Czechia planning retroactive cuts to feed-in tariffs for PV systems
The Czech government is trying to retroactively reduce feed-in tariffs (FITs) granted for PV projects between 2006 and 2013. The local solar sector has criticized the move, claiming that it could incite panic among investors.
Rooftop PV installations could raise daytime temperatures in urban environments by up to 1.5 C
New research from India shows that rooftop PV system may have “unintended” consequences on temperartures in urban environments. Rooftop arrays, for example, may potentially lower nighttime temperatures by up to 0.6 C.
Building-integrated photovoltaic system integrating PCM on sides
Scientists have designed a new building-integrated PV system that uses 30 mm of phase change material on each side of the wall. The array reportedly achieved superior thermoelectric coupling performance compared to reference BIPV systems without PCM.
Photovoltaics, control strategies have little impact on optimal heat pump size in retrofit buildings
New research from Germany shows that the optimal size of residential heat pumps in retrofit buildings can be achieved without factoring in their potential connection to a PV system and related control strategies. An optimal sizing strategy, by contrast, should not neglect electricity price assumptions.
Rooftop solar install rates dip below straight-line average in Australia
Australia’s rooftop solar installation rate has continued to cool for a second consecutive month with national market volumes in September down about 3% on August when 273 MW was installed.
What to expect in a residential solar loan in U.S. market
A report from Energysage reviews common terms for residential solar loans.
Helping the market of solar powered water pumps to thrive
Solar powered water pumps are one of the most important ways for off-grid communities to gain access to water cheaply and cleanly. Standards are required to enable this market to continue growing and the IEC is working on the appropriate specifications.
New IEA PVPS Handbook: A guide to proper solar resource data management
In its latest monthly column for pv magazine, IEA PVPS provides a comprehensive overview of the recently released fourth edition of the “Best Practices Handbook for the Collection and Use of Solar Resource Data”. The 530-page handbook, developed by IEA PVPS Task 16 in collaboration with NREL, elaborates on methods and models for accurately collecting solar data to plan and operate energy projects effectively.
Germany has solar LCOE ranging from €0.041/kWh to €0.144/kWh
A new report rom Fraunhofer ISE shows that the cost of PV systems in Germany is currently between €700/kW and €2,000/kW. The study also shows that the levelized cost of energy of solar-plus-storage spans from €0.06/kWh to €0.225/kWh.
Persistent Amazon fires slash solar irradiance in adjacent regions
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that this winter brought dry and warm conditions to most of South America, resulting in higher-than-normal irradiance across the continent. The conditions have been particularly dry in the Amazon basin, favoring wildfire activity, and the resulting smoke has reduced solar irradiance along the plume’s path.
