‘The crop people don’t understand the PV aspect’
University of Exeter academic Aritra Ghosh tells pv magazine a multidiscipline approach is required to unlock the full potential of agrivoltaics. Discussing a new paper comparing static and tracker agrivoltaics systems in the United Kingdom, the researcher argues better understanding of microclimates under modules and how PV affects crop biochemistry is needed.
Progress on standardized tests, protocols for vehicle-integrated photovoltaics
Researchers from University of Miyazaki in Japan have published a technical background paper about testing protocols to address the unique challenges of vehicle integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) modules. It features the background on a new numerical probability model that incorporates shading, partial-shading, dynamic shading, uneven terrain and modules’ curvatures.
Eaton releases commercial, industrial BESS
Eaton says its new xStorage commercial and industrial battery energy storage system (BESS) offers storage capacities ranging from 250 kWh to 1,000 kWh, using lithium iron phosphate batteries with self-contained liquid cooling.
Scientists design residential ice-source heat pump using repurposed gas pipes
Scientists in the United Kingdom have designed an ice-source heat pump system that utilizes existing gas pipelines to transport water. The system is designed to achieve a coefficient of performance of 4.77.
Ultrathin perovskite solar cell based on Gires-Tournois resonator
Scientists in China have conceived a perovskite solar cell that uses a back mirror based on silver to improve light harvesting. The device could reportedly achieved a power conversion efficiency of over 27%.
Horizon Power starts vanadium battery tech trial in Australia
Western Australia’s state-owned regional energy provider Horizon Power has officially launched the trial of a vanadium flow battery in the northern part of the state as it investigates how to integrate long-duration energy storage into its network, microgrids, and other off-grid power systems.
New research finds utility-scale solar parks foster biodiversity
A series of longitudinal studies of three solar-pollinator sites in Minnesota have demonstrated evidence of native prairie growing under solar panels, providing both soil benefits and habitat for wildlife and pollinators.
Startup to build wood solar canopies for collective energy in France
BoucL Énergie says it will install wooden-framed parking canopies in southern France, as part of a future collective self-consumption plan.
Improving solar-air source heat pump performance via heat grid
A scientific group has proposed adding thermal solar panels to air-source heat pumps while also using grid heating to keep temperatures stable at night. The group modeled a system that could reportely achieve a coefficient of performance of 10.11 and represent an optimal solutions for cold climates.
Northvolt CEO steps down following bankruptcy filing
Company co-founder Peter Carlsson steps down from CEO position at Northvolt in the wake of Chapter 11 announcement in the United States. The Swedish battery maker has embarked on a debt restructuring process and is seeking new sources of funding.
