Japanese utility uses Sharp PV-linked home batteries for grid balancing
Japanese utility Tohoku Electric Power is using Sharp’s residential batteries and AI-powered energy management systems to balance grid demand and optimize household solar energy use. Customers in the program can earn points redeemable for local products.
Four-year testing finds heat pumps run efficiently even in older homes
Researchers at Fraunhofer ISE have tested various types of heat pumps in existing buildings across Germany over four years, finding that the systems achieved seasonal performance factors between 2.6 and 5.4. The team also showed that PV-driven heat pumps can boost self-consumption rates, particularly when paired with battery storage.
Sonnen launches trade-in program for old solar battery storage systems regardless of condition or manufacturer
The initiative by the Allgäu-based company targets owners of photovoltaic storage systems installed before the end of 2020. The value of the trade-in bonus depends on the capacity of the new Sonnen battery. Sonnen describes the campaign as a “targeted growth initiative in a new market segment.”
The Hydrogen Stream: Germany audit warns of missed H2 goals
Germany’s Federal Court of Audit (Bundesrechnungshof) says the nation’s hydrogen strategy is falling short despite heavy subsidies, while Pulsenics and Endua have launched the first commercial AI-based monitoring system to improve electrolyzer performance under fluctuating renewable power conditions.
Australia’s PowerCap enters US with sodium-ion batteries
Australia’s PowerCap has entered the US market with its sodium-ion stationary storage systems and plans to build a manufacturing facility to serve customers across the Americas.
Mitsubishi presents new residential air-to-water heat pumps
Mitsubishi said that the two new products of its Hydrolution EZY series can produce domestic hot water up to 75 C when outdoor temperatures reach -25 C. The new systems have capacities of 6 kW and 7.1 kW.
World’s largest heat pump under development in Germany
The 162 MW project is being developed by German utility MVV Energie. The system will use water from the Rhine river as a heat source and is expected to generate heat with temperatures of up to 130 C.
South Korea introduces standards for photovoltaic-thermal modules
The country’s National Institute of Technology and Standards said the new standards apply to modules that combine photovoltaic and solar thermal technologies in a single device, noting that separate standards for each technology already exist.
Fairland launches AI-based residential heat pump with coefficient of performance of 7
The Chinese manufacturer stated that its new heat pump system is the first on the market to achieve a coefficient of performance of 7. The product offers a nominal capacity ranging from 11 kW to 16 kW and uses propane as its refrigerant.
Battery shortage intensifies as 100 Ah cells sell out into 2026
Orders for small-format 100 Ah cells now stretch into early 2026, with prices up more than 20% as demand outpaces capacity despite aggressive expansion by Chinese battery majors.
