New research shows viability of residential ice-source heat pumps
Scientists in the United Kingdom have demonstrated the feasibility of residential ice-source heat pumps in cold climates and densely populated areas. They designed a heat pump system that utilizes existing gas pipelines to transport water.
Fraunhofer ISE creates startup for agrivoltaics
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE (Fraunhofer ISE) has launched Diveo GmbH to plan and construct different kinds of agrivoltaic facilities without focusing on specific technologies.
Sekisui, TNO exploring perovskite solar PV collaboration
Japan’s Sekisui Solar Film and the Netherlands’ TNO have signed a letter of intent to explore collaborations related to flexible perovskite solar PV. Talks will be initiated on a potential perovskite module factory in Brabant and the exchange of relevant information.
EU updates Photovoltaic Geographical Information System
The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has updated the core technologoy of the Photovoltaic Geographical Information System with the aim of reflecting the dominance of crystalline silicon solar technologies over thin-film counterparts in the global energy market.
Chinese PV Industry Brief: January–April solar installations hit 105 GW
China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) says that China added 45.2 GW of new PV in April and more than 104.9 GW in the first four months of 2025.
SolarPower Europe calls for tough cyber rules following Danish import probe
The recent discovery of unexplained components in Danish energy equipment highlights the urgent need for stronger EU solar cybersecurity rules, according to SolarPower Europe.
Solar key to enable clean cooking in refugee camps
Scientists in Spain studied electricity demand data for the Kobe refugee camp in Ethiopia to optimize several minigrid scenarios, also integrating the use of electric pressure cookers. Their analysis showed that introduction of the cooker required an increase in PV capacity of up 68%.
Controversial rooftop solar bill glides through California’s Appropriations Committee
The California State Assembly’s Appropriations Committee passed a bill that would renege more than a million commitments to the state’s rooftop solar customers.
Innovation in building-integrated photovoltaics
At The smarter E Europe 2025, pv magazine Editor Mark Hutchins explored Fraunhofer ISE’s latest integrated PV innovations, including color-customizable flexible modules for buildings, and new agrivoltaic research combining solar with crop cultivation.
Q3 Energy presents string combiner box with fault detection
Q3 Energie showcased a new string combiner box at Intersolar Europe 2025. The generator junction box can detect and isolate faults in photovoltaic systems.
