Chinese PV Industry Brief: Fox ESS, Gold Electronics plan IPOs in Shenzhen
The Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) has approved a plan by Fox ESS to raise more than CNY 1.6 billion ($223 million) through a share sale, while Hangzhou Gold Electronics has secured clearance to seek up to CNY 850 million for its battery management system (BMS) business.
Germany to introduce new product standard for plug-in solar devices
The standard is intended to regulate basic safety requirements and testing. However, an international standard is currently being developed that reaches partially contradictory results. The German Commission for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, however, is taking a relaxed view of this.
Solar records in UK and Germany as cold snap hits Eastern Europe
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that record irradiance in western Europe boosted solar output in May, while low pressure and Arctic air suppressed irradiance and temperatures in the east.
French company offers router capable of redirecting surplus solar to water heating
French energy cooperative Solarcoop has launched a solar router that redirects surplus photovoltaic power from self-consumption systems to electric water heaters or other resistive loads, and can also control additional devices such as heat pumps.
Photovoltaics vs. photovoltaic-thermal
Researchers in India say that photovoltaic-thermal (PVT) systems offer greater performance stability than conventional PV systems in hot climates. Using irradiance and temperature data, the team applied a Random Forest model that predicted efficiency classes with 97% accuracy.
New research confirms residential PV tends to increase household power consumption
New Swiss research shows PV-powered homes can increase power consumption by up to 11% compared to non-solar households. This rise is linked to electric vehicle adoption or other high-usage appliances, which the study’s author notes is not inherently negative or wasteful.
UK records 513 MW of January-May solar additions
Inclusion of deployment figures sourced from Ofgem bring UK solar capacity close to 19 GW. Latest electricity generation data shows strong start to 2025 for solar.
The best tilt angle to improve PV system performance on low-cost buildings
Researchers have demonstrated that the theoretical optimal tilt for rooftop solar energy production in low-cost buildings in Nigeria is approximately 5.67°. Their modeling suggests to adopt south-facing roofs for PV generation in the Global South.
Spain approves legislation to encourage energy storage, flexibility
The Spanish government has approved legislation to strengthen its electricity system following the major power outage the country experienced in April.
Ikea begins offering balcony solar kits
Swedish furniture retailer Ikea is selling plug-in solar kits in Germany, with storage-inclusive systems starting at €1,229 ($1,425) and reaching €2,800 for versions featuring four 520 W panels. The kits are designed for residential self-consumption and vary by capacity and configuration.
