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.

Scientists in Spain have used genetic algorithms to optimize a feedforward artificial neural network for the prediction of energy generation of PV systems. Genetic algorithms use “parents” and “offspring” solutions to achieve better results in subsequent generations.”

UL Solutions says it will expand heat pump testing at its facilities in Texas and Italy to meet rising demand in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry.

Scientists in China placed a 0.5 mm thick aluminum foil between the solar cell and the EVA, and between the EVA and the glass layer. The two experimental modules were compared to a reference module and were found to dissipate heat and increase the in-plane temperature uniformity.