Photovoltaics for sea cucumber aquaculture
Scientists in China have conducted a year-long study on six “aquavoltaics” farms hosting sea cucumber aquacultures under the solar panels. Due to the lower water temperature, the hibernation period of the animal was reduced, as was mortality, compared to the previous year.
New database for PV module fault detection
Scientists in Colombia have created a 10-year open dataset for PV panel fault detection. Data was acquired using an electronic load system, oscilloscope, and thermographic camera in outdoor environmental conditions.
Australia’s top PV installers revealed as rooftop solar rises
Sunboost emerged as the top solar installer in the sub-100 kW rooftop PV market in Australia last year, having deployed more than 10,000 rooftop systems in 2024 with a combined capacity of almost 100 MW.
Microquanta developing perovskite solar modules for BIPV applications
The Chinese perovskite solar cell and module maker said its custom-designed double-glass perovskite modules measure 1,200 mm x 1,000 mm and achieve a light transmittance of around 40%.
PV-driven solar water pumping system based on supercapacitor buffer
Scientists have proposed a novel design for standalone solar PV water pumping systems, using an intermediate supercapacitor buffer to temporarily store solar energy and release it in high-power pulses. Daily water productivity has grown by 64%, based on a simulation. An experimental setup was also tested.
France plans to slash feed-in tariffs for rooftop PV up to 500 kW
The French PV sector has reacted vehemently against the proposed provisions with claims they could completely halt the rooftop PV business.
Germany introduces new rules for solar remuneration during negative prices
The new provisions will apply to all PV systems exceeding 2 kW.
South America sees strong solar gains despite weak La Niña conditions
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that South America saw widespread above-average irradiance in January, despite weak La Niña conditions. However, storm systems fueled by Atlantic moisture suppressed solar generation in parts of Brazil and Bolivia.
Cyprus curtails 29% of renewable energy in 2024
Cyprus curtailed 29% of its renewable energy in 2024, a record high that signals risks to the island’s energy transition.
Reducing fuel consumption in shipping with wind-solar retrofits
A European consortium is applying wind-solar hybrid and tilting wing technology as modular refits of in-service long-distance cargo vessels in an effort to reduce fuel consumption.
