Semi-transparent organic photovoltaics for greenhouse applications
Scientists from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), have used an antioxidant known as L-glutathione as an interlayer in an organic PV cell to prevent other materials from oxidizing. The cell has an efficiency of 13.5% and an average visible transmittance of 21.5%. The researchers said it is suitable for applications in solar greenhouses.
French developer to assess impact of solar panels on outdoor poultry farm
Technique Solaire plans to analyze animal behavior in outdoor poultry farms covered with solar panels linked by nets. The setup could be potentially beneficial for the birds and the quality of their meat.
Heat pumps vs. renewables – a dilemma for Germany’s way out of gas
Researchers have looked at whether Germany can substitute more gas with renewables-powered heat pumps or renewable electricity to reduce load hours at gas-fired power plants. They argue that heat pumps are the fastest way to cut German gas consumption.
Dutch researchers propose modified IEC 61853 standard for bifacial solar
Scientists in the Netherlands have proposed the extension of the IEC 61853 standard to bifacial solar modules, with some key corrections. In particular, they recommend changing the third and fourth parts of the standard.
KStar unveils battery inverter solution for C&I applications
KStar’s new all-in-one energy storage system for commercial and industrial (C&I) applications features a 5.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery system with a 50 kW inverter. It includes two clusters of batteries with 10 modules each, for a maximum capacity of 102.4 kWh.
Seraphim unveils 580 W TOPCon solar panels with 22.45% efficiency
Seraphim is offering four versions of its new SIV N-TOPCon modules, with power outputs between 565 W and 580 W. The power conversion efficiency ranges from 21.87% and 22.45%.The Chinese manufacturer said the panels can be used for distributed-generation PV projects and ground-mounted power stations.
Spain installed 6.93 GW of PV in 2022
Spain installed 8,312 MW of new renewable energy capacity last year, including 4,281 MW of utility-scale solar, 2.64 GW of distributed-generation PV systems, and 1,382 MW of wind power.
Agrivoltaics can provide food, energy for growing world population
Cornell University researchers have discovered that soybeans planted beneath 3.9-meter-high solar modules can positively affect panel temperatures and the microclimates of farms.
Germany registered 780 MW of new solar in January
Germany’s cumulative PV capacity hit 68.2 GW at the end of January.
Solar tower of power shows benefits of vertical installations
Three Sixty Solar, a commercial and utility-scale solar developer, published a report this week that provides background on its vertically mounted solar system’s initial 16 months in operation.
