Agrivoltaics can increase grape yield by up to 60%
French agrivoltaics company Sun’Agri says that two of its facilities increased grape yields by 20% to 60% in 2024, compared to areas without solar panels. The PV modules helped regulate temperature fluctuations, reducing summer heat peaks and winter temperature declines.
World’s largest CO2-based seawater heat pump goes online
German engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions’ CO2-based seawater heat pump, located in the Danish port city of Esbjerg, has started operation. The facility, with a total heating capacity of 70 MW, will provide climate-neutral heat to Esbjerg and neighbouring town Varde.
Air Energy launches to bring solid-state lithium-air batteries closer to commercialization
While some may call it a fairytale chemistry, solid-state lithium-air battery (SS-LAB) technology is now a step closer to commercial reality with the foundation of Air Energy. The startup has set out to scale the application of this promising technology over the next five years.
Overhead agrivoltaics could disrupt global navigation satellite systems used for precision agriculture
Fraunhofer ISE researchers have investigated whether PV panels installed above orchards can affect the reception of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals and, in turn, affect the precision of advanced autonomous tools. They found a disruption and suggested some alternatives.
Floating PV system designed for offshore waters can withstand waves up to 4 m
A Chinese research team has developed a floating PV system that purportedly offers high stability and superior seakeeping performance. It features a series of floating pontoons for buoyancy, coupled with a truss-frame support structure for solar panels.
Sunlit unveils bidirectional inverter for PV carports, balcony solar
Sunlit has launched the EV3600 bidirectional inverter for PV carports and balcony solar applications, allowing users with dynamic electricity tariffs to charge storage units when prices are low. The German company says the inverter supports extensions for vehicle-to-home and vehicle-to-grid functionality.
New sodium-ion developments from CATL, BYD, Huawei
Sodium-ion batteries are undergoing a critical period of commercialization with Chinese cleantech juggernauts actively working on their products.
Netherlands maps all PV-related building fires
Three Dutch research institutes have released a report detailing fire incidents in buildings with PV systems. Between 2022 and 2023, PV systems were linked to 31 fire accidents across the country.
Japan aims to deploy 20 GW of perovskite solar by 2040
The Japanese government says it expects perovskite solar modules to be produced in large quantities at JPY 20 ($0.13)/W by 2025, JPY 14/W by 2030, and JPY 10/W by 2040.
Screen-printed colored glass BIPV modules with sequins-like effect
Swiss retailer Lehner Versand generates 24.5% of its building energy needs thanks to a renovation project that added 109 kW capacity of solar PV to its facade. The PV array has a sequins-like effect, enabled by screen-printed glass modules and a novel curtain wall sub-structure.
