New simulation tool maps existing, planned district heating networks
Researchers in Germany have developed a simulation software tool that visualizes heat flows in existing district heating networks and is capable of predicting load peaks. It can also be used to help plan and commission new grids.
Storing photovoltaic-thermal energy with volcanic tuff stones
Scientists in China have used ground heat exchangers based on volcanic tuff stones to improve storage capabilities and efficiency of photovoltaic-thermal systems. Their experiments showed that the proposed combination effectively improves PV module cooling and thermal efficiency.
Australian researchers question lack of solar microgrids in remote areas
Researchers from four Australian universities have released a new paper questioning why solar microgrids are not the norm in remote central Australia.
EcoFlow launches residential energy management system
At CES 2025, EcoFlow has launched its Oasis energy management platform, which uses AI to optimize home energy consumption, storage, and solar power use.
Spanish startup deploys utility-scale batteries made from used EV devices
The Port of Alicante will install three 7 MW systems, each comprised of hundreds of 14 kW modules assembled by Spanish startup GDV.
Australian startup offers retractable PV sytem with containerized vanadium redox flow battery
A Western Australia-based hybrid solar and battery system developer has demonstrated its hybrid units deployed in remote locations for businesses and communities can potentially replace around 150 litres of diesel per day.
Puerto Rico receives US DOE loans to boost battery storage to 1 GWh
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will provide more than half a billion dollars in loans to add nearly 1 GWh of capacity via Convergent, to build and operate utility-scale solar-plus-storage in Puerto Rico, improving grid resilience.
Tesla smashes its own records with big increase in energy storage deployments in 2024
Tesla’s energy storage deployments broke its own year-on-year records in 2024, for another consecutive year.
‘High electricity prices in California have nothing to do with renewables’
Stanford University professor Mark Z. Jacobson spoke to pv magazine about recent research work showing that California could easily rely on a wind-water-solar-dominated large grid. He says the state’s current electricity prices are high because of several reasons that have nothing to do with renewables. These include high fossil gas prices and the cost upgrading aging transmission and distribution lines, among others.
Hoymiles launches 5.12 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery for rooftop PV applications
The Chinese manufacturer said its new LB-5D-G2 battery offers excellent performance with 5.12 kWh capacity for a single unit and up to 81.92 kWh for 16 batteries running in parallel.
