Sonnen launches trade-in program for old solar battery storage systems regardless of condition or manufacturer
The initiative by the Allgäu-based company targets owners of photovoltaic storage systems installed before the end of 2020. The value of the trade-in bonus depends on the capacity of the new Sonnen battery. Sonnen describes the campaign as a “targeted growth initiative in a new market segment.”
GoodWe debuts PV-driven heat pump water heaters
The Chinese manufacturer said their new residential heat pump water heaters deliver a coefficient of performance of up to 4.2, with a heating capacity ranging from 4.5 kW to 5 kW. The units are available with water tanks in 200 L, 300 L, and 500 L sizes.
Crystalline silicon vs. thin film at high latitudes
A four-year analysis conducted at a testing field in eastern Poland has shown that crystalline solar panels offer a stronger performance than thin-film panels at high latitudes. The tests revealed pronounced seasonal variability across all technologies, with thin-film modules showing markedly lower capacity factors than crystalline silicon, particularly in winter.
TSEC unveils typhoon resistant glass-glass solar modules
The Taiwanese manufacturer showcased the new module range at Energy Taiwan trade show. Two modules in the lineup boast a wind resistance of 17 on the Beaufort scale, making them typhoon ready, according to the company.
Wattlab deploys solar on multipurpose cargo vessel
The 79 kW system consists of 44 Solar Flatracks, which Wattlab describes as movable, stackable thin plates with integrated solar panels and inverters.
The impact of dust on PV systems in arid coastal environments
A Saudi–Egyptian research team investigated the effects of four types of dust on photovoltaic panels in arid coastal environments, finding that power losses can reach up to 48%.
Australia’s PowerCap enters US with sodium-ion batteries
Australia’s PowerCap has entered the US market with its sodium-ion stationary storage systems and plans to build a manufacturing facility to serve customers across the Americas.
Photovoltaic-thermoelectric generators can boost power beaming efficiency
Researchers from China and United Arab Emirates tested a photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator module performance in the receiving end of a laser wireless power transmission system. Under varied atmospheric turbulence conditions, they found the device was able to address thermal stress and improve PV receiver performance.
Mitsubishi presents new residential air-to-water heat pumps
Mitsubishi said that the two new products of its Hydrolution EZY series can produce domestic hot water up to 75 C when outdoor temperatures reach -25 C. The new systems have capacities of 6 kW and 7.1 kW.
World’s largest heat pump under development in Germany
The 162 MW project is being developed by German utility MVV Energie. The system will use water from the Rhine river as a heat source and is expected to generate heat with temperatures of up to 130 C.
