Agrivoltaics for radicchio
An Italian research team has found that radicchio seedlings grown in a lab-scale greenhouse with a perovskite solar PV roof exhibited faster growth and larger leaves than the bare glass reference. In addition, simulations of such a PV roof revealed a positive energy balance, satisfying the energy demands of a typical greenhouse located in Italy.
Panama installs 143.4 MW of new solar in 2024
Panama built 143.4 MW of new solar in 2024, bringing its total installed PV capacity to 695.55 MW by the end of the year.
Israel plans two different tariffs for rooftop solar under net metering
Israel is considering two new tariff rates for selling excess electricity from home solar installations back to the grid. The first will offer a higher rate for the first five years, before dropping beneath the current rate, while the second will link the tariff to inflation. A consultation is open until April 4.
Dual-component controller for three-phase solar inverters can reduce overshoot to less than 0.33%
An international research team has conceived a dual-component controller for three-phase inverters that can reportedly achieve faster settling times, reduced overshoot and more stable current tracking compared to conventional controllers.
Thermocold launches new air-to-water heat pumps
The Italian manufacturer said its new heat pumps use R454B as a refrigerant and have coefficient of performance of up to 3.35.
Compressed air energy storage system for homes, businesses
Segula Technologies has launched its Remora Stack product, a containerized isothermal air compression storage solution the company claims is 70% efficient.
Mandatory switch to smart meters on track in Flanders
Belgian grid operator Fluvius says it is on course to finish installing smart meters in all solar-powered homes in the Belgian region of Flanders by the end of this year.
Pakistan’s net-metering solar capacity hits 4 GW
Pakistan’s net-metering solar capacity surpassed 4 GW in 2024, marking significant growth in its solar market ahead of upcoming changes to the program later this month.
Vaillant, Fraunhofer ISE present residential heat pump with new safety concept
The novel heat pump system relies on a thermal sensor based on an adsorbent-coated sensor layout developed by Vaillant in cooperation with the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (Fraunhofer ISE). This technology is reportedly effective in preventing propane from forming an ignitable mixture with air outside the device.
Home batteries vs. power generators
Assessing the difference in cost, functionality and operations of fueled generators versus home batteries.
