Switzerland to scrap rebates for small residential PV systems from 2024
Switzerland says it wants to reduce its incentives for small PV systems to encourage larger projects that use all available rooftop surfaces.
French startup offers ‘manual’ solar tracker for residential PV systems
France-based Luciole & Basilic has developed a tracking system that can be manually oriented according to the zenith every 15 days. The startup recently introduced the first prototype and is now looking for distributors.
Dutch heating specialist offers solar-tied thermal battery for domestic hot water
Netherlands-based One Solution says its new FlexTherm Eco battery can be used in combination with rooftop PV systems and residential photovoltaic-thermal installations. It consists of a thermal charging station that converts power directly into heat and stores it for the provision of hot water.
European companies raise more than $25 million for heat pump development
UK-based Ideal Heating has announced plans for a new GBP 10 million ($12.5 million) heat pump R&D research center in Hull, England. Heat Transformers, meanwhile, said it has raised €15 million ($16.4 million) to accelerate heat pump deployment in the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
US manufacturer releases new dual solar optimizer
Enteligent, a residential PV solutions specialist, has introduced an optimizer model that can be paired with two solar panels. It claims that it features rapid shutdown and monitoring capabilities.
India to add 16.8 GW of solar in 2023
JMK Research says it expects India to install 14 GW of new utility-scale solar capacity and 2.8 GW of rooftop PV in the 12 months to Dec. 31, 2023.
Global heat pump sales rose by 11% in 2022, says IEA
China sold the most heat pumps in the world in 2022, but Europe recorded the highest growth in overall sales, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). It says Italy, France, and Germany accounted for almost half of all sales in Europe, and notes that air-to-water heat pumps were the most popular technology.
Ireland to slash VAT on residential PV to 0%
The Irish cabinet plans to present a new measure in its finance bill this week to eliminate value-added tax (VAT) on solar products.
Austria launches $16 million rebate scheme for residential storage
Austria’s new incentive program will support the deployment of residential batteries with storage capacities of 4 kWh to 50 kWh.
PV payback times hit average of 20 years in 2022, says SolarPower Europe
High interest rates and hefty capex drove up the average payback time for solar in Germany, Spain and Italy to around 20 years in 2022, according to a new report by SolarPower Europe (SPE) and Energy Brainpool. pv magazine recently spoke with SPE Market Analyst Christophe Lits to crunch the numbers.
