How to protect animals from lightning in agrivoltaics
Researchers in Germany assessed lightning risks in livestock-integrated agrivoltaic systems, identifying key injury mechanisms and establishing safe step and touch voltage limits. Their simulations showed edge strikes and conductive structures pose the highest hazards, highlighting the need for livestock-specific earthing designs and mitigation strategies.
Israel approves rules for agrivoltaics
A zoning masterplan for agrivoltaics in Israel specifies solar panel coverage must not exceed 30% of the cultivated area. The lower edge of panels must be at least 1.5 m above the ground for field crops, increasing to 4.5 meters for orchards and other crops.
When hail hits PV: New research maps damage, testing, and mitigation
A new review examines the impact of large hail on PV systems, covering damage, testing methods, and mitigation strategies. Researchers highlight risks across Europe and the U.S. and explore ways to improve module resilience.
Weidmuller USA launches PV connectors rated for 1,500 V
Weidmuller USA has launched the WM4 C PV Connectors, designed for residential, commercial, and utility-scale solar systems. The connectors support up to 1,500 V, feature crimp contacts, an anti-tampering lock, and IP67 protection.
Solar module prices rise faster than expected in February
Solar module prices increased by €0.01 ($ 0.012)/W to €0.015/W in February, lifting levels 15% to 18% above the December 2024 low despite falling wafer costs, as manufacturers seek to restore margins after prolonged losses.
How airflow modifications in agrivoltaics affect crop yield, energy output
New research from France shows that PV panel height critically influences airflow and evapotranspiration in agrivoltaic systems, with panel heights of less than 3 m affecting crops through altered airflow. The scientists highlighted the need for site-specific measurements and computational fluid dynamics to accurately estimate water and energy exchanges beneath PV panels.
Honeycomb-shaped micro-structures enhance thin film silicon solar cells
TU Delft researchers developed a novel hexagonal microtextured glass that enhances light scattering up to 50%, improving optical performance in thin-film silicon solar cells. The technology shows promise for multijunction, flexible, and low-power solar applications.
German consortium launches web guide for BIPV planning
Germany’s SolarEnvelopeCenter project has launched a web-based planning guide for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), offering standardized design solutions for roofs and facades that comply with building codes and industry standards.
Storm train hits Western Europe PV as East clears under cold
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, Solcast, a DNV company, reports that January 2026 saw Europe’s coldest month since 2010, with Eastern Europe and Scandinavia enjoying above-average solar irradiance under stable, dry air, while the UK, Spain, and Portugal faced record cloudiness and rainfall that sharply reduced PV output.
China wafer prices fall for fourth week as discounting deepens under inventory pressure
In a new weekly update for pv magazine, OPIS, a Dow Jones company, provides a quick look at the main price trends in the global PV industry.
