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Sustainability

Powering seawater desalination plants with photovoltaics

A German research team has investigated the feasibility of a large-scale PV-powered seawater reverse osmosis desalination plant in Jordan and has found that keeping the concentrate flow constant is the most appropriate desalination operating mode.

Research shows floating PV can reduce lake water temperature by 1.2 C

A before-after-control-impact study conducted at six French lakes for three years has revealed that PV coverage decreases water temperature by 1.2 C on average. The reduction in water temperature also occurred in areas of the lakes that were not covered with modules.

What’s cooking in PV?

Scientists have conducted an analysis of 20 years of academic publications about PV-powered electric cooking and have found interest in the field peaked in 2021-2022 in both developing and developed countries. They have also outlined some potential future developments.

New fire safety testing procedure for PV systems deployed in flat roofs

The Slovenian National Building and Civil Engineering Institute (ZAG) has introduced a fire safety test that simulates a fire starting on the roof membrane beneath a PV system. The researchers noted the importance of realistic construction methods, including factors such as anchors, adhesives, membrane welding, and ballast use.

Slovenia allocates €16 million for solar energy communities

Slovenia has set aside €16 million ($16.7 million) to support solar energy communities, requiring projects to include at least 100 kW of PV capacity, with or without storage. The program will run until 2027.

UN refugee agency to power most of its offices with PV

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed plans to install solar systems in 18 offices by 2025, aiming to cut emissions and reduce reliance on diesel.

How to power 4G, 5G cellular base stations with photovoltaics, hydrogen

Scientists have simulated a 4G and 5G cellular base station in Kuwait, powered by a combination of solar energy, hydrogen, and a diesel generator. The lowest cost of energy was found to be $0.0714/kWh.

Novel BIPV concept integrates louvers to enhance power production

Scientists have proposed a building-integrated PV system that integrates airflow to cool the panels and control room temperature. The system, which also acts as a shading device, can reportedly mitigate drops in power generation efficiency without additional energy consumption.

India eyes self-reliance in battery cells with lithium recycling push

India could achieve self-reliance in battery cell manufacturing by domestically recycling lithium and reusing it in batteries, an Indian government official claimed this week at a battery manufacturing conference in in New Delhi.

A copper-bottomed answer to solar’s silver dependence

The solar industry has dragged its heels on the issue of silver-dependence for cell metallization, but China’s Jiangsu Xianghuan Technology (JXTC) is moving into commercial production with a copper plating process that overcomes many of the challenges that have limited interest from cell manufacturers.

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