Solar greenhouse for crops
Scientists in Canada have created a greenhouse that is exclusively heated by solar panels. The rooftop PV system is not connected to the grid, but is linked to four batteries with a total capacity of 5.56 kWh.
World’s largest residential virtual power plant
Like Airbnb, but monetizing spare energy: “The first big step toward opening the door to a massively transactive grid.”
Ramping up renewables now could save Europe €363bn by 2050
Delay, and policymakers will see the carbon emission allowance which would enable us to stay well below 2C frittered away so quickly net zero would have to be reached in 2040, rather than ten years later, when the relevant technology costs will be cheaper.
Sungevity auctioning off assets
The former company has laid off its remaining employees and locked up its offices, leaving dozens of customers and sub-contractors asking what comes next.
Kosovo introduces 20 MW FIT scheme for PV, but state aid commission said it is illegal
The scheme, which has now been halted, was expected to award a FIT of €0.0855/kWh to PV systems not exceeding 3 MW in size.
Hybrid power solutions take off in India
A new GOGLA report notes a growing focus on hybrid power solutions that integrate DC solar with AC grid power, and appliances that integrate both AC and DC power. Sales of hybrid solar inverters are growing by 25% per year in India, outpacing demand for conventional inverters.
Ikea extends PV offer to Spain
Starting from January, the Swedish furniture provider will launch its Solstrale PV panel offer in the Spanish market.
Simulation tool for mismatch conditions at cell level
Scientists in Portugal have proposed a new framework to simulate mismatch conditions at the cell level. They claim the tool is particularly suitable for simulations of small PV systems with few module strings.
China could drive 4.2 TW of solar capacity by 2050 under decarbonization plan
The solar and wind industries could benefit from a $6.4 trillion boom under the most ambitious of two scenarios described by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, and $2.4 trillion even in the business-as-usual outlook.
Belgium’s Flanders region to provide €58 million for PV rebates in 2021
The authorities in Flanders will grant maximum rebates of €1,500 per PV system to homeowners from Jan. 1. The scheme is expected to drive up solar installations by 1.5 GW by 2025.
