4.5 kW to 5 kW. The units are available with water tanks in 200 L, 300 L, and 500 L sizes.
Crystalline silicon vs. thin film at high latitudes
A four-year analysis conducted at a testing field in eastern Poland has shown that crystalline solar panels offer a stronger performance than thin-film panels at high latitudes. The tests revealed pronounced seasonal variability across all technologies, with thin-film modules showing markedly lower capacity factors than crystalline silicon, particularly in winter.
Wattlab deploys solar on multipurpose cargo vessel
The 79 kW system consists of 44 Solar Flatracks, which Wattlab describes as movable, stackable thin plates with integrated solar panels and inverters.
Mitsubishi presents new residential air-to-water heat pumps
Mitsubishi said that the two new products of its Hydrolution EZY series can produce domestic hot water up to 75 C when outdoor temperatures reach -25 C. The new systems have capacities of 6 kW and 7.1 kW.
World’s largest heat pump under development in Germany
The 162 MW project is being developed by German utility MVV Energie. The system will use water from the Rhine river as a heat source and is expected to generate heat with temperatures of up to 130 C.
