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.
Reducing silver use in heterojunction solar cells via low-cost copper wires
A research team in Germany has proposed to use direct wire bonding to reduce silver consumption in heterojunction solar cells. The scientists used low-cost copper wires as electrodes with conductive paste applied in discrete pads to replace the traditional metallization and interconnection process.
Europe posts record negative power prices for 2024 as renewables rise
The number of periods when day-ahead power prices fell to zero or below hit a record 4,838 instances in Europe in 2024, driven by surging renewables, weak demand, and limited grid flexibility, says Montel Analytics.
US state attorneys general urge Congress to keep IRA clean energy credits
Seventeen US state attorneys general have urged Congress to retain clean energy tax credits, citing the Inflation Reduction Act’s (IRA) “catalytic” effect on economic growth, especially in Republican districts.
The best residential PV system configuration for Saudi Arabia
Researchers in Saudi Arabia have identified the best and optimum PV system configurations for the Saudi residential market. Their analysis investigated the capacity threshold that leads to a lower cost of electricity compared to grid electricity costs. They used NREL’s HOMER software to analyze the energy requirements of the residential units, the solar energy potential and weather characteristics of the selected location, and the financial parameters influencing a project’s profitability.
Malaysia opens bidding for 2 GW of large-scale solar
Malaysia’s Energy Commission has launched an open tender seeking 2 GW of large-scale solar projects, with capacities ranging from 10 MW to 500 MW, to support the nation’s clean energy transition.
Romania allocates €150 million for standalone battery storage rollout
The Romanian Ministry of Energy has announced a new round of funding from the Modernization Fund dedicated to battery energy storage systems.
South Africa adds 1.1 GW of solar in 2024
The South African Photovoltaic Industry Association predicts that deployment will accelerate as a strong pipeline of private and public utility-scale projects offsets the decline in installations from 2023 levels.
Brazil approves six labs for solar module testing
Brazil’s national accreditation body, Inmetro, has authorized six labs across the country to test solar modules.
French consortium building linear DC solar park along Rhône River
A consortium is installing an experimental linear solar park in shade house configuration in Vaucluse, southern France, using high-voltage direct current architecture to reduce electricity losses.
