Solar leads Spain’s power mix in May
Solar led Spain’s power generation in May with 4,867 GWh, or 23.5% of the total, followed by hydro at 17.3% and wind at 16.7%, according to data from grid operator Red Eléctrica de España (REE).
GCL achieves 29.51% efficiency for perovskite-silicon tandem module
GCL Optoelectronics has achieved 29.51% efficiency for its perovskite-silicon tandem solar module, with the result certified by China’s National Institute of Metrology.
Pakistan’s net-metering capacity hits 5.3 GW
Pakistan’s net-metered solar capacity has hit 5.3 GW, driven by surging rooftop installations and record solar imports from China.
Brazil generates 88% of power from renewables in 2024
Brazil’s electricity mix was 88% renewable in 2024, with wind and solar supplying about 24% of total demand, according to new data from state-owned energy agency Empresa de Pesquisa Energetica (EPE).
Solavita launches 30-50 kW hybrid inverter series
Chinese inverter maker Solavita says its new hybrid inverter series offers high PV oversizing, multi-port battery integration, and grid-smart controls to meet growing demand for scalable solar-plus-storage in commercial and industrial (C&I), and large residential markets.
PV-powered fine sand solar geyser for domestic hot water
The system is described by its creators as a cost-effective solution for water heating by storing thermal energy in fine sand. Techno-economic analysis indicated the system is economically viable for domestic water heating applications, with an initial capital cost of $278 and an expected lifespan of 25 years.
Estimating potential-induced degradation in PV systems used for water pumping
Researchers in Spain have developed a new method to estimated potential-induced degradation (PID) in solar modules used in PV-driven water pumping systems. The proposed approach can detect PID from the open-circuit voltage measurement of the system’s PV module strings.
Reducing PV module temperature with air convection
Scientists have analyzed how forced convection PV, free convection with finned plate PV, and forced convection with finned plate PV can reduce solar module temperatures under the climate conditions of Lebanon.
New UK planning rules for heat pumps come into effect, one meter rule scrapped
Change to planning law could simplify heat pump installation process for thousands of households in England. Limits on the size and number of heat pumps that can be installed have also been raised. The changes have been introduced as the UK government pursues 600,000 installations per year by 2028 target.
New control strategy for PV-driven air source heat pumps
Researchers in China have developed a new methodology to improve the performance of solar-powered air source heat pumps. The proposed approach reportedly increases the energy efficiency of optimized building systems by 18%, with solar energy potentially reducing their carbon content by 37.78%.
