A German research team has investigated the feasibility of a large-scale PV-powered seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant in Jordan and has found that keeping the concentrate flow constant is the most appropriate desalination operating mode.

Researchers in China have investigated the effect of the overhead height and tilt angle on thermal and energy-saving performance of photovoltaic roof and have found that the comprehensive energy-saving efficiency of parallel overhead photovoltaic roofs are optimal in summer and the worst in winter.

Developed by a research team including experts from Australian specialist Clearvue, the new PV windows were also able to reduce water usage in a greenhouse by 29%. The group believes that a fully glazed solar greenhouse could offset up to 100% of the energy consumption in worldwide locations by using adaptable and efficient temperature control techniques.

A before-after-control-impact study conducted at six French lakes for three years has revealed that PV coverage decreases water temperature by 1.2 C on average. The reduction in water temperature also occurred in areas of the lakes that were not covered with modules.

Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.

The Fraunhofer ISE has designed a novel method for assessing the potential of low-temperature heat sources for large-scale heat pumps. The five-step process was tested on the German city of Fellbach, enabling the identification of heat sources with LCOH lower than €0.1/kWh.

The Danish Energy Agency has developed an online tool to assess rooftop solar potential, using laser scan data and building registrar information. The solution does not assess the economics of projects.

Researchers in China have investigated the dust-scaling process and various water-based cleaning methods to optimize maintenance strategies for enhanced safety and efficiency in PV systems.

A European research team has installed solar panels on a light commercial electric vehicle and has tested their performance for four months. The vehicle was able to extend the range by 530 km, although not all panels contributed equally. System efficiency was measured at up to 66%.

The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) has introduced a fire safety test that simulates a fire starting on the roof membrane beneath a PV system. The researchers noted the importance of realistic construction methods, including factors such as anchors, adhesives, membrane welding, and ballast use.