Research project examines PV-supported charging infrastructure for electric buses
The Kiel University of Applied Sciences analyzed the electrification of a bus fleet operated by the local public transport company in Pinneberg as part of the EMOSYN project. The results are viewed as a “blueprint for small and medium-sized public transport companies.”
Electric cars and heat pumps can help avoid 110 hours of negative electricity prices annually
An Enervis study commissioned by Green Planet Energy sees great potential for reducing CO2 emissions and avoiding peak feed-in times in intelligent control, particularly in adapting to available PV power. Not only users of electric cars and heat pumps could benefit from this, but also all other electricity customers – thanks to lower electricity prices.
Thornova offers solar module composite frames
Chinese manufacturer Thornova says that its new composite frames offers advantages in terms of stability, corrosion, and chemical resistance. Installation is also easier because no grounding is required.
Fraunhofer ISE testing agrivoltaics on standard weather protection covers
Fraunhofer ISE and German weather protection specialist VOEN Vöhringer are testing an agrivoltaic system that uses existing crop cover structures to support solar modules, eliminating the need for a dedicated mounting system.
Heat pumps in Germany nearly twice as expensive as in UK
RWTH Aachen University conducted the price comparison in cooperation with Octopus Energy. The reasons are significantly different technical and regulatory requirements, but also the funding system.
Austria’s largest battery goes online
The storage facility featuring six Megapack 2XL systems from Tesla was built over a seven-month period in the vicinity of a wood gas generator and a solar farm. The project has a power output of 12 MW and storage capacity of 24 MWh.
Thermal storage beats hydrogen, electrification on industrial costs
A new study in Germany shows the advantages of thermal energy storage in the decarbonization of industrial processes. The researchers noted clear cost advantages and high potential for flexibility in the power grid.
German institutes unveil facade with PV, weather protection, thermal insulation
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology (Fraunhofer UMSICHT) say their new facade combines PV modules, weather protection, and thermal insulation. It eliminates the need for a substructure and uses insulation made from sustainable raw materials.
Mercedes-Benz testing new solar paint
Mercedes-Benz said it is now evaluating a 20%-efficient, non-silicon photovoltaic coating that is significantly cheaper than conventional solar modules.
Module power output distortion on rise
A study by German research institute Fraunhofer ISE has revealed a troubling trend. Data shows that modules are increasingly attributed higher power ratings than they actually have. Though the percentages are incremental, it all
adds up.
