Solar-assisted thermochemical heat pump based on caustic soda, water
Researchers in China have designed a two-stage, solar-assisted thermochemical heat pump system that uses caustic soda and water as a working pair. The system is reportedly able to achieve an energy storage density of 363 kWh/m3 and is considered by its creators an ideal solution for residential buildings with limited space.
US to upgrade power transmission infrastructure
As the US Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) ramps up clean energy efforts across the United States, the government has outlined a plan to expand transmission lines to accommodate more power.
Ireland introduces home energy loan scheme
The Irish authorities have presented a new plan to allow homeowners to borrow between €5,000 ($5,350) and €75,000 for up to 10 years, with low interest rates. Heat pumps, solar electricity and solar water heater installations are all eligible under the scheme.
Solar key to easing Burundi’s severe energy crisis
Burundi, the poorest country on earth, is unable to buy fossil fuels on theinternational market due to a lack of hard currency. pv magazine spoke with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a PV analyst to assess the true potential of PV in the nation’s current energy crisis.
Norwegian startup unveils CO2 water-to-water heat pump
Tequs said its new plug-and-play heat pump can deliver up to 90 C of heat for space heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water. The new product is available in eight versions with capacity ranging from 17 kW to 268 kW.
SunPower to close business units, cut about 26% of workforce
The US-based company announced plans to wind down its residential solar installation locations and close its direct sales unit.
Electricity prices rising in most European markets
AleaSoft Energy Forecasting recorded electricity price increases in most major European markets during the third week of April. It says prices could continue to increase in the fourth week of April, due to rising electricity demand.
DualSun launches foldable plug-and-play solar kits
France’s DualSun has developed foldable plug-and-play solar kits with a power range of 420 W to 1.68 kW.
The fastest energy change in history still underway
In 2023, solar photovoltaics and wind comprised about 80% of global net generation capacity additions. Four times as much new solar and wind electricity generation capacity was installed in 2023 as compared with all other electricity sources combined.
At least 29 countries installed more than 1 GW of PV in 2023
IEA PVPS has published its new “Snapshot of Global PV Markets 2024” report, highlighting key insights and trends. Despite record installations, concerns over profitability and manufacturing dynamics persist, underscoring the need for strategic interventions and policy support to navigate towards a resilient and sustainable PV ecosystem.
