The solar rebound effect in residential PV
The rebound effect consists of a reduction in expected gains from a more resource-efficient technology as a result of behavioral or systemic change. An international research team has investigated this phenomenon in the residential PV segment in Vietnam and has found that it could happen in any country where the policy supporting solar power is not fully and scientifically explained.
Global solar corporate funding up 42% in 2023
Investors and developers raised more than $34.3 billion in 160 deals last year, according to a new report by Mercom Capital.
Dutch startup offering cell string optimizers for solar panels
Netherlands-based Taylor, a spinoff of Eindhoven University of Technology, has raised €8 million ($8.6 million) to expand sales of its cells string optimizers that the company claims improves PV rooftop system performance and safety.
Brazil’s PV capacity surpasses 38 GW
Brazil has pushed past 38 GW of total installed PV capacity, with around 26.3 GW consisting of distributed-generation solar systems.
Hybridizing PVT energy with heat pumps, borehole storage
A European research group has tested an energy system combining PVT collectors, a water-to-water heat pump and borehole thermal energy storage in an Italian swine farm and has found the proposed system can completely replace fossil fuel-based power generation.
The impact of climate-based PV panel degradation rates on inverters
New research from Belgium shows the importance of assessing inverter reliability by including climate-based PV panel degradation rates. The scientists found that, especially in hot and arid climates, PV inverters should be designed with parameters above the standard value.
Cyprus set to curtail 28% of renewable electricity in 2024
The Transmission System Operator of Cyprus (TSOC) predicts that transmission and distribution grid operators will need to curtail 28% of the nation’s annual green energy production in 2024.
Africa’s annual PV additions hit 3.7 GW in 2023
According to new figures from the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), the continent’s cumulative installed PV capacity reached 16 GW at the end of December, based on 3.7 GW of new annual installations.
The impact of wildfire smoke on rooftop PV
While investigating on the effects of wildfire smoke on rooftop PV installations, a group of scientists in Australia has discovered that solar arrays, due to their sensitivity to smoke, could serve as an early warning detection of wildfires by providing temporal and spatial information on the presence and approximate concentrations of smoke.
U.S. researchers testing dual-use solar snow fence
Pairing electricity production with snow drift barriers to protect roads is being evaluated by the Minnesota department of Transportation.
